This section is from the book "Complete Self-Instructing Library Of Practical Photography", by J. B. Schriever. Also available from Amazon: Complete Self-Instructing Library Of Practical Photography.
Prints Developing Black, All Detail Lost. This is due entirely to over-printing - exposing too long.
Image Developing Up Slowly And Very Faint. A certain sign that you did not expose long enough - under-printed.
Removing Bronze From Shadows. At times you will find that paper will print very bronzy in the shadows. This generally occurs when printing from contrasty negatives with strong high lights, deep shadows showing almost clear glass. Printing in extremely damp weather also produces this difficulty.
587. Using a warm bath will generally remove all bronze from the shadows. Should it not, however, add one ounce of glycerine to the cold bath; beware of printing too deep, and develop long. Should bronze show in the prints after they have become dry, with a cotton flannel cloth apply a little crayon sauce to the bronzed portions. This will remove it.
5S8. Streaks. - This might be caused by uneven developing, not immersing the entire print with one sweep, or by dirt on the back of the negatives, or printing in direct sunlight through a window that is dirty, or by a shadow thrown from window sash on part of negative. Clean the backs of your negatives and use tissue paper or groundglass when printing in the sunlight.
White Spots. These are frequently caused by particles of dirt on the negative, or dirt in the developer. The dirt settles on the prints, preventing the developer from acting. If the preservative becomes dry and particles of calcium were to settle on the prints, white spots and streaks would be the result. By dusting each print with a camel's hair brush before developing you will avoid many white spots.
Yellow Prints After Third Acid Water. Caused by using poor quality of muriatic acid.
Brown Tones. Brown tones are generally produced where the paper, negatives or atmosphere is quite damp. A developer too warm will also give brown tones.
Rubbed Prints. Careless handling, allowing the prints to mat together; and in separating, drawing one over another. Washing in rough bottomed trays will account for this. When washing prints carefully lift them from each other - never draw them across other prints. Wash the prints face up. Use plenty of water and always handle them from the top and never draw them from the bottom.
Printing In Damp Weather. Remember that the image will not appear as strongly in damp weather as it will in warm, dry, clear weather, although it is really printed darker. You must therefore allow for this and print considerably lighter under these conditions. Always develop the first print; let it be your guide for future printing.
 
Continue to: