TOP TIPS THE CYANOTYPE PROCESS
Learn how to prepare, expose and develop your cyanotype paper
01 COMBINE THE CHEMICALS
The cyanotype solution is made by mixing potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate, often labelled Part A and Part B. We used a Silverprint Cyanotype kit (sadly, no longer in business). There are other options online, as well as ready-coated paper.
02 COAT THE PAPER
You can coat lots of surfaces with cyanotype solution, including textiles and natural objects. For paper, it’s best to use a heavy, acid-free cartridge or watercolour paper. Wearing protective gloves, use a foam brush to coat the paper. Aim for a thin, even coat.
03 LEAVE TO DRY
Coat the paper and leave to dry in a dark place for a few hours, ideally overnight (a hairdryer can speed up the drying). You might nd the solution is uneven, so rotate the paper occasionally. Once dry, store it in a light-proof bag until you’re ready to expose a sheet.
04 ARRANGE YOUR COMPOSITION
Arrange objects on the paper. You can create interesting sharp/blurry results by having some plants pressed at under glass and others loose on top. You can also create depth and exposure eects by moving some of the objects during the exposure.
05 EXPOSE TO LIGHT
Use daylight or a UV lamp to expose the print. Your exposure times will vary depending on the strength of the light. Under direct sunlight you may only need 30 seconds, but if it’s cloudy you may need several minutes. When the paper goes dark blue, it’s ready.
06 WASH & DRY PRINT
Once exposed, we need to wash o the light-sensitive solution. Wash under running water for at least a minute. A little vinegar mixed with the water can help to develop the print. Once washed, leave the print on a piece of scrap cardboard in a dark place until dry.