JAIC 1999, Volume 38, Number 2, Article 5 (pp. 176 to 185)
JAIC online
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1999, Volume 38, Number 2, Article 5 (pp. 176 to 185)

THE EFFECTS OF FOUR DIFFERENT WET TREATMENTS ON ALBUMEN PHOTOGRAPHS

VALERIE BAAS, CHRISTOPHER FOSTER, & KAREN TRENTELMAN


ABSTRACT—The effects of different aqueous baths on the extent of surface deterioration in albumen prints were studied. Albumenized paper was sensitized, exposed, and processed. Four immersion media were used: deionized water, ammoniated deionized water (pH 9), a deionized water:ethanol mixture (1:1 v:v), and deionized water followed by ethanol. Groups of prints were treated repeatedly in each of the four baths. Drying was limited to a single method. Changes in the gloss of the albumen prints were measured at regular intervals with a glossmeter. Other changes in surface characteristics were monitored by visual and microscopic examination and phtomicrography. The effects of the different baths on the albumen layer, as well as factors such as differences in thickness and the comparative rates of wetting and drying, are discussed.
[Spanish Abstract] [French Abstract]

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. EXPERIMENTAL
3. RESULTS
4. DISCUSSION
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. APPENDICES
a: Appendix , Notes , Materials , References , Author Information
Entire Article

Copyright � 1999 American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works