There are two main categories of toners; effect toners and archival toners.

Effect toners are used to change the over-all look of an image such as blue or sepia, and can be used in conjunction with each other to create strange and unique effects. Some are two part processes requiring bleaching and some are as simple as soak and wash.

Archival toners emphasize contrast in an image and stabilize the silver by combining it to the selenium; this keeps it from degrading over time like tarnish on a silver coin. These toners also neutralize the midtones and intensify the blacks providing a much richer and brilliant print. Selenium toner is considered an archival and intensification toner and can be mixed with a washing aid to cut down on the number of steps used. By leaving the print in the selenium toner a little longer, a slight purple tint can be achieved.

Most toners help increase the life of a print.
Use gloves and have good ventilation.
Use of an fixer without a hardener will be more effective.

Blue Toner

The most common is Berg Brilliant Blue Toning Solution. Mix part A to half a quart of water (500ml)(60-75 degrees), and part B, then enough water to make 1 quart (1000ml). Can Store for 6 months in a closed amber glass bottle.

1) Presoak prints in water.
Make sure prints have been fixed and washed properly or they will stain.
Use slightly underexposed images since the image is slightly intensified.

2) Put print in toner for 1-10 minutes until desired look is achieved.

3) Wash until yellow staining is no longer evident (usually around 5-10 minutes)

Sepia Toner

Berg also makes this toner, Rapid RC Sepia Toning Solution. We are using this one because it is oderless and other ones smell like rotten eggs due to the sulfur content in them. This is a two part process requiring the image to be bleached first, and then brought back using the toner. Mix 4 oz. (120 ml) of Bath 1 to 28 oz. (840ml) of water to make 1 quart of Bleach. In a different tray, mix 4 oz. (120ml) if Bath 2 to 28 oz. (840ml) of water to make 1 quart of Toner. Solutions can be stored for 6 months in closed tinted glass bottles.

1) Presoak prints in water.
Make sure prints have been fixed and washed properly or they will stain.
Use slightly overexposed images since the image will be slightly lightened.

2) Put print in bleach solution until only a ghost of the original image remains (1-2 minutes)

3) Wash print in water (RC 3 minutes, Fiber 5-10 minutes)