How to Print Photographs in the Sun Using the Classic Cyanotype Process
Choose a formula., Mix the chemicals., Prepare the canvas., Printing the cyanotype., Processing and drying.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a formula.
This recipe makes approximately 50 8x10 inch prints.
The cyanotype is made up of two simple solutions:
Solution A: 25 grams (0.88 oz) Ferric ammonium citrate (green) and 100 ml. water.
Solution B: 10 grams (0.35 oz) Potassium ferricyanide and 100 ml. water. -
Step 2: Mix the chemicals.
The cyanotype is made up of two simple solutions.
Potassium ferricyanide and Ferric ammonium citrate (green) are mixed with water separately.
The two solutions are then blended together in equal parts.
Dissolve the chemicals in water to make two separate solutions.
Add Ammonium ferric citrate to water into one container and Potassium ferricyanide to water in another.
Stir with a plastic spoon until the chemicals dissolve.
Mix equal quantities of each solution together in a third container.
Unused solutions can be stored separately in brown bottles away from light, but will not last very long once they have been mixed.
Dispose of any unused chemicals in a sensible and environmentally friendly way! , Using a brush, simply paint the chemicals onto the material.
Paper, card, textiles or any natural material can be used to print on.
Decide how big your print is going to be, and cut your material to size.
Make sure your working area is dimly lit, or lit with a low-level tungsten bulb.
Once the material is coated, leave it to dry in the dark. , Print a cyanotype by placing your negative (to reproduce a photograph) or object (to make a photogram) in contact with your coated paper or fabric.
Sandwich it with a piece of glass.
Expose the sandwich to UV light.
Natural sunlight is the traditional light source, but UV lamps can also be used.
A photogram can also be made by placing items on the surface.
Plants, decorative items or other objects can be used to create silhouettes or interesting shapes.
Exposure times can vary from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how strong your light source is or the season where you are printing. , When the print has been exposed, process your print by rinsing it in cold water.
The wash also removes any unexposed chemicals.
Wash for at least 5 minutes, until all chemicals are removed and the water runs clear.
Oxidation is also hastened this way
- bringing out the blue color.
The final print can now be hung to dry and be admired. -
Step 3: Prepare the canvas.
-
Step 4: Printing the cyanotype.
-
Step 5: Processing and drying.
Detailed Guide
This recipe makes approximately 50 8x10 inch prints.
The cyanotype is made up of two simple solutions:
Solution A: 25 grams (0.88 oz) Ferric ammonium citrate (green) and 100 ml. water.
Solution B: 10 grams (0.35 oz) Potassium ferricyanide and 100 ml. water.
The cyanotype is made up of two simple solutions.
Potassium ferricyanide and Ferric ammonium citrate (green) are mixed with water separately.
The two solutions are then blended together in equal parts.
Dissolve the chemicals in water to make two separate solutions.
Add Ammonium ferric citrate to water into one container and Potassium ferricyanide to water in another.
Stir with a plastic spoon until the chemicals dissolve.
Mix equal quantities of each solution together in a third container.
Unused solutions can be stored separately in brown bottles away from light, but will not last very long once they have been mixed.
Dispose of any unused chemicals in a sensible and environmentally friendly way! , Using a brush, simply paint the chemicals onto the material.
Paper, card, textiles or any natural material can be used to print on.
Decide how big your print is going to be, and cut your material to size.
Make sure your working area is dimly lit, or lit with a low-level tungsten bulb.
Once the material is coated, leave it to dry in the dark. , Print a cyanotype by placing your negative (to reproduce a photograph) or object (to make a photogram) in contact with your coated paper or fabric.
Sandwich it with a piece of glass.
Expose the sandwich to UV light.
Natural sunlight is the traditional light source, but UV lamps can also be used.
A photogram can also be made by placing items on the surface.
Plants, decorative items or other objects can be used to create silhouettes or interesting shapes.
Exposure times can vary from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how strong your light source is or the season where you are printing. , When the print has been exposed, process your print by rinsing it in cold water.
The wash also removes any unexposed chemicals.
Wash for at least 5 minutes, until all chemicals are removed and the water runs clear.
Oxidation is also hastened this way
- bringing out the blue color.
The final print can now be hung to dry and be admired.
About the Author
Betty Howard
Writer and educator with a focus on practical lifestyle knowledge.
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