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SteveKarr
24-Apr-2010, 20:33
Hi everyone,
My silver bath is ph 3, is that to acid ? How do I raise it to 4-6?
Can I use sodium hydroxide?

Hmmmm....
Thanks!
Steve

Jason Greenberg Motamedi
24-Apr-2010, 20:42
pH 3 is low, but is probably fine for positives.
More importantly, have you tried it? Always try it before messing with it.


Hi everyone,
My silver bath is ph 3, is that to acid ? How do I raise it to 4-6?
Can I use sodium hydroxide?

Hmmmm....
Thanks!
Steve

BarryS
24-Apr-2010, 21:28
I agree--test it first before adjusting the pH. My silver bath is pH 4 and it works fine. The more acidic the silver bath, the less sensitive the plate--but unless your exposures seem abnormal, it may not be an issue. One simple way to raise the pH is to add a volume of non-acidified silver nitrate. I usually see Calcium Carbonate or Sodium Carbonate recommended as a neutralizing agent--be sure to sun and filter after neutralizing.

lightfootwillwalkinthecat
26-Feb-2023, 07:32
How would I lower the PH ? I have nitric acid 7% to increase. hanks

koraks
26-Feb-2023, 09:42
How would I lower the PH ? I have nitric acid 7% to increase. hanks

Nitric acid will decrease pH so that's what you could use if you already have it. I've also seen acetic acid being used, but I've mostly had good experience with nitric acid for this application.

cuypers1807
26-Feb-2023, 09:48
I have never adjusted or cared about the silver bath PH for over 10 years of shooting plates. Just shoot.

analogisnotdead
31-May-2023, 09:47
You can work with pH 3, it will just be less sensitive than a higher pH bath