Though largely replaced by digital technology, instant photography is still popular with hobbyists.
Polaroid transfer refers to a printmaking technique that uses Polaroid instant photographic film. Other instant films, such as Fujifilm, also work for this type of printmaking, but may produce slightly different results. Polaroid transfers let you put an instant camera image on fabric, glasses and other dishware, artist's papers and a wide range of other surfaces.
Color Emulsion Transfer
Polaroid emulsion transfers move not just the image, but the entire film emulsion from the photograph to another surface. This method involves soaking a developed Polaroid print in water heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it in cold water, then peeling the photo material off the back of the emulsion. What remains is a thin, filmlike substance containing the image. This can be placed on soaked watercolor paper or another surface, and manipulated with the fingers or a paintbrush. To seal the emulsion to the surface, press it with a wet printer's roller, starting from the center and moving toward the edges. Allow the transfer to air dry. Press flat objects using a warm press set to no more than 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Black and White Emulsion Transfer
This process works much like a color emulsion transfer, but the film behaves differently. Black and white Polaroid film requires water that is boiling, rather than merely hot. The emulsion will start to peel after being submerged in the water for about two minutes. Instead of mounting the emulsion on soaked paper or fabric, you must place it on a surface coated with wet acrylic gel medium. The medium allows the emulsion to stick to the object. The finished transfer does not need to be heated.
Image Transfer
Image transfers move only the photographic image, not the emulsion. They require a wet substrate, usually watercolor paper, and a very fresh Polaroid photograph. Older photos have cured completely, preventing the image from lifting properly. Wear gloves while making image transfers to prevent your skin from reacting to the chemicals in the photograph. After 10 to 30 seconds, break the seal between the layers of the photograph and discard the positive. Place the negative face down on the wet substrate without sliding it. Use a printer's roller to gently press the dye from the negative into the paper. Wait two minutes, then peel off the negative. Use a paper towel to blot up any leftover chemicals and allow the print to air dry. Press the finished transfer as with a color emulsion.
Film Availability
Polaroid, the first company to create instant cameras and film, stopped producing cameras in 2007 and film in 2008. Existing film supplies can be difficult to obtain. As of November 2011, Fujifilm and the Impossible Project still provide instant film for transfers. Adobe Photoshop users can also simulate Polaroid transfer effects using that program's artistic filters.
Tags: another surface, degrees Fahrenheit, Emulsion Transfer, finished transfer, printer roller, transfers move, watercolor paper
