Fixing Prints

Prints on baryta paper should be fixed for 5 to 10 minutes in an acid-curing fixing bath. Fix prints made on resin coated (RC) paper for a maximum of 2 minutes. This is because if the fixing time exceeds 2 minutes, the fixative may penetrate the RC paper through the edges, and the coating will then make it difficult to thoroughly remove the fixative in the wash.
A common procedure is to use two fixer baths in succession. Keep both baths at 18° to 21° C.

• For baryta paper, leave the prints in the first bath for 3 to 5 minutes,
• then allow to drain for about 5 seconds, and then
• fix for 3 to 5 minutes in the second bath.
  Rock the tray with the fixing bath periodically so that the surface of the print is constantly in contact with fresh fixing solution. Be careful that the prints do not stick together or the fixation may be inadequate.

After approximately fifty 8 x 10 inch (20 x 25 centimeter) prints (or their surface area equivalent) have been fixed per liter of the first bath, discard the first bath. The tray containing the second bath is moved to the position of the now-disposed-of first bath, and a fresh second bath is set in place. After three more such changes (for a total of two hundred fifty 8 x 10-inch prints or their equivalent), discard the baths in both trays and replace them with fresh solutions.
One should avoid prolonged fixing times, especially for warm tone prints. Prolonged fixing can fade the image, change the hue, and make thorough washing difficult.