Quick answer
Mix Kodak Photo Flo 200 at a 1:200 ratio (about 5 ml per liter of water) and use it as the final rinse after washing your film. Soak the reel for 30–60 seconds, then hang the film to dry without rinsing again.
Why a wetting agent matters for clean negatives
After washing, water can bead on the film surface and leave mineral deposits as it evaporates, causing spots and streaks. A wetting agent like Photo Flo reduces surface tension so water sheets off evenly, speeding drying and protecting the image.
Photo Flo is not a cleaner or a fixer; it is a final-step additive. Using it correctly avoids residue that can attract dust or interfere with later scanning.
Mixing ratio and water quality
The standard dilution for Kodak Photo Flo 200 is 1 part concentrate to 200 parts water. That means about 5 ml (1 teaspoon) per liter, or roughly 20 ml per gallon. Use distilled or filtered water if your tap water is hard; minerals in hard water can still leave spots even with Photo Flo.
Mix only as much as you need for one session. A working solution does not keep well and can grow bacteria or lose effectiveness over time.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using too much Photo Flo is a frequent error. A stronger mix does not work better; it can leave a sticky residue that is hard to remove and may cause uneven drying. Also, do not reuse the solution or let the reel sit in it for extended periods.
Another mistake is skipping the final rinse with plain water before the Photo Flo bath. Photo Flo should be the last liquid to touch the film, so ensure your wash is complete before immersing the reel.
Step-by-step: mixing and using Photo Flo 200
- Prepare your workspace and water: Set up a clean tray or tank for the final rinse. Use distilled or filtered water if your tap water is hard. Measure about 1 liter of water at room temperature. Checkpoint: water should be clean and free of visible particles.
- Measure and mix the concentrate: Add 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of Kodak Photo Flo 200 to the 1 liter of water. Stir gently to mix—do not shake vigorously, which can create foam. Checkpoint: use the 1:200 ratio; more is not better.
- Wash film thoroughly first: Complete your normal film washing procedure with plain water. Ensure the wash water is drained before the Photo Flo step. Checkpoint: film should be free of fixer residue before the wetting agent.
- Immerse the film in the Photo Flo solution: Place the film reel into the solution and gently agitate for 30–60 seconds. Do not over-agitate; the goal is to coat the film evenly. Checkpoint: avoid prolonged soaking, which can leach emulsion or leave residue.
- Remove and dry without rinsing: Lift the reel out, shake off excess liquid gently, and hang the film to dry in a dust-free area. Do not rinse with water after the Photo Flo bath. Checkpoint: any additional rinse will remove the wetting agent and reintroduce spotting.
- Clean up and discard the solution: Discard the used Photo Flo solution; do not store or reuse it. Rinse the reel and tank with water before the next use. Checkpoint: leftover solution can become a source of contamination.
Product facts
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Kodak Photo Flo 200 - 16 oz.: Kodak Photo Flo 200 is a wetting agent that can be added to the final wash process to protect film from streaks, dust, and water spots during drying. This makes it a targeted solution for the drying stage, not a general-purpose additive.
Kodak Photo Flo 200 - 16 oz.