Description
Sensitizing bath for Collodion
Silver nitrate 100gr
Hydrometer 1,00-1,10 1
pH strips 5
Bottle PET amber 1Lt 1
Instruction sheet
Download the Material Safety Data Sheet from the dedicated section on the website.
Procedure
Dissolve the silver nitrate into one liter of demineralized water. You must not use domestic water, which contains chlorine as a disinfectant agent and this would cause the silver to form white flocs (Flocculation).
Once the solution is made, measure the pH using the indicator paper. The correct value is between 3.0 and 4.0, this will avoid fogginess to appear on the picture.
You can adjust the pH with a few drops of acetic acid (not included).
To monitor the density, place the solution in a graduated cylinder and immerse the hydrometer, included in the kit: a range from 1.078 to 1.088 indicates the correct concentration of salt.
The sensitizing solution must be checked every so often for both pH and density. You can restore the correct levels by adding more salt in case you register low density, and adjust the pH with acetic acid (not included).
Warning: handle the silver nitrate with care. It causes permanent stains on the skin, and those will only go away with the natural regeneration of the tissues. Protect your eyes with extreme care. A squirt may cause permanent damage to the cornea. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Do not dispose of this product in the domestic sewage. For a correct disposal please see your local disposal laws.
Silver Nitrate Bath-Kit20