p68

The principal work of retouching, the stippling of the face, neck and shoulders when bare, and the hands, is done with Graphite or metallic leads, and directly upon the varnished or film surface.

Fig. 6. Peerless Varnish Pot and Filterer.

The gelatine emulsion film is strong enough to take the pencil without varnish, and many prefer to retouch and even to print them before varnishing; but it is pretty generally conceded that gelatine negatives will receive the pencil better when varnished. p69

Before varnishing a gelatine plate, heat it as much as it will bear, so as to drive off all moisture from the film, then let it cool to the proper temperature before applying the varnish.

If the varnish used is too smooth or hard to take the pencil, a better tooth may be given it by the application delicately, to the parts to be retouched only, of a solution of rosin in turpentine, which should be allowed to stand and dry an hour or so before the retouching is done.

The work of retouching is very trying to the eyes; great pains should therefore be taken to ascertain the most favorable conditions of light and distance under which to work.

A negative should be kept at one angle and stationary while being retouched.