A magnifying glass can help detect dust that indicates a static charge.
A static charge on a photo negative can originate from many different sources. Plastic negative sleeves will generate a charge as the negative is pulled out or pushed in. The photographer can also impart a charge created from just walking across the room. Once a negative is statically charged, it will draw dust to the surface. Dust on a negative can ruin a developed picture. Before beginning to develop prints, it is important to remove the static charge from photo negatives so no dust will remain or be drawn to the surface during the printing process. The easiest way to do this is to brush the negative or spray compressed air over the surface. When no dust remains on the negative, the static charge has been removed.
Instructions
1. Remove the negative from its storage sleeve by grabbing it along its edges and sliding it out.
2. Brush both sides of the negative with the photo static dust brush. While brushing the negative, squeeze the rubber bulb at the end of the brush to "blast" the negative with air as well.
3. Blow off the surface of the photo light box using a can of compressed air to clean it of dust and static electricity.
4. Turn the light box on and lay the negative on it. Examine the negative for any remaining dust particles.
5. Remove any remaining dust on the negative by picking up the strip by the edges and giving each side of the negative a short "blast" from the canned air. Spray the air on the light box again to remove any dust that may have transferred from the negative and recheck the strip for dust. Repeat until no dust remains on the strip indicating the static charge has been fully removed.
