Alternative Process : Gum Bichromate

Alan Kent

The Gum Bichromate process was discovered by Mungo Pomton in 1839. This process starts with mixing gum arabic and ammonium bichromate with pigment to create an emulsion that is light sensitive. Then coat your paper with this emulsion, using a wide flat brush so you get a smooth finish. Let the paper dry for several hours in a dark room, then once it is dry, place a negative on it and then place a glass contact printing frame on top of that. Expose the photo to UV light, and develop the print in water, Soak the print in water for another 20-30 minutes to clean and develop the print further.