One of the problems of the calotype process was that as one had to print through the paper negative, the imperfections of the paper would also show. Care was taken to ensure that the right kind of paper was used. However, the more transparent the paper, the greater the definition.
It was quite a common practice to wax the calotype negative after it had been developed and fixed. However, Gustave Le Gray introduced, in 1851, a process whereby waxing was part of the process prior to exposure and development.
Le Gray's process also enabled the paper to be kept a week or so before
use. However, though it showed a definite improvement in definition, it was also slower
than the calotype process; sometimes exposures of up to fifteen minutes in sunshine were
sometimes required. It was for this reason that most of the subjects using this process
were inanimate.
© Robert Leggat, 1997.