How can I safely remove dust stuck to the emulsion side of processed film?
Asked 8/8/2018
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I accidentally got a small amount of water on the gelatin/emulsion side of a processed film strip, then wiped it with a microfiber cloth. Now the film has dried with some dust stuck to the emulsion, and it looks like the gelatin may have softened or shifted slightly. What is the safest way to clean the dust off without causing more damage? I also live in a hard-water area, so avoiding drying marks is a concern.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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You could try to wash the film strip in running water. The water should be at a constant temperature (no significant changes). Gently-running water would be best, as it will tend to eject the dust particles out of itself as it drains.
You may need to use a little wetting agent (e.g. Kodak Photo-Flo) when done to prevent water streaking on the film after the wash.
If you're careful, these particles should come right out. Hopefully nothing abrasive was on the film, as this would have caused scratches during your attempted cleaning with the cloth.
Originally by user68581. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user68581
7y ago
0
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The safest next step is to re-wash the strip in clean, gently running water at a stable temperature. Film emulsion is gelatin, so when it gets wet it swells and can release dust, but it is also easy to damage if handled roughly.
A careful approach:
- Rinse in gently running water for a few minutes.
- If needed, soak briefly in water with a tiny amount of wetting agent; one answer also suggests a few drops of dish soap.
- While fully submerged, very gently rub only if necessary, using clean fingers or a very soft sponge.
- Hang the film to dry.
- A final wetting-agent rinse can help reduce drying marks, especially in a hard-water area.
Avoid wiping the emulsion when dry, since that can scratch or distort it. Also avoid sudden temperature changes.
Your 99% isopropyl alcohol is not the recommended choice here; the advice given is to use water re-washing instead. If the microfiber already caused scratches or permanently disturbed the emulsion, cleaning may remove the dust but won’t fully undo that damage.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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