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polaroid transfers

There are two types of Polaroid Transfers: The Image Transfer and Emulsion Transfer. Both processes start with the use of a 35mm slide (positive film) which is placed into a Polaroid Day Lab and printed onto type 669 film.

With an Image Transfer the print is processed and within 10 seconds of processing the negative is separated from the print and placed onto a sheet of acid free paper which has been soaked in warm water. The negative is burnished and rolled into the wet paper. It is soaked in warm water again for a minute or two. The paper and negative are removed from the water and a squeegee is used on the surface to remove the excess water. The negative is gently pulled away from the paper leaving the transferred image on the paper. The quality of an Image transfer is more muted and soft.

With an Emulsion Transfer the print is also made in the Day Lab and processed normally to make a print. Once the Polaroid print has dried for a minimum of 2 days it is then boiled for about 5 minutes. You will be able to see the top surface (the emulsion) starting to bubble. After it bubbles it from the boiling water it is placed in a cold water bath. In the cold water the emulsion, a skin like layer of film, is pushed away from the Polaroid back. The emulsion is floated onto a sheet of acetate and the orientation is reversed. The acetate with the emulsion is laid face down onto paper or other various surfaces. Pressure is applied to the top sheet of acetate to get the emulsion to attach to the new surface. Then the acetate can be pulled away and the emulsion remains on the new surface. The appearance of an Emulsion transfer is wavy and fluid like.

type 55 polaroid prints

There are two ways to make this type of print. First is in a 4x5 camera with a Polaroid camera back which holds the film. The other way is by exposing a slide in a Polaroid Day Lab using the same type of Polaroid back to hold the film in the lab. In either case once the exposure is made the film is processed as usual. After the directed time of development the negative is removed and placed in a sodium sulfide solution. The solution clears the image on the negative. Once dry, it can be printed with any traditional black and white printing process.