If a working stock solution of D-23 is made (using metol and sodium sulfite), how long does it last? I plan on using it 1:1 and if I make 1 liter of stock, how long will the remaining 1/2 liter of stock last?
I realize that the whole point of mixing from power is to have fresh solution every time and not keep it. I am curious as to how long stock solution would last in a tightly capped glass bottle.
Thanx in advance.
Anil Bharucha
D-23 is similar to D-76.
Kodak gives shelf-life for D-76 here. See page 7.
Actually, it's so cheap to make that shelf life isn't really a big issue..Make it, use what you need and pitch the rest..
In my experience refrigerating stock solutions will add at least 50 % to the published shelf life times. If you work with any color developers refrigeration benefits their life immensely and of course no oxygen.
Another option is to store your chemistry in wine bottles - or beer bottles that have the same top - and use a small hand-sized vacuum pump to remove the air. Those pumps are fairly inexpensive and come with a few bottle tops that allow the air to be removed.
If you are looking for something with excellent shelf-life, then try HC-110 or Pyrocat HD prepared in Glycol. With those developers, you just dilute the "syrup" to make working solution and toss when done. There is no "stock" solution.
With D-23 1:1, there is no need to mix a stock solution first: just use twice as much water (or 1/2 the Sodium Sulfite and Metol). See the formula here.
D23 won't last long - I'd say a week or so. I'd mix it fresh every time.
except that D-23 has no hydroquinone - which may actually mean that the shelf life of D23 is better than D76.Originally Posted by Ken Lee
My experience with D23 strongly contradicts this. I've used D23 for years. My mom used it before me...I remember her mixing it up in the kitchen with teaspoons and tablespoons. Stored tightly capped in the proverbial "cool dry place" D23 lasts months. In a glass bottle with poly cap it'll last six or eight months easily. All that Sodium Sulfite allows it to keep very well.
Excellent - Thanks !!
The more I learn about it, the more I like it !
I mix D-23 every year or so. I use it straight, and sometimes with a part "B" for extended development times.
It basically lasts for a very long time if it is not contaminated with a carbonate or other chemicals.
The way you are planning on using it should present no storage problems. Put it in a glass, not plastic, bottle and stopper it well.
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