Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tintype?
The wet plate collodion process was invented in 1851. Initially it was used to create negative images on glass plates. In the mid 1850s the process was modified to create positive images on metal – the tintype – and glass – the ambrotype.
How do you make a tintype?
A viscous liquid called collodion is poured onto a metal or glass plate. It then gets sensitized with silver solution to become light sensitive before being loaded into a film holder and exposed to create an image. The process is completed by developing the plate with a solution containing iron and then dried. The last step is to provide a varnish or acrylic to the dried plate for protection and longevity. The entire process from pouring collodion to developing must be completed before the plate dries.
How long does it take to make a tintype?
The process to create a tintype or ambrotype takes about 15 minutes from pouring the collodion to developing the images. That is followed by a 20 minute wash in clean water to make sure the chemical process has been completely stopped before drying and varnishing..
What should I wear for my tintype?
The collodion chemistry is primarily sensitive to UV light. Blues will tend to appear white in finished images while reds will appear closer to black. The images are also reversed horizontally. That means text and logos will appear backwards, so I suggest avoiding clothing with either.
How long will my tintype last?
Once your tintype has been washed, dried and coated with a protective shellac or varnish, it should last for hundreds or years.
How should I display my tintype?
Tintypes don’t need to be framed. Many of mine set up on a shelf out of direct sun. They occasionally need dusted with a dry, microfiber clothe.
Framed tintypes should be matted to avoid direct contact of the varnish layer with the glass of the picture frame
Wet plate collodion photos make great wedding anniversary gifts!
The 3rd Wedding Anniversary is glass. A collodion photo made on glass is called an ambrotype.
The 10th Wedding Anniversary is tin. A collodion photo on metal is a tintype.