Determine the Emulsion Side of Dry Process Film
Complete this test once, and take the guess work out of each time you pull from your process film box.
When you remove the first process film sheet from the box, make sure you pay attention to which side was facing up. Make a small mark with a Sharpie on that side before examining the sheet itself. Then, hold the sheet close under a yellow light and look at both surfaces. The side with the stiffer, clear cover sheet will be highly reflective, while the emulsion side is duller and has a slight texture if you look closely.
Once you identify the emulsion side, check if it has the mark on it or not. If the mark is on the top surface, you know to mark your box with the note that the emulsion side faces up in the box, eliminating future guess work. If you are not totally convinced you picked the correct side, make a small sample to be sure.
-Ruth Dobbins, EtchMaster
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