Polaroid Processing

I sometimes have trouble guessing the ambient temperature when

making Polaroid test-prints outdoors, so that I can get the

processing time right. I was thinking that one of those little

stick-on liquid-crystal thermometers might work well but don't

know where to find one. Anyone know where they can be had, or

have some other approach?

 

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Also, I have a question relating to Polaroid transfer. I'm a

novice at this and tried it the other day. My results were rather

poor, but partly because of some confusion I have. I noticed that

when I peel away the Polaroid from the transfer paper, that there

are two kinds of transfer that seem to be happening. Some of the

dyes have transfered to the wet transfer paper, but also a sticky

layer of emulsion tends to pull off the Polaroid and stick to the

paper. Some of it usually stays on the paper and some on the

Polaroid, resulting in a bit of a mess. My question is, is this

emulsion supposed to come entirely off the Polaroid onto the transfer

print? Or are just the dyes suppose to be transfered. Help!

 

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Thanks - Marc

You stick the negative onto the paper, not the print. You also do it after about 10 seconds, not the full development time. Just count to ten, rip and slap. Then rub the back of the negative with a spoon or a finger and peal slowly after about a minute. I've done some on wet silk that really look nice. Polaroid will send you a neat little book on how to do it. Call them at 800-343-5000. Good luck

My suggestion would be to use 140 lb hot press watercolor paper.

You can do this with the paper either wet or dry, depending on the

effect you want to achieve. I would also suggest peeling the negative

away after only five seconds if you notice that the red is not transferring properly.

 

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Good luck,

 

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Athanasios Tom Seliotis

The paper that you use will make a difference on the results. Try Arches hot pressed 140lb and let the transfer stay on the paper for 2 minutes. Keep the transfer warm during the transfer process with hair dryer......lightly over the back of the print (negative). Not too hot, and not too forceful. Then, place the entire transfer and neg. sandwich into a tray of warm water, and peel very slowly.

There are some good books on the precess, Kathleen Thurmond-Karr(spelling?) has a new book out, as well as some publications from polaroid. Check out their web site polaroid.com.

Experimentation ans persistance will pay off well.