Early photographic processes, such as albumen silver prints, relied on silver-based compounds that were prone to fading. To address this issue, chemical toning was introduced, not only enhancing the longevity of prints but also imparting distinctive color characteristics.

Between approximately 1855 and 1900, sepia and gold toning were the most widely used techniques. In sepia toning, the silver compounds in the print are converted into silver sulfides, which are far more stable over time. This process produces the characteristic warm brown tones and soft contrast that define sepia-toned photographs.

Gold toning, on the other hand, replaces the silver with gold, resulting in colors that can range from purplish-blue to reddish-brown. This method not only provided a richer tonal variation but also significantly improved the archival quality of prints.