Fotospeed Fotodyes colouring 12 bottles - 11 different colours and 1 eraser

Fotospeed DY15 Fotodyes are designed to be used on any photographic emulsion. As true dyes,

they are completely absorbed by the emulsion, leaving no surface marking.

The dyes come in 11 different colours with one reducer. All dyes can be fully mixed and/or diluted to produce any desired colour or shade. The dyes are extremely concentrated and caution is advised when diluting them for use. It is very rare to use the dye undiluted, except to colour 35 mm title slides.

When using for the first time, we recommend testing the strength of the colour on scrap prints. As a first test, use 3 drops of dye to 1 teaspoon of water. You can then see the effect of a stronger colour by adding more drops of dye.

Application

To obtain the best results, prepare the surface by wiping with a 2% solution of wetting agent such as Fotospeed RA50, but remove surface moisture before applying the dyes.

Although this step is not essential, it will help the dyes to be absorbed evenly, especially over large areas.

Although these dyes are soluble in water, it is difficult to remove them with water because they are absorbed by the emulsion. The dye can be completely removed with the aid of the reducing agent in the kit, undiluted with a cotton swab. After removing the dye, remove the excess reducing agent with damp cotton wool before drying the print.

COLOUR PRINTS

To strengthen weak areas, use a diluted solution of the desired colour. Use a cotton swab for large areas, but remove excess dye with slightly damp cotton wool to prevent uneven flow. These dyes are ideal for retouching colour prints because the dye does not leave any surface marks.

BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS

The techniques described for colour prints can be used to colour B&W prints by hand. Where toning has been used, the Fotodyes can add selective subtle colour to small parts of the print. For retouching unwanted black and white prints, the Fotospeed DY10 B&W Retouch Kit is more suitable.

COLOUR TRANSPARENCIES

Off-colour transparencies will be greatly improved by immersion in a dye bath free of colour, but remove excess dye before drying.

Stains

Both prints and transparencies can be spotted by stippling with an almost dry brush, be careful not to use too much dye.

GENERAL TIPS

The greatest dye uptake occurs when the print or film has not been pre-wetted. Nothing will be gained by prolonged immersion, because once the emulsion is thoroughly moistened, it can no longer absorb dye. If the colour is not strong enough, repeat the process after drying, perhaps with a stronger dye bath. Make sure you remove any excess dye before drying.

PRE-MASKING

When dyeing large areas, it is best to protect the parts of the image you do not want to dye. This is best done by first painting those areas with Fotomask, a quick-drying liquid plastic that peels off easily after dyeing. Photomask is very useful for colouring title slides when, by masking and colouring in sequence, a limitless range of colours can be produced on a single slide, but remember that the dye is also absorbed through the back of the film.

RINSING AND DRYING

If large areas have been dyed while others have been kept dry with Photomask, remove the Photomask before drying and wet the entire print or film to prevent bubbling during drying.

This step is not necessary if only small areas have been dyed or spotted.

OTHER APPLICATIONS FOR PHOTODYES

Undiluted, these dyes are ideal drawing inks of greater purity and brilliance than waterproof inks. Without fluorescence, they photograph in colour. Diluted and applied by airbrush, they are

used to produce coloured showcards, exhibition signs, etc.

The dyes are in a highly concentrated form, but where greater saturation is needed, add 0.5% acetic acid to the dye, which will increase the saturation by up to 50%.

Do not dilute the black dye. All other colours can be diluted to pastel colours. All colours can be mixed to produce a limitless range of colours. Here are a few examples:

50% Yellow + 50% Crimson = Orange

15% Yellow + 85% Crimson = Vermilion

25% Yellow + 75% Cyan = Leaf green

7% Yellow +93% Cyan = Deep green

40% Yellow +10% Cyan+ 50% Water = Yellow green

30% Yellow + 30% Cyan +40% Crimson = Brown

52% Yellow + 20% Cyan +28% Crimson = Burnt Sienna

32% Yellow + 14% Cyan +54% Crimson = Flesh