Laboldtech Platinotype Kit: Mixing Raw Chemicals Safely
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to mix raw photo chemicals from the Laboldtech Platinotype Starter Kit safely, with step-by-step guidance and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Start with the Laboldtech Platinotype Starter Kit and follow a strict mixing order: prepare your workspace, measure chemicals precisely, mix in the correct sequence, and test before printing.
Why Mixing Order Matters
The order in which you mix raw photo chemicals affects the stability and performance of your platinum printing solutions. For example, ferric oxalate is light-sensitive and should be handled with care, while sodium sulphite is used in the clearing bath and must be prepared separately to avoid contamination.
Using the complete starter kit ensures you have the right chemicals for the process, but you still need to follow safe practices to get consistent results.
Safety First: Handling Raw Chemicals
Raw photo chemicals can be hazardous if mishandled. Always wear gloves and safety glasses, work in a well-ventilated area, and avoid inhaling dust from powders like sodium sulphite. Keep chemicals away from food and children.
Label all containers clearly and never reuse measuring tools across different chemicals without washing them thoroughly.
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
- Prepare Your Workspace: Set up a clean, well-lit area with a non-porous work surface. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Have separate measuring tools for each chemical to prevent cross-contamination. Check that all containers are clean and dry before starting.
- Measure the Chemicals: Use a digital scale for powders like sodium sulphite and a graduated cylinder for liquids like ferric oxalate. Measure the exact amounts specified in the kit instructions. Double-check your measurements—precision is critical for consistent results.
- Mix in the Correct Order: Dissolve powders in water first, then add liquids slowly while stirring continuously. For ferric oxalate, avoid direct light and mix in a dim environment to prevent degradation. Never mix chemicals in the reverse order; this can cause precipitation or unwanted reactions.
- Store and Label Properly: Transfer mixed solutions into amber or opaque bottles, label them with the name and date, and store in a cool, dark place. Keep sodium sulphite solution separate from sensitisers. Always use a new label for each batch to avoid confusion.
- Test Before Printing: Run a small test print to verify the solution's activity and contrast. Adjust exposure or dilution if needed before committing to final prints. Keep a log of your test results for future reference.
What You Need
- Laboldtech Kit01 Platinotype Starter Kit: The Laboldtech Kit01 Platinotype Starter Kit is a complete beginner kit for exploring traditional platinum printing, valued for its wide tonal scale and archival stability. It provides all the essential chemicals and components you need to start mixing and printing without sourcing items separately.
Laboldtech Kit01 Platinotype Starter Kit - Laboldtech Ferric Oxalate sol.27% - 25ml: Laboldtech Ferric Oxalate sol.27% - 25ml is the replenishment sensitiser- Solution B that is part of the Platinum/Palladium Kit. This light-sensitive solution must be handled and mixed carefully to maintain its effectiveness in the sensitising step.
Laboldtech Ferric Oxalate sol.27% - 25ml - Laboldtech Sodium Sulphite Anhydrous - 1 kg: Laboldtech Sodium Sulphite Anhydrous - 1 kg is a high-quality raw chemical used as the replenishment clearing bath in the Platinum/Palladium Kit. It is essential for clearing unexposed salts from your prints, and proper mixing ensures complete clearing without residue.
