Rollei Black Magic RBM3 Emulsion: Coating Your Own Paper
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Guides pratiques
Learn how to coat your own darkroom paper with Rollei Black Magic RBM3 emulsion. A step-by-step guide to variable contrast liquid emulsion for hand-coated prints.
Quick answer
To coat your own paper with Rollei Black Magic RBM3 emulsion, work under safelight, warm the emulsion, apply a thin even layer with a brush or rod, let it set, then expose and develop as usual. The key is to keep the coating thin and consistent for predictable variable contrast results.
Why use a liquid emulsion instead of ready-made paper?
Coating your own paper gives you control over the substrate, coating thickness, and final look. You can print on papers that are no longer manufactured, experiment with texture, or create one-of-a-kind pieces. Rollei Black Magic RBM3 is a variable contrast emulsion, meaning you can adjust contrast with filters during exposure, much like with conventional VC papers. This flexibility makes it a good choice for hand-coated darkroom paper projects where you want to fine-tune the tonal range.
What you need before you start
Gather your materials: Rollei Black Magic RBM3 emulsion, a substrate (paper, glass, or other surfaces), a coating tool (brush, rod, or sponge), a darkroom safelight suitable for emulsion work, a warm water bath for the emulsion bottle, and standard processing chemicals. Work in a dimly lit room and ensure your safelight is safe for the emulsion—test a small strip first. Keep the workspace clean and dust-free to avoid artifacts.
Coating thickness and contrast
Thicker coatings can increase density and slightly reduce contrast, while thinner coatings may yield more contrast but risk unevenness. For variable contrast work, aim for a consistent thin coat so that filters behave predictably. Practice on scrap paper to find the right coating weight for your intended contrast. Note that the emulsion's speed and contrast may differ from standard papers, so calibrate your exposure and development times with test strips.
Step-by-step coating process
- Prepare the emulsion: Place the emulsion bottle in a warm water bath (around 40–50°C) until it becomes fluid. Do not shake vigorously; stir gently to avoid bubbles. Check that the emulsion is uniformly melted with no lumps before coating.
- Set up your workspace: Work under a safelight safe for black-and-white emulsions. Cover your work surface with newspaper or plastic sheeting. Have your substrate, coating tool, and a level surface ready. Test your safelight with a small piece of coated paper to ensure it doesn't fog.
- Apply a thin, even coat: Pour a small amount of emulsion onto the substrate and spread it quickly with a brush or coating rod. Use light, overlapping strokes in one direction, then smooth in the perpendicular direction. Aim for a thin, uniform layer. Avoid overbrushing, which can cause bubbles and uneven drying.
- Dry the coating: Leave the coated substrate in a dark, dust-free area until completely dry. A hairdryer on cool setting can speed drying, but keep it at a distance to avoid dust or uneven drying. Ensure the coating is fully dry before exposure; tacky emulsion can stick to negatives.
- Expose and develop: Expose the dry coated paper under your enlarger or contact frame. Use VC filters to adjust contrast. Develop according to the emulsion's instructions or your standard paper developer, then fix, wash, and dry as usual. Run a test strip first to determine correct exposure and contrast.
Product facts
- Rollei Black Magic RBM3 Emulsion - VC 300ml: Rollei Black Magic RBM3 is a variable contrast emulsion that can be coated onto glass, wood, textile, ceramics, metal, stone, and plastics. This versatility lets you experiment with unconventional substrates while still controlling contrast through filtration.
Rollei Black Magic RBM3 Emulsion - VC 300ml
