Gum over platinum is a historical chemical photographic process, which was commonly used in art photography. It is a very complex process, in which a specially-treated platinum print photograph is coated with washes of gum arabic, then re-exposed to the same photographic negative. The finished process results in a sepia toned print, and is said to impart added luminosity and depth. It is sometimes called 'pigment over platinum'.
To sensitize the gum arabic it must first be placed in contact with ammonium or potassium dichromate. Gum arabic is not photo sensitive by itself. To clear the chromic acid, the print is washed in 1% Potassium Metabisulfite after proper development in water. Interested individuals should read up on the process before attempting, as the chromic acids are very dangerous to work with.
The mechanics of the gum portion isn't entirely known, what occurs is the exposed gum is hardened and becomes water insoluble. Upon washing, the unexposed portions wash away leaving the white paper exposed.
The technique is related to platinum printing.
Famous quotes containing the words gum and/or platinum:
“The hunchback on the corner, with gum and shoelaces,
Has his own wisdom and pleasures,”
—Robert Penn Warren (1905–1989)
“Flouncing your skirts, you blueness of joy, you flirt of
politeness,
You leap, you intelligence, essence of wheelness with silvery nose,
And your platinum clocks of excitement stir like the hairs of a
fern.”
—Karl Shapiro (b. 1913)