How to Make Colorful 3D Holograms

Holograms' colors become more vibrant with colorful metallic backing.

Holograms capture three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional medium, showing the spectrum of colors as they are rotated in light. You can make holograms from kits available online. Adding metallic film to the back of the processed holographic film sheet increases the brilliance of the colors of the hologram. After creating and processing the hologram, you can mount the hologram to the metallic film with spray adhesive. Although applying the holographic film to the metallic film is simple, creating a decent hologram to mount can be challenging.

Things You'll Need

• Room with low light
• Stable work surface
• Holograph kit
• Holograph object
• Mylar or metallic film
• Spray adhesive
• Craft knife

Instructions

1. Create the hologram on a holographic film sheet included in the kit, according to instructions. Use a kit that has film sheets rather than film plates, as the film sheets are thinner and easier to apply to metallic film.

2. Process the film sheet with the chemicals included in the kit, following the instructions provided.

3. View the hologram after the film sheet has dried. The hologram should show the object three-dimensionally and should show the full color spectrum. You may need to create multiple holograms to get a usable image.

4. Spray adhesive onto the colorful metallic film front, and onto the back of the holographic film sheet. Mount the film sheet onto the metallic film backing and press out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

5. Cut away the excess metallic film along the edge of the hologram film sheet, using a craft knife. The metallic film backing will reflect the transmitted light, shining back through the translucent holographic image and to your eye. The reflected light will amplify the inherent colors of the hologram, and the colorful pattern on the metallic film will add color to the hologram.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase metallic film that provides color but does not overpower the colors in the holographic image. Polychromatic metallic film patterns will provide a more vibrant three-dimensional hologram than film with only one color.

• Do not point the diode laser provided in the holographic kit at eyes or skin -- the powerful light could be blinding. In addition, the laser light focused through optics can burn the skin.

• Follow the directions provided in the holographic kit to avoid chemical burns from the processing chemicals. Although the diluted chemicals are safe with limited exposure, they can be harmful in concentrated amounts.

References

• Integraf LLC: How to Make Holograms
• Integraf LLC: Teaching Holography in Classrooms

Resources

• Liti Holographics
• Industrial Fiber Optics: Sandbox Holography Kit
• Integraf: Hologram Kit