from slipping out of place when the platen first presses against the edge of the paper, and start the printing cycle as described previously. After the printing cycle is completed, remove the paper for processing. Any number of duplicate prints can be made by repeating the printing  cycle. Drop  the  print,  emulsion-side  down,  into  the developer.  Immerse  it  immediately  with  a  quick  sliding motion while pushing the print under the surface of the solution. Grasp one edge of the print, lift it up, and turn it over. Replace the print emulsion up on the surface of the solution. Push the print under the surface again and leave  it  under  during  the  remaining  time  in  the developing tray. The print must be immersed rapidly and evenly to prevent air bubbles from forming on the emulsion surface. Be sure that all the emulsion gets wet with the developer in the shortest time. Agitate the print constantly  for  the  remaining  developing  time. Each type of printing paper has its own working characteristic. The main difference in each type is the length of time required for the image to develop in a given type and strength of developer. A correct print is one that develops to the proper density and contrast in the recommended time. A print should be exposed so it reaches the proper density and contrast only with full development;  otherwise,  the  tone  and  appearance  of  the print will be below acceptable standards. If the exposure is insufficient, the image does not develop to the desired density even with longer developing time. It appears pale and lacking in brilliance. Also, stains may occur when  development  is  carried  out  too  long.  Paper developers work more rapidly than those used for films; consequently,  print  immersion  must  be  quick  and  even, and  agitation  should  be  constant. When the print is fully developed, lift it out of the developer, drain it momentarily, and place it in the stop bath. After about 5 seconds in the stop bath, lift the print, drain it briefly, and place it in the fixing bath. Agitate it in the fixing bath for a few seconds and examine it for defects that might cause it to be discarded. When the inspection  is  completed,  place  it  emulsion-side  down  in the fixer and complete the fixing process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to the required fixing time. Fixing for Ilford Multigrade paper is complete after about 30 seconds in fresh fixer. Some papers have a tendency to float in the fixing bath, especially if the bath is mixed a little stronger than usual. When prints float in the fixer, they should be handled constantly or turned facedown to prevent the emulsion from being exposed to the air. The parts of a print exposed to the air during fixing may become stained Prints  that  float  facedown  should  not  create problems except for the chance that air bubbles can be trapped under the prints. Air bubbles under a print produce stains and must be prevented. By immersing the prints  edgewise  and  facedown,  you  eliminate  air bubbles. CAUTION Never attempt to work backwards through the sink-line process. A few drops of fixer on your hands or from a print will contaminate the developer. Group Print Development Several  prints  can  be  processed  at  one  time, provided they are separated and agitated sufficiently during the process. Each entire print must be wetted uniformly by the solutions so all parts of each print are processed  uniformly. When you are processing several prints at one time, immerse them in the developer separately at regular intervals and, at the end of the proper developing time, remove the prints in the same order and at the same regular intervals. To prevent the prints from sticking together,  you  should  let  each  one  be  completely immersed before the next print is put in the developer. Agitation should be done by rotating the prints in the solution. To do this, take each print, in turn, from the bottom of the tray and place it on top of the other prints. As  the  prints  reach  full  development,  transfer  them one by one to the stop bath. Treat them for 10 to 20 seconds; then place them in the fixer and agitate each print to make sure none of them stick together. After the prints are fixed, they must be washed and dried. The RC or polyethylene coating on paper prevents absorption; therefore, they require a short wash time. Wash prints for 2 minutes in a good supply of running water to ensure they are completely free of chemicals. The water temperature should not be lower than 41°F (5°C). Prints may be dried in a print dryer designed for polyethylene or RC papers not to exceed 190°F (68°C). Adjust  the  print  dryer  to  the  minimum  temperature required to dry the paper sufficiently. If the print dryer is too hot, the polyethylene coating on the paper will melt. When a paper dryer is not available, remove the excess water and dry the prints naturally at room 11-7