Paterson PAT231 Auto Print Washer (24x30)

Paterson PAT231 Auto Print Washer (24x30) | A washer for darkroom prints

Without a dedicated print washer, washing prints is a hands-on darkroom task you have to manage yourself. The Paterson PAT231 Auto Print Washer is made for that particular stage of working with photographic prints, rather than being a general darkroom accessory. Its 24x30 format makes it relevant to print makers working at that size and looking for a washer with a clearly defined role in their setup. If you make prints regularly, having equipment intended for this part of the process can make more sense than treating print washing as an improvised step. The honest caveat is that this is a specialist piece of darkroom kit: its purpose is specific, so it’s most relevant when print washing is already part of your routine. For that job, the product name is refreshingly direct.

A focused addition to your darkroom

Print making involves several distinct stages, and washing is one of them. This Paterson model is aimed at the washing stage, so it belongs with a print-making setup rather than with everyday camera accessories. It may suit someone building a dedicated darkroom, or a print maker who wants equipment for this one task. The format is the practical point to match against the prints you make; the rest comes down to how you organise your workspace and what role you want the washer to have.

There’s no need to read more into the name than it says: it’s an auto print washer, intended for washing prints. If that’s the piece missing from your darkroom, the PAT231 is a straightforward option to consider. If you’re choosing between different kinds of darkroom equipment, start with the task you need to handle. This one is specifically about print washing, not print exposure or film processing.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Paterson
• Model: PAT231
• Product type: Auto Print Washer
• Format: 24x30