A method of creating a fluid layer in the micrometer range includes transferring a fluid between substrates and forming a fluid layer. A surface energy of a first substrate releasing the fluid is higher than a surface energy of a fluid on the first substrate to create a first fluid deposit on the first substrate. A surface energy of a second substrate accepting the fluid is lower than a surface energy of a fluid on the second substrate to create a second fluid deposit on the second substrate that is reduced as compared to the first fluid deposit. A surface energy of a third substrate accepting the fluid is higher than a surface energy of a fluid on the third substrate to create a substantially homogeneous third fluid deposit on the third substrate that forms the fluid layer.