Quick answer
Hand colouring black and white prints is best done with true photo dyes that absorb into the emulsion. Start with a prepared print, apply dilute washes, and build colour slowly.
Why use photo dyes instead of other media
Unlike paints or markers, photo dyes are absorbed by the emulsion, leaving no surface texture. This preserves the print's original finish and allows transparent colour that doesn't obscure detail. The Fotospeed DY15 set offers 11 intermixable colours plus a reducer, giving you full control over shade and intensity.
Step-by-step hand colouring process
- Prepare your print: Start with a fully processed, dry black and white print. Fibre-based papers absorb dye more evenly than RC papers, but both work. Lightly dampen the area you plan to colour to help the dye spread smoothly. A dry print with a tacky surface can cause the dye to bead up; a slightly damp surface prevents this.
- Mix your dye: Use a clean palette or dish. Start with a very dilute mix—you can always add more colour. Fotospeed DY15 dyes are intermixable, so combine colours to match your reference. Use the reducer to lighten a shade without washing out the hue. Test the colour on a scrap print first; dye appears darker once dry.
- Apply in thin washes: Load a fine brush with dye and apply it in light, even strokes. Work from light areas to dark, letting each layer dry before adding the next. Build colour gradually rather than trying to achieve full saturation in one pass. Rushing with a heavy application often leads to tide marks and uneven patches.
- Fix and protect: Once the colour is dry and you're happy with the result, apply a print fixative or sealant if needed. This prevents the dye from shifting or fading over time. Store the finished print in archival sleeves away from direct sunlight. Not all fixatives are dye-safe; test on a scrap print first to avoid colour bleeding.
Product facts
-
Fotospeed Retouching Set DY15 Colour Dyes: Fotospeed DY15 dyes are designed for any photographic emulsion—black and white or colour—and are completely absorbed leaving no surface marking. This means your hand colouring looks like part of the original print, not an added layer, and works on both fibre and resin-coated papers.
Fotospeed Retouching Set DY15 Colour Dyes
