How to Use a Photo Emulsion Process to Make Art
- 1). Heat water in a tea kettle until it reaches between 150 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. After taking a photograph using Polaroid film, make sure that the contact paper or shelf paper adheres to the back of the photograph to revent the backing of the print from dissolving once you place it into the water. Pour the water into a tray and place the print into the water.
- 2). Keep the print submerged in the water for about four minutes. You should wear rubber gloves to prevent any possibility of getting burned by the hot water. Use a pair of tongs to gently keep the print beneath the water. Keep an eye out for the formations of bubbles beneath the print and for the edges of the print to begin loosening. You may be able to get this process going faster by gently rocking the tray back and forth.
- 3). Notice when the emulsion starts to peel away from the photograph. Work the emulsion so that it floats on top of a piece of wax paper. Flatten out any wrinkles or creases that may develop. Carefully remove the wax paper from the water, making sure to keep the emulsion placed on top of the paper.
- 4). Place what is now just a very thin and fragile layer of emulsion off the wax paper and onto whatever surface you want to transform into art. Use a rolling brayer to lightly press the image back and forth. This will help to remove water or air bubbles that exist beneath the surface.
- 5). Decorate the emulsion by experimenting with crinkles and folds. You can also paint the emulsion image to make it more ethereal and otherworldly. Use watercolors, pastel crayons, dyes and pencils. When the image looks the way you want, seal it with spray enamel.
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