Salt Printing

Workshop taught by Maggie Wessling at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD.

Maggie Wessling is a photograph conservator and a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation. Maggie holds an M.A. in art history and a Certificate of Advanced Training in the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works from New York University. She has studied historic photographic processes of the 19th and 20th centuries and specializes in salted paper prints and platinum prints.

Prepping the Paper, Step 1: coat with Sodium Nitrate Solution and place on drying rack. Paper is not yet light sensitive.

Prepping the Paper, Step 2: coat with Silver Nitrate Solution and let dry in dark box. The paper is now light sensitive.

Making the Print: arrange pieces on light sensitive paper, clamp down to keep secure, and expose to UV light.

Processing the Print: place in fixer (red tray) to set image, rise off with water thoroughly. Paper can be coated with Gold Chloride solution (white tray) to change color from brick to grey tones.

My Experiments with this Process: