Polaroid Image Transfer process 3 - Post Exposure Processing

After the exposure is made, slide back the film holder and then prepare the paper. I have been using the gelatin soak method for some time now, as I find it enhances the sensitivity of the image and the color saturation. This method, described by Polaroid in their Image Transfer procedure notes, involves using standard dietary Knox gelatin packages in warm water. Mix the gelatin using the package instructions, using distilled water. Also add a small amount of Photo-Flo. I have a temperature regulated bath at 100 degrees to hold the gelatin solution and I soak the paper (usually Arches 400 lb hot press but I use a variety of other papers as well) for two minutes. After a brief drain and a fairly light squeegee to remove surface water, this paper goes to a warming tray alsoheld at about 100 degrees (you can find these kind of electric warming trays in thrift stores – put an in-line rheostat on it to control the heat level) to stay warm.

Quickly now (before the paper begins to dry out), pull the Polaroid through the rollers of the holder/processor. It is important to pull with a very straight, firm, rapid action to ensure that the chemistry from the pods is distributed evenly over the film/receiver surface. Using a timer, be prepared to separate the two sections after about 12 seconds. This is near the minimum safe time. You can let the materials stay in contact a bit longer if the image is somewhat dark or there are very dense areas to the image. The longer you wait before you separate the two the lighter and more washed-out the final transfer will be.

As soon as you separate the two sections, cut the metal tab off the end and place the negative on the prepared, warm paper. I use a soft rag rather than a roller to ensure that the two are making good contact. I found that the roller tended to cause part of the image to blur or smear sometimes. Using a circular motion, wipe the back of the negative, keeping the paper with its back on the warming tray. The heat helps to keep the dyes mobile and to faciltate the transfer of the gelatin matrix. This is probably also the reason that presoaking the paper in a gelatin solution helps so much—it is compatible with the chemical environment for the dyes.

The next step is to apply pressure to complete the transfer. Make a block of wood slightly larger than the film format. I also use a folded-up paper towel to serve as a cushion or platen between the wood and the Polaroid. Keeping the whole sandwich still on the warming tray, apply even pressure for 2-4 minutes. Any longer than that and there is a chance the paper will begin drying out too much. Finally, the separtion of the negative and the paper is done.

Polaroid Image Transfer process 4 - Troubleshooting Problems and Final Notes