Printing photos on glass: Need lacquer!

Question

I print photographs onto glass and porcelain surfaces in the dark room. Recently, a lot of people have been asking to buy them, but with the chemicals involved, it would not be food safe. Also, the photos would scrape off with use. What kind of lacquer or finish can I use that would be safe for coating the plates, glasses, etc?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You are going to have to experiment with things.  Tintypes in days past were coated with a shellac.  You can get a clear shellac either in a spray can or in a quart can for brushing.  You could try to use a clear lacquer, which is available also in spray cans.

Depending upon what emulsions you are using, you will have to experiment with these things to figure out if they damage your print.  The advantage of lacquer and shellac is that they dry almost at once whereas Varnish takes a long time to dry, thus giving every bug in the world a chance to light on your work.  

I don't know if you know the word for what you are doing, but it is ambrotype