by Linda Pratt
You can transfer a photo or snapshot from a negative onto wood, cloth, paper, etc. All printing is done from the negative not from the photo. Prepare two simple solutions as follows:
SOLUTION 1
Dissolve in 6 fluid ounces of distilled water: 1/4 ounce of Silver Nitrate 1/4 ounce of Ferric Ammonium Citrate 1/4 ounce of Citric Acid Stir until dissolved and pour the contents into a dark bottle until ready to use.
SOLUTION 2
Dissolve 1/4 ounce Sodium Thiosulphate in 10 ounces of water. Bottle until ready to use.
Place the picture exactly where you want it, then mark around it with chalk or something that will easily wash out. Now take a piece of cotton, saturate it in Solution No. 1 and spread the solution evenly over the spot where the picture is to be printed. If you are printing on cloth, it will be a good idea to stretch the cloth over a piece of glass and hold it in place with spring type clothespins.
Now take a piece of heavy wrapping paper and make a frame for the picture, cutting a hole just the size you want the picture to be. Place this frame over the negative and old it all down tight with another piece of glass. If you can clamp the two pieces of glass together with clothespins, so much the better.
When you have it all prepared and held firmly together, expose it to bright sunlight for several minutes, then remove the glass, the frame and the negative. Apply Solution No. 2 to the printed area, and soak it good for about one minute. This application of the second solution "fixes" the picture and prevents it from fading out later when exposed to light. Rinse the surface in clean water and allow to dry.
When you have familiarized yourself with these simple directions you will have no trouble in producing remarkable results that will amaze your friends, and enable you to prepare many unusual items for gifts, etc.
You should be able to purchase all the above ingredients at any good wholesale drug company or photographic supply house.
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