Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1897 — PHOTOGRAPHS IN COLOR. [ARTICLE]

PHOTOGRAPHS IN COLOR.

Simple Method of Securing Very " Pleasing Effects. Tourists returning from abroad are bringing with, them samples of finely colored photographs of various points of Interest in the old world. This coloring of photographs has usually been a very complicated process and requires an artist in order to bring about the best results. A recent American invention, however, promises to make the coloring of photographs a very simple matter, even for the amateur, and no great artistic talent Is necssary. By this process, known as the “Kalos art,” ordinary prints may be made considerably more attractive at small cost and with no great expenditure of time. All that is necessary is a box of ‘,‘Kalos colors,” a dish of clean water and a camel's-hair brush and sponge. These colors are transparent, and the shades and lights of the photographs show through. Any desired tints may be secured by mixing or diluting with water. To color any print apply the shades with the brush and wash the surface of the picture with a wet sponge, so that all superfluous color may be removed This prevents running and insures—amore even distribution of the colors. Rinse the brush or the sponge in clean water, after using each color, sponge the w’hole picture after the coloring is finished. It is better to make the colors a trifle stronger than is desired in order to allow for a slight fading in the mounting process. The picture should then be allowed to dry thoroughly, so that the colors may become firmly fixed before mounting. These color prints may be mounted on cards or transferred to glass, in imitation of porcelain paintings. The miniature may be set in pearl or gold for lockets, brooches, sleeve buttons, watch charms, etc. Tlijs process is warranted to work on photographs of a gelatinous nature, and gives excellent results on platinum prints. Collodion prints may be colored by first giving them a gelatinous surface. This may be done by adding one-quarter ounce of water to one ounce of sheet gelatine, and the mixture heated until the gelatine Is thoroughly dissolved: then, with a wide, soft brush, apply the dissolved gelatine to the film side of the print, giving It a smooth, even surface. Heat it gently over a lighted lamp until dry. The advantage of the “Kalos” process is that it may be used by an amateur photographer or by a skilled artist, and the result is certainly pleasing. The finer the blending of shade, of course, the more artistic the result.—Philadelphia Record.