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Unhardened emulsions are easily scratched when wet, and absorb moisture when dry. Adding RECORD Alum Hardening Converter to a fixer solution is one method of toughening emulsions to be more resistant to abrasion and water absorption. If used correctly, it will increase archival permanence by protecting emulsions.

All non-pre-hardened B&W Films require alum hardening converter in the fixer. As far as we know, all commercially-available films are now pre-hardened and so do not require hardening fixer.

RC Prints require alum hardening converter for a hard gloss on glossy finish papers, and alum hardening converter will make them more resistant to scratches.

Fiber-Based Prints should only be hardened if prints are to be dried on hot drums, or if emulsion is very soft. Fiber prints are hardened during manufacture, as well as by exposure to heat, light, and air, so additional hardening may be harmful.

Archival Permanence

Alum Hardening will promote archival permanence only with correct timing and proper washing. Excess hardening will make prints brittle, curly and difficult to wash and tone to archival specifications.

Alum-hardened films and prints cannot be thoroughly washed with water alone. Use ARCHIVE Fixer Remover as directed. Treatment with ARCHIVE Fixer Remover will ensure thorough washing and even toning. For complete directions on washing, please see instructions for ARCHIVE Fixer Remover.

Whenever a hardening fixer is used, BLOCK Stop Bath working solution must be used before fixing to provide the correct acid environment.

One liter of RECORD Alum Hardening Converter will convert 66.6 liters of 1:9 RECORD Print Fixer working solution, or 33.3 liters of 2.8 RECORD Film Fixer working solution.