What will happen to the blueprint if it was not thoroughly washed?
If a blueprint is not thoroughly washed, it may become damaged or distorted. The blueprint paper generally contains a light-sensitive coating that reacts to ultraviolet light during the exposure process. If remnants of the chemicals used in this process, such as ammonium ferric citrate and potassium ferricyanide, are not completely washed off the blueprint, they can continue to react with light over time. This can cause gradual fading or discoloration of the blueprint, making it difficult to read or understand the information it contains.
To prevent this, it is important to follow proper blueprint processing techniques, which include thoroughly washing the blueprint after the exposure phase. This typically involves placing the blueprint in a tray or sink and gently rinsing it with water for an appropriate amount of time. It is essential to ensure all residual chemicals are effectively removed from the paper.
In summary, failing to thoroughly wash a blueprint after the exposure process can result in damage or distortion over time, leading to faded or unreadable information. Proper washing and rinsing techniques should be followed to maintain the integrity and longevity of blueprints.