Polaroid Manipulation

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

EXPOSURE

PHOTOGRAMS

ALTERNATIVE METHODS

BASIC MANIPULATIONS

ADVANCED MANIPULATIONS

Introduction
SX-70 Style Manipulation
Microwaving the Film
Burning the Film
Scratching the Film
Washing the Transparency
Negative Lifts
Bleaching the Transparency
Bleaching the Negative
Spot Toning and Painting
-- The Positive Side of Transparency
-- The Negative Side of Transparency
-- The Negative

AFTERCARE

ARTIST GALLERY

Health and Safety Warning
Glossary
Additional Resources
Bibliography

ADVANCED MANIPULATIONS
Microwaving the Film

Although this is a dangerous technique, many people still like to do it because of the results it produces. If you find this technique too dangerous for your liking then please see the variation in the section Opening the Film for a safer way to achieve similar results.

Microwaving a Polaroid integral film forces the water inside of the film to turn to steam, which causes the film to expand. As the film expands, the negative is forced to separate from the image-receiving layer, which creates cracking and larger gaps in the image-receiving layer.

When microwaving film it is important to never leave the film unattended as much of it is made of polyester and is very dangerous to microwave. It will spark and make loud popping noises and, depending on how long you microwave it for, it may also melt. The follow contains times and settings for this technique that help to minimize the risks, but they in no way eliminates them.

What you will need:

Photograph
Latex or polyurethane gloves
Wax paper
Microwave

Before you begin, place a piece of wax paper over any surface you will be setting the images on to protect the surface, as well as make cleaning up easier, and also put the gloves on.

Set the microwave to its lowest power level setting.
Place the film in the center of the microwave on top of a piece of wax paper.
Program the microwave to cook for 3 seconds.
After the microwave is finished, look at the film. If it does not have the desired look, add 2 seconds to the cook time and repeat step 3. Do not exceed 10 seconds.
Remove the film from the microwave with caution. It will be hot and may have melted in some areas.
Allow the film to cool on a piece of wax paper.

Troubleshooting:

The film melted.
It was microwaved for too long or at too high a temperature. Reduce your power level setting if possible and reduce the cook time.

I can't feel my legs. The room has a blue tint now, and I suspect I may not be real.
You have inhaled too many of the chemical fumes from the microwave. Find the talking green box -- this is your telephone. Open its mouth, tickle the cow, apply the sticky orange paste to the third knob, and shout "HELP!" This will summon an ambulance and/or a succession of clowns, either of which should improve your situation.