Hence, these special prints can be passed from generation to generation for over 1000 years!
The Platinum Palladium photographic printing process dates back to the mid 1800’s and first patented in 1873. Unlike silver gelatin prints, the Pt/Pd metals are embedded into the paper instead of lying on top of the paper. In addition to being embedded, the metals used are very stable, even more so than gold, and thus the prints can last over 1000 years. Hence, these special prints can be passed from generation to generation for over 1000 years!
Platinum and Palladium prints are known for their tonal ranges and potential of warm colors like reddish brown that are unobtainable with silver gelatin prints. Along with their longevity, the textured print on rag paper, and their tonal range, it’s no wonder Pt/Pd prints are revered by art collectors.
The Pt/Pd prints are made by coating paper with a mixture of chemicals including platinum and/or palladium in subdued light. The chemical are “painted” on slightly larger than the resulting print, hence why brush marks are evident on the print, giving it its handmade look. A negative (digital or film) the size of the resulting print is laid down on the coated paper and then exposed under a UV light. Jessica chooses to use a UV box as opposed to sun light for greater control and consistency. After exposure, the print is then immersed in a developer, the type depending on the desired tone (cooler vs. warmer tone), and the immersed in various baths to ensure longevity of the print.
This means each print is unique and handmade, unlike most other forms of printing.
Due to many variables (temperature of room and of developer, paper, humidity, chemicals, etc.) and the paper being hand-coated, no two prints come out exactly the same. This means each print is unique and handmade, unlike most other forms of printing.
