Liquid Emulsion Formula needed!

RalphLambrecht · Jan 4, 2010

Sorry if this has been asked before. I'm not a frequent visitor to this area.

Does anyone have a formula for a reasonable liquid emulsion? I'm looking for something that can be applied to thick watercolor paper with a brush and has a reasonable contrast and speed for enlargements.

Dan Williams · Jan 4, 2010

Ralph,

You might try Denise Ross's site The Light Farm I have not read everything on the site and do not know if she has a formula for enlarging speed emulsion. We met at a carbon transfer workshop run by Vaughn Hutchins. I had a chance to see some really nice contact prints she made using her emulsions; both silver and gum over silver. She has scans on the site of some of the prints I saw. She also makes dry plates and made carbon transfer prints from one of them.

PeterB · Jan 4, 2010

Hi Ralph,
In my cursory searching I haven't yet stumbled across a formula on APUG, however this search reveals some interesting APUG threads.
regards
Peter

RalphLambrecht · Jan 5, 2010

PeterB said:
Hi Ralph,
In my cursory searching I haven't yet stumbled across a formula on APUG, however this search reveals some interesting APUG threads.
regards
Peter

Dan and Peter

Many thanks for your suggestions. I'll investigate, but I'm starting to think, this is too complicated for me.

Photo Engineer · Jan 5, 2010

I have posted two formulas here on APUG. Sorry that I don't have exact references, but there is a slow speed and a high speed (contact and enlarging) version there. One similar formula is sold premade and ready to coat in 2 contrast grades by the Photographers Formulary.

So, with the references here, you can make your own, or buy a contact speed emulsion at the Formuary in 2 grades.

PE

RalphLambrecht · Jan 5, 2010

Photo Engineer said:
I have posted two formulas here on APUG. Sorry that I don't have exact references, but there is a slow speed and a high speed (contact and enlarging) version there. One similar formula is sold premade and ready to coat in 2 contrast grades by the Photographers Formulary.

So, with the references here, you can make your own, or buy a contact speed emulsion at the Formuary in 2 grades.

PE

PE

Any idea on how I would find them? Keywords?

Photo Engineer · Jan 5, 2010

"A Real Formula" was the title of one thread, and "Bruce Kahn" was a key word in another. The first is a fast emulsion and the second is an Azo type originated by my friend Bruce, who gave me permission to post it. That latter emulsion is used at RIT for teaching emulsion making. I have refined it considerably in the version the Formulary has.

PE

jeffreyg · Jan 5, 2010

If platinum/palladium emulsion is of interest, I have a suggestion but I'm not at home now. I could post it later if there is any interest.

Photo Engineer · Jan 5, 2010

jeffreyg said:
If platinum/palladium emulsion is of interest, I have a suggestion but I'm not at home now. I could post it later if there is any interest.

Jeffrey;

I take it that emulsion refers to any Silver halide crystal in gelatin. Other preparations are, by the definition of the terms used, not emulsions. This is no criticism, but is meant to clarify for those who ask the question.

Pt/Pd are liquids mixed and spread on a support. They do not form an emulsion or dispersion AFAIK, and in fact, some formulations of Pt/Pd are not compatible with gelatin.

PE

RalphLambrecht · Jan 5, 2010

jeffreyg said:
If platinum/palladium emulsion is of interest, I have a suggestion but I'm not at home now. I could post it later if there is any interest.

Many thanks, but I am indeed interested in a silver-gelatin emulsion.

removed account4 · Jan 5, 2010

hi ralph

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

there is a whole forum dedicated to emulsion making.
there are a few stickies that may be of interest

good luck!
john

dwross · Jan 5, 2010

RalphLambrecht said:
Dan and Peter

Many thanks for your suggestions. I'll investigate, but I'm starting to think, this is too complicated for me.

I suspect you have all the brain power needed to make your own emulsions . Not complicated. Cooking up an emulsion is right there with baking a loaf of bread. I did both this morning, and I'm just about to make a sandwich with my bread and then go print on my paper. Really, it's that simple. An added boon in the last couple of years is all the recipe options publicly available. Invest in a few tools and materials, start with one recipe and work your way through a couple more. A little practice will banish any intimidated thoughts.

Make fun,
d

Ray Rogers · Jan 6, 2010

Photo Engineer said:
I have refined it considerably in the version the Formulary has.
PE

To what end?

Liquid Emulsion Formula needed!

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