Hi,

I've just done an emulsion lift using Polaroid 664 B&W film, which went without any problems (first time I've done it), but I also knew that the B&W emulsion doesn't stick too well to the receptor (watercolour paper). Or rather, not as well as 669.

So, my question is, how can I make sure that the emulsion sticks properly to the paper? Is it a matter of using a roller really hard? Do I use a shellac spray to makek it stick? Or something else?

The majority of the emulsion is actually OK, but a couple of the edges came 'unstuck' from the paper.

Thanks,
David.

There is a specific reason why B&W won't stick, but for the life of me, i can't remember. I do remember reading about it in the book "Polaroid Transfers..." by Kathleen Carr.

Get some artist's acrylic gesso and dilute it 50:50 with water, until it has the consistancy of light cream.

Outline where your lift is going to land on the watercolor sheet (tick marks, light line, etc).

Use a foam brush and spread the gesso mix onto the landing area. Place your lift on top of the brushed-on gesso mix. Take a little more gesso mix on the foam brush and carefully brush it on top of the lift, starting at the center and moving towards the edges. This will also get rid of any trapped air bubbles.

Allow to dry. I've done a million of these things and not one had peeled up yet.

HOWEVER, with Polaroid pulling the plug on all instant film, it may be time to pull the plug on emlusion lifts....

NWG

Except , fuji 100 wil lift, the problem is , it doesn't stick the surface of the paper when dry.

nawagi - thanks for the tip about the gesso mix, I'll get down the art shop this weekend.

ann - that's interesting, I didn't think the Fuji emulsion did lift. Can I use the same technique as with 664? (I.e. put in boiling water for 10-15 minutes?).

i don't know, i have never tried the 664 film.

the fuji film lifted very easily and i was surprised, however , i was also surprise to come back after the next day and find the emulsion floating on top of the paper. :)

Hi Ann,

Are you using FP100C (colour) or FP100B (B&W) for your lifts? I'd be especially interested in how the 100B performs...

Cheers,
David.

the only one i tested was the color version, to be honest i didn't even know about the black and white one as i have always used polariod products. someone at my local shop gave me the pack of fuji for testing , and that is the one they provided.