Cyanotypes

This process has been around since the 1800’s and is an alternative photographic process known for its cyan blue or “Prussian” colour. It is based on a chemical reaction involving UV light. Ferric Ammonium Citrate and Potassium Ferricyanide are combined to produce a light sensitive mixture that is applied to a substrate; ideally, a cotton-based paper or fabric.

Materials

1.    Pre-prepared paper (in dark zip locked bag)

                              or - Ferric Ammonium Citrate and  Potassium Ferricyanide

                              mixed in equal amounts

                        and - cotton based paper

2.      UV light source – Sunlight or UV light if working indoors

3.      Gloves to protect your hands from staining when applying solution and from the chemical when you are rinsing.

 

Preparation

1.      Gather plant materials or items to be used and plan displays ahead of time – before taking prepared paper from dark storage.

2.      If you are making your own papers with a newly mixed solution, do this in a darkened room (no daylight or diffused daylight), use a sponge brush and let the paper dry for 24 hours in a dark location.

3.      When you know how you want your items displayed, place prepared paper on a piece of cardboard that is larger than the paper, place your items on the paper in the manner you wish, cover them with a piece of acetate, plexi or glass and clamp or tape down securely against possible movement by wind.  The flatter your botanical pieces are the better your results will be.

4.      Make sure the glass/acetate/plexi is larger than your paper.  You don’t want the clamps or tape to show on your page.

5.      Work on one at a time until you see how the exposure time works for the items you’ve gathered.

 

Exposure

1.      Exposure can vary depending upon conditions. The pre-prepared paper requires 10-20 minutes depending on the sun conditions and the thickness of the botanical materials.

2.      Paper coated with solution can vary from 5 minutes to 20 + minutes depending upon conditions.

Development

1.      After being exposed the print needs to be rinsed in water for several minutes until the water runs clear.  The pre-prepared paper does not need quite as much rinsing as freshly coated paper.

2.      You can rinse under running water or rinsed in a basin of water for a minute or so, gently swishing the prints around.  Try to handle them by the edges of the paper, or on the palm of your hand.  Note:  Use gloves – you are rinsing chemicals from the paper.

3.      You can hang them to dry out of direct light or lay them on a drying rack.  I lay mine on absorbent cloth on a shelf in a darkened room.

4.      *Adding some Hydrogen Peroxide to your rinse water will deepen the blue of your prints.

 

Demo video – my experiments using the same paper that is in your kit

Reference Videos (a few of the videos that I found helpful getting started)

Cyanotype prints for beginners | National Museums Liverpool

(180) Advanced cyanotype prints - YouTube

How to Cyanotype Print on Paper by Daisy Bow Craft

 

Jacquard makes the chemicals (in a kit) if you are interested in trying to prepare your own paper or fabric for cyanotype printing.

 

If you are interested in continuing to print over the winter and would like to do it inside

Make an Easy Indoor Exposure Light for Cyanotype Printing - Barb

 

Eco Friendly Sun Printing Using Turmeric

Turmeric is an orange yellow coloured spice. Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, is known for its long-time use as a fabric dye.

It is also a photosensitizer. That means it reacts when exposed to light. This allows us to use it in anthotype printing. Anthotype printing means using plant products and exposing them to the sun to produce images on materials like paper and cloth – also known as sun prints.

What you’ll need:

Turmeric (about a teaspoon) 5 ml

Isopropyl alcohol (3Tablespoons) 45 ml

Filter (cloth, cheesecloth or coffee filter)

Container for filtered liquid

Container to mix ingredients

Cheap paintbrush (it’s going to get stained)

Paper strong enough to withstand getting wet

Tray with water

Borax or baking soda to neutralize process  (will be added to water in tray)

Glass, cardboard, clamps

Botanical specimens for printing

 

Process:

1.      Wear gloves and apron to protect hands and clothes from staining.

2.      Mix turmeric, alcohol together

3.      Filter mixed ingredients through cloth or coffee filter into clean jar

4.      Use paint brush to paint filtered solution onto paper and allow to dry for about 15 minutes.

5.      Arrange botanicals on paper placed on cardboard and cover with glass

6.      Clamp glass into place

7.      Place into direct sunlight and leave for 4 -5 hours or more depending on the intensity of the sun and time of year.

8.      Add 2 teaspoons of Borax or Baking soda per 1/2 cup warm water in tray to neutralize reaction

9.      Soak paper after exposure for up to a minute

10.  Rinse in clean water

11.  Dry on paper towel or hang to dry (note these prints can fade over time so store in dark area)

Sun Printing with Turmeric - DIY Turmeric Anthotypes