RC papers and hardening fixer?

[MFP]

Hey all,

So from a previous thread I have found out that major BW films do not need hardening fixer. My question is: do RC papers need hardening fixer? Currently I'm using Ilford MG4 glossy paper.

Thanks

[johnnywalker]

My understanding is that RC papers at least don't benefit from it, and hardening fixer makes the print more difficult to tone. I bought some by mistake, and have been using it up on film and contact sheets, where I won't be doing any toning anyway.

[Konical]

Good Afternoon,

If I recall correctly (too lazy to go down to the darkroom to check), the instructions included with Kodak Rapid Fixer suggest not using the hardener when preparing print fixer. Anyway, I always follow that procedure, whether printing RC or FB.

Konical

[Ian Grant]

No papers RC or FB need a hardener, all it does is increase the wash times and waste water..

Using a hardener can can be detrimental to the gloss surface on some RC papers.

Ian

[MFP]

Ah, good to know, thanks

[nworth]

It does no harm, but it isn't needed. The emulsion of papers usually doesn't get enough abuse to benefit from hardeners, ans washing and toning go better without hardening.