Darkrooms are rooms which are created for the purpose of processing light sensitive materials.
These include papers and films which are commonly used in photography.
Most of the time, darkrooms are completely dark.
But depending on one's purpose, it can be created with dim light.
Darkrooms can be constructed in any closed area.
Some common areas are sealed container vans, closets, basements, add-on rooms, and even bathrooms.
A lot of professional photographers would have their own darkrooms at home.
Having all the necessary equipment, you can have your very own darkroom as well.
First, you will need film processing tanks.
Most of these tanks are classified as daylight tanks.
This is because it allows you to work in broad daylight.
Daylight tanks are constructed in a way that light can not enter the vessel.
Roll films which usually measure 35 millimeters are loaded into reels.
This process must be done in the dark.
The reels will then be placed inside the vessel.
After making sure that the film tank is sealed tight, the lights can now be turned on.
Stainless steel tanks are preferred over plastic tanks since they are more durable.
Furthermore, steel tanks are good conductors of heat which makes it easy to regulate temperature.
Then, you will need various chemicals and containers.
These can be in the form of powder or liquid.
Aside from the chemicals, you will also need jugs to be used as containers.
When not in use, the chemicals must be well kept in jugs.
These substances easily react especially upon exposure to light.
Thus, containers must be opaque.
Lastly, you will need a stop bath.
A stop bath works by lowering the pH level of the solution.
When the pH level is lowered, the process of developing the photo stops.
Acetic acid is one of the most common stop baths available.