Glass for Emulsion Lifts?

[bvy]

I'm looking to do some work with glass -- specifically Polaroid emulsion lifts on to glass. I'm wondering if certain types of glass are better than others -- I'm thinking in terms of composition, durability, thickness, texture, etc. I can get old 8x10 frames from Goodwill for a dollar or two each, and reclaim and clean up the glass, but I tend to think this isn't the best thing. I wonder, too, if a frosted or anti-glare glass is better. At a minimum, I would use emery paper to smooth the edges. Thoughts? Thank you.

 

[dwross]

Very old framing glass is usually excellent for glass negatives. It's often thinner than framing glass today and fits into the really old plate holders,
but it's delicate. If you want something that resists breaking there are many thickness options from a glass shop. 3/16 or 1/4 inch. The edges on 1/4" can be smoothed almost round. A transfer on that would feel like an object. The thicker the glass, though, the denser the 'glass green' color gets, so there are trade-offs. There's colorless glass, but that is expensive. Clear glass tiles might be an affordable way to go and you should be able to find those discount. Good luck. It sounds like a lovely project.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

It's been a while since I did Polaroid emulsion lifts, but from my experience, sometimes the glass edge is too sharp and it ends up damaging or cutting the emulsion. Also, I wouldn't get a sheet bigger than you need. For me, the glass is a temporary holding place until transfer the emulsion on to paper. The final manipulation is on the paper.

 

[bvy]

Thanks. I'm already doing emulsion lifts to watercolor paper, and they're very nice. I'm looking for something more three-dimensional -- or, as dwross put it, something that feels like an object. I see these being displayed on small easels in strong natural light or against a backing (suggestions?) that will add some depth. I'm working with Spectra and 8x10, and these would be for portraits.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I wonder if white translucent plexiglass will work? Same stuff used for light tables. I'd imagine the surface would have to have a tooth so the emulsion wouldn't flake off.

 

[bvy]

I wonder if white translucent plexiglass will work? Same stuff used for light tables. I'd imagine the surface would have to have a tooth so the emulsion wouldn't flake off.

That's a good point. I have some frosted (glare-resistant) glass that I've been working with, only because I like the look of it. But it sounds like it might have practical advantages too...

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Might work

That's a good point. I have some frosted (glare-resistant) glass that I've been working with, only because I like the look of it. But it sounds like it might have practical advantages too...

Glass has more class then plastic. But look out for a possible green cast.