In silver-gelatine photography, the quality of the gelatine defines the structure of the image itself.
This Professional Photographic Gelatine is a carefully selected Type B (alkali-processed) PI-grade gelatine, chosen for its purity, consistency, and predictable behavior in photographic applications.
With a Bloom strength of 250, it provides the ideal balance between mechanical strength and flexibility. This allows for smooth coating, reliable setting, and stable emulsion layers across a wide range of formats, from small plates to ultra-large work.
Its low calcium content (≤ 100 mg/kg) and low ash levels (≤ 0.8%) help minimize unwanted ionic interference during emulsion making. This supports cleaner silver halide formation and more consistent sensitometric behavior.
Equally important is its high optical transmission, particularly around 450 nm. Light passes efficiently through the emulsion layer, supporting improved sensitivity and clean tonal rendering, especially in blue-sensitive and orthochromatic systems.
The gelatine also exhibits a Gold Number ≥ 25, indicating strong protective colloid performance. This is essential for stabilizing silver halide crystals during precipitation, ripening, and storage.
In practice, this results in a material that behaves reliably during heating, dissolves cleanly, and supports repeatable results whether you are coating by hand or refining a controlled emulsion workflow.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Type B (alkali-processed photographic gelatine)
- Grade: PI
- Bloom Strength: ~250
- Viscosity (6.67% at 60 °C): Controlled, medium range
- pH (1% solution): ~5.0
- Calcium Content: ≤ 100 mg/kg
- Ash Content: ≤ 0.8%
- Conductivity: Low (high purity, low ionic contamination)
- Optical Transmission (450 nm): High
- Gold Number: ≥ 25
- Moisture Content: ~10–12%
Applications
- Silver-gelatine emulsion making
- Dry plate photography (4×5, 5×7, 8×10 and larger)
- Photographic paper coating
- Liquid emulsion processes
- Salt printing and hybrid techniques
- Experimental and historical photographic workflows
Working Characteristics
- Dissolves cleanly in warm water (35–60 °C)
- Smooth handling during emulsion cooking and ripening
- Stable coating behavior with minimal defects
- Strong yet flexible gel structure after setting
- Compatible with traditional hardeners and additives
