Next, the plate should be placed in a large basin of clean water with the collodion side downwards. If the collodion film has previously been cut properly around the edges, it will soon separate from the plate, which may be removed, leaving the collodion film floating in the water.
Meanwhile, the enameled metal plate, which has been prepared exactly the same as is done for enamel painting, should be cleaned with a soda solution to free it from all grease. It should now be placed upon a wire support and carefully brought under the floating film which can be deposited gently on the enameled surface by means of a soft brush. The plate should then be taken slowly out of the water and the overlapping parts of the film should be turned under the edges of the plate, after which it should be put on a piece of white blotting paper to dry.
If any air bubbles appear under the film, they should be brushed very gently with a soft, wet brush towards the edge of the plate, where they will do no harm. If this does not prove successful, the bubbles may be opened with a needle, after which the air may be pressed out with a wad of soft paper.
When the plate with the collodion film on it is perfectly dry, the collodion should be removed by placing the plate in a dish of concentrated sulphuric acid. Within a few minutes the collodion will entirely dissolve. When this has taken place, a brownish ring will appear around the plate, whereupon the plate should be removed at once and put in a large basin of clean water. Finally, it should be submerged in a weak solution of ammonia (one ounce of ammonia to a quart of water), which will neutralize the last traces of the acid, after which it should be left on a piece of blotting paper to dry.
The picture may now be retouched just as photographers retouch ordinary photographs, only the same enamel paint should be used that was used in the powdering process. After the retouching, the plate may be fired in a muffle, just as is an ordinary enamel painting, and then covered with a layer of fondant. The finished photograph may, however, be painted with enamel paints if the enameler desires to make a colored photograph.
WHERE ENAMELERS’ SUPPLIES CAN BE OBTAINED
ENAMELS, Howard M. Chapin, 84 Keene St., Providence.
ENAMEL PAINTS, Wadsworth, Howland Co., Boston.
FURNACES, Simplex Tool and Supply Co., Boston.