Separol Soft powder paper developer for brownish-black up to cold black picture tones at smooth gradation.

Moersch Separol is new paper developer, produced as a powder mixture, completely free of hydroquinone and caustic alkalies with a reduced sulphite amount. These developers are not being considered as dangerous for the environment according to the latest EU guidelines.

Separol

Due to its main developer substance, a derivative of Ascorbic acid a danger for health is unexpected. Separol developers are suitable for all photographic papers available. By the use of Separol NE, Soft and HE, the picture tone can be varied by adding one of the supplied “Picture tone stabilisers” within the limits of the used paper. Picture tones vary between brownish-black up to neutral-black when the stabiliser is not been added. We would suggest adding at least half of the stabiliser, the best results on cold tones can be obtained when the whole amount of 50ml is used.

Two tray development or fine adjustment through combining of NE, WA, HE with "Soft" is possible. At two tray development, pre-developing should take place in NE, HE or WA until the average tones are satisfying, followed by highlights, appearing then in the second tray (soft 1+5 up to 1+8).

Stock

The chemicals are delivered in separated plastic bags. By preparing the stock solution, Part A (smaller bag) has to be dissolved in approx. 1900 ml of water between 20-30 °C before adding Part B and Finisher Blue. Finally fill up to 2 litres. Sodiumisoascorbate does not cope with high solution temperatures or iron rich tab water. The use of distillate water is recommended if obtainable. Stock solution keeps well at least six months if kept in whole filled bottles.

Blue Finisher

If desired, a mixture of tone enhancing stabilisers and anti fogging preparations can be added to the stock. The addition of the whole bottle content or partial amounts into the stock becomes easier once the desired tone is determined. We would suggest adding at least 10ml. By using the whole amount of 50ml, tones get colder defining clearer shades.

Dilution

The stock has to be diluted 1+5 with water. The working solution keeps well for a few weeks. Capacity: 1 litre for approx. 30 sheets, sized 24x30 cm Developing times: 2:30 – 3:30 minutes at 20 °C.

The Separol family, formulated as a powder mixture, without hydroquinone and of course without caustic alkalis.

According to the new, very strict EU directives, these developers are not considered environmentally hazardous. The main developing agent is a derivative of ascorbic acid, so there is no risk to health when preparing the developer solution. Separol developers are suitable for all commercially available photo papers. With Separol NE, Soft and HE, the image tone can be influenced by adding a tone stabiliser included in the scope of delivery – within the limits of the paper used.

Despite not containing hydroquinone, a high maximum density is achieved, with the entire tonal range, including the deep shadows, being finely differentiated.

Two-bath development or fine adjustment by mixing NE, HE or WA with Soft is possible. In two-bath development, development should take place in NE, HE or WA until the midtones are established, and the highlights are then created in the second bath (Soft 1+5 to 1+10).

Shelf life of stock solutions:

Separol NE, WA, 1-2 years in bottles filled to the top or partially filled with inert gas

Separol SOFT approx. 6-9 months

Separol HE 5 years

Shelf life of working solutions when sealed from air

Soft 2-3 months

NE and WA 6 months

HE 1 year