Understanding Raw Chemicals for Platinum Palladium Printing
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Learn what raw chemicals you need for platinum palladium printing, how they work, and how to handle them safely for consistent, archival prints.
Quick Answer
For platinum palladium printing, you need a sensitiser (ferric oxalate plus a platinum or palladium salt), a developer (often ammonium citrate dibasic), and a clearing bath (typically sodium sulphite). Understanding each chemical's role helps you mix, store, and use them safely for consistent results.
Why Chemical Purity Matters
Platinum and palladium salts are sensitive to impurities. Using raw chemicals that are not photographic grade can introduce contaminants that cause uneven tones, fog, or weak prints. That is why replenishment components are formulated specifically for this process—they are made to work together reliably.
Another reason to respect the chemistry: these metals are expensive. A mistake in mixing or storing can waste a costly solution, so it pays to measure carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Handling and Safety Considerations
Raw chemicals for platinum palladium printing can be irritants or sensitizers. Always wear gloves and safety glasses, work in a ventilated area, and avoid inhaling powders. Store solutions in clearly labeled, sealed containers away from light and heat.
Dispose of used solutions according to local regulations. Do not pour them down the drain without checking your municipality's rules for heavy metals.
Common Questions About Platinum Palladium Chemicals
- What are the essential chemicals for platinum palladium printing?
- You need a sensitiser (ferric oxalate mixed with either potassium chloroplatinite or sodium tetrachloropalladate), a developer (commonly ammonium citrate dibasic or potassium oxalate), and a clearing bath (often sodium sulphite) to remove unreacted iron salts. Always use photographic-grade chemicals designed for this process to avoid contamination.
- How do sodium tetrachloropalladate and ferric oxalate work together?
- Ferric oxalate is the light-sensitive component. When exposed to UV light, it reduces and becomes less soluble. In the developer, the exposed ferric oxalate reduces the palladium or platinum salt to metallic metal, forming the image. Sodium tetrachloropalladate provides the palladium ions for that reduction. The balance between ferric oxalate and palladium salt determines your print's contrast and tonal range.
- What role does ammonium citrate dibasic play?
- It acts as the developer. After exposure, it reduces the palladium or platinum salts to their metallic form, creating the final image. It is often used as a replenishment component because it gets consumed during development. Keep a fresh supply of developer to ensure consistent results across multiple printing sessions.
- Can I substitute sodium sulphite for something else in the clearing bath?
- Sodium sulphite is a common clearing agent that removes unexposed ferric oxalate from the paper. You can use other clearing agents like EDTA, but they may require different times or concentrations. Stick with the recommended chemical for predictable results. If you experiment with alternatives, test on scrap prints first to avoid damaging your final print.
- How should I store raw chemicals to keep them effective?
- Store powders in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Solutions should be kept in dark glass or opaque plastic bottles, away from light and heat. Check expiration dates and discard any that show discoloration or precipitation. Label every container with the chemical name and date of receipt to track freshness.
Key Chemicals and Their Roles
- Laboldtech Sodium Tetrachloropalladate sol. 17% -50ml: Sodium tetrachloropalladate solution (17%) is the replenishment sensitiser, Solution A, in the Laboldtech Platinum/Palladium Kit. This is the palladium salt that makes the print light-sensitive; using the proper replenishment solution ensures consistent sensitising strength.
Laboldtech Sodium Tetrachloropalladate sol. 17% -50ml - Laboldtech Ferric Oxalate+Potassium Chlorate sol.27% - 25ml: Ferric oxalate plus potassium chlorate solution (27%) is the replenishment sensitiser, Solution C, in the same kit. Ferric oxalate is the light-sensitive iron compound; the potassium chlorate acts as an oxidizer to fine-tune contrast, so this solution directly affects your print's tonal range.
Laboldtech Ferric Oxalate+Potassium Chlorate sol.27% - 25ml - Laboldtech Ammonium Citrate Dibasic - 500gm: Ammonium citrate dibasic (500gm) is the replenishment developer component of the Laboldtech Platinum/Palladium Kit. This developer reduces the exposed metal salts to form the final image; having a fresh supply ensures consistent development and archival quality.
