Technical Data
For lovers of the traditional qualities of graded fibre based papers, Kentmere is proud to present its Bromide range. Superb, rich natural blacks, a brilliant base white and outstanding tonal rendition characterise these papers.
Choice and versatility are provided by two different base weights coupled with a world class range of surface textures - Glossy, Stipple and Matt. If you prefer the outstanding qualities of a traditional graded paper, Kentmere Bromide is the choice.
For additional information on toners, see the Toning Kenmere Papers document.
Bromide Papers feature a conventional fibre base in both single and double weight, coated with a neutral tone bromide emulsion. Available in contrast grades 1 - 4 (please note grade 4 is only available as matt single weight).
Glossy :- The traditional unglazed glossy surface is particularly suited to portrait and exhibition print work. A very high gloss can be achieved by standard glazing techniques. Available in both single and double weight, contrast grades 1 - 3.
Stipple :- An embossed, double weight, semi-lustre paper with great print depth, providing an alternative to glossy in the field of exhibition work, portraiture and industrial subjects. Available in contrast grades 2 and 3.
Matt :- A dead matt surface with good retention of black density. Available in single weight only and contrast grades 2 and 4.
Double Weight Base
The double weight paper is 240 g/m² coated on the front side with 36 g/m² of baryta giving a base weight of approximately 276 g/m² and a thickness of approximately 260 µm.
Single Weight Base
The single weight paper is 140 g/m² coated on the front side with 34 g/m² of baryta giving a base weight of approximately 174 g/m² and a thickness of approximately 140 µm.
Coated emulsion layer
The light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer has a silver content of approximately 1.7 g/m². This is covered with a gelatine supercoat which protects the emulsion from stress fogging and physical damage and also contains a small amount of developing agent.
(Not to scale, for information only)
(ISO speed to ISO 6846 - 1992)
| Bromide grade | 1 | ISO P250 |
| 2 | ISO P250 | |
| 3 | ISO P250 | |
| 4 | ISO P125 |
(ISO range to ISO 6846 - 1992)
| Bromide grade | 1 | ISO P100 |
| 2 | ISO P80 | |
| 3 | ISO P60 | |
| 4 | ISO P40 |
Bromide papers can achieve the following maximum densities:-
Glossy 2.20
Stipple 2.15
Satin 1.40
(the Matt surface contains matting agents which reduce the maximum density achievable)
All these figures represent an average of the achievable results. A small amount of production tolerance is included. Actual results achieved may differ depending on processing, paper age and storage conditions.
(Glossy surface)
Results achieved using Champion B & W Multicontrast developer at 1 + 12 at 20°C as recommended under processing instructions. Other recommended developers and fixers (see Processing) should give comparable results.
Bromide graded papers have conventional bromide emulsions, which can be used under standard safelights for non-VC type printing papers. Always keep safelight exposure to a minimum; returning unused paper to its original packaging.
Safelight filters which are suitable for use with Bromide graded paper are Kodak OA, OB, OC, or 1A, and Ilford 902. Fluorescent safelight tubes such as Encapsulite A 10/ND.4 are also suitable.
Other safelights can be used, but tests should always be carried out first.
Traditional Bromide Papers can be processed in conventional developers with excellent results. These include, in alphabetical order: Agfa Neutol, Champion B & W Multicontrast, Ilford Ilfospeed, Kodak Polymax, and Tetenal Variospeed developers, together with their recommended fixers. Equivalent products from other manufacturers should also give similar results, as will most high quality standard and multicontrast paper developers.
The following table shows recommended dish processing conditions for use with Champion B & W Multicontrast developer and Amfix fixer. If using another manufacturer's chemistry, refer to their instructions for recommended processing conditions, to achieve similar results.
Bromide graded papers are not suitable for use with activation chemistry.
| Chemistry | Dilution | Temp. | Time | |||
| Champion B&W Multicontrast developer | 1 + 6 | 20oC | 60 - 80 s | |||
| 1 + 12 | 20oC | 100 - 120 s | ||||
| 2% Actetic acid stop bath | - | 20oC | 10 s | |||
| Champion B&W Amfix fixer | 1 + 4 | 20oC | 90 - 180 s | |||
| 1 + 9 | 20oC | 120 - 240 s | ||||
| Wash in running water | - | - | 30 - 40 minutes | |||
Bromide Papers can be dried using any standard fibre base paper drying methods, these include; Atmospheric drying, either at room temperature or using warm air, having removed excess surface water using a suitable print squeegee. Prints will dry flatter if hung back to back in pairs. Print drying racks or plastic mesh screens can also be used to hold prints flat during drying.
Rotary glazing/drying drums or flat bed glazing/drying presses. The use of a wetting agent in the final washing will help to produce a better contact between the print face and the heated glazing surface.
If using a heated glazing surface for drying prints, back of print to the glazing surface, excessive temperatures should not be used, as this can cause the emulsion to melt and adhere to the glazer blanket.
Please address any technical enquiries to:
Kentmere Limited
Photographic Division,
Staveley,
Kendal,
Cumbria LA8 9PB.
Tel: 01539 821365
Fax: 01539 821399
Kentmere Limited will replace or credit the value of any Kentmere papers if found by us to be defective in manufacture, our liability being confined to the value of the paper only. In all such cases, proof that the paper was defective would be required.