What is Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a printmaking method that uses UV light to expose prints on a receptive surface, such as cloth or paper, coated in a mixed solution of potassium ferricyanide and ferricammonium citrate, using only water to develop it. The mixed chemical solution produces a monochrome blue colored print. Originally discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842, Cyanotype is still widely used today.
What do I need?
✹ Paper or fabric treated with the cyanotype chemical
✹ A negative image printed on transparency film OR objects like plants, flowers, keys, etc
✹ Not necessary but acrylic sheeting can be used to place over the negative or objects to create a sharper image, especially when your image has a lot of fine detail and you’re printing on fabric. I buy all of my acrylic sheets at Columbia Art Supplies in Portland, Oregon, I haven’t had a ton of luck finding an online resource.
✹ UV !!! The sun or with special UV lights
Where do I buy supplies?
You can usually find cyanotype chemicals at your local art supply store. Please don’t support Amazon, there are sooooo many better alternatives!!! Oftentimes you can find a “sun printing kit” that comes with pre-coated paper. If not available locally, I HIGHLY recommend Dharma Trading Co! They offer a couple different options at incredible prices. You can also find a ton of other supplies on their site as well.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend purchasing a kit then you can decide if you like it and won’t have to spend a ton of time prepping printable surfaces. The most cost effective way is definitely to purchase the chemical in bulk. You can prep the separate solutions ahead of time as they are shelf stable for up to six months before mixed. Pre-coated paper and fabric has a similar shelf life but will become harder to wash out after six months. Once the two solutions are mixed, you have a little over two hours to paint the solution on your surface.If you choose to purchase just the chemical instead, you can paint the solution on paper or fabric using foam brushes.
For images, I print on inkjet transparency film. Unfortunately, the brand I love Octago no longer has a website where you can buy their products directly. I’ve gotten lucky finding some on Ebay but it looks likeMichael’s carries it too.
What should I print on?
Fabric or paper! According toJacquard, you can even print on wood.
When printing on fabric, natural fibers are going to produce the best results, cotton, wool, silk etc. When you’re first starting out, it’s better to purchase fabric second hand. I usually go to the Goodwill bins and search for things like table cloths, sheets, white shirts etc. Sheets and table cloths are great to chop up for testing
If you choose to use paper, this website provides a list of different paper you can use:
Exposure times and lights
Exposure times are going to vary greatly depending on your UV source, i.e sun vs lights. If the UV index is high for that day, 6+, exposures only take a couple of minutes. I live in Portland, Oregon where UV levels are low for the majority of the year. I invested in UV lights so I can print year round and have a more consistent exposure time. Using lights vs the sun helps minimize varied exposure times.
For example, I have around 9 meters of 395NM UV light strips set up on a 22”x24” board where exposure times are usually around 18 minutes. I purchased the UV lights through Waveform Lighting. They offer stronger lights, 365NM but they are more expensive. I do recommend purchasing the strips over the flood light as it’s a better deal IMO and can give you more options to set up your exposure area.
How do I wash cyanotype printed clothing?
Cyanotype fabrics must be laundered in cold water using non-phosphate detergents. Over-washing may also cause the print to fade. However, I’ve washed clothing using hot water a couple of times on accident and there wasn’t any serious fading after a single hot wash. Using bleach or oxy clean will ruin the print!
Okay I’m ready! What are the steps!?
Place film negative or object on cyanotype treated surface
Secure with pins and/or acrylic sheeting
Expose to UV light
Remove object or film negative from paper or fabric
Submerge exposed print in water and wash until image is visible
Hang to dry
Enjoy!!!!!
Other Resources:
Jacquard’s detailed instructions