Pixel Tracking

Our deadline for delivery and click and collect before Christmas has passed. Come in to store for those last minute gifts.

  • Home /
  • Blog List /
  • Explore the Magic of Cyanotype Printing: Create Beautiful Blue Prints at Home!

Explore the Magic of Cyanotype Printing: Create Beautiful Blue Prints at Home!

Date: 05-08-2024
News, Tips & Info

 

Cyanotype is a historic photographic process that allows you to create stunning blueprints and photographic art using just sunlight, chemicals, and your imagination. First discovered in 1842, this process has stood the test of time, offering artists a unique way to capture beautiful monochrome prints with a striking blue hue.

How Does It Work? Cyanotype involves two key chemicals—ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide—that, when combined with water, become light-sensitive. By exposing the sensitized paper or surface to sunlight, you can create captivating prints from objects or digital images. The exposed areas turn bronze, leaving behind a beautiful blue design. It’s a simple yet fascinating process, perfect for photographers, artists, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Jacquard Cyanotype Kit Instructions (Click to read full instructions)

  1. Mixing the Sensitizer:

    • Mix equal parts of Stock Solution A and B (Potassium Ferricyanide and Ferric Ammonium Citrate) to create your Cyanotype Sensitizer.
    • Shake well, and allow the solution to fully dissolve for 24 hours. Store for up to 1 year.

  2. Coating the Surface:

    • In a dimly lit area, use the provided Hake Brush to apply a thin layer of the sensitizer to your chosen surface—paper, fabric, wood, or canvas.
    • Allow it to dry for 24 hours in a dark place. The Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag Fine Art Paper works best for vibrant prints, but feel free to experiment with other materials.

  3. Creating Your Print:

    • Once your surface is dry, place objects on the coated paper or use a photo negative (printed on SolarFast Film) to create a photo-based print.
    • Expose the print to sunlight for 10-20 minutes. Objects that cast a shadow will leave beautiful impressions in the final print.

  4. Rinsing and Developing:

    • After exposure, rinse your print in water for at least 5 minutes, changing the water until it runs clear.
    • For a faster tonal depth, add a drop of hydrogen peroxide to the rinse. Let your print dry for 24-48 hours—watch as the blue deepens and becomes richer over time.

Whether you're capturing the world around you or expressing your creativity through a photo negative, the Jacquard Cyanotype Kit opens up endless possibilities. Explore the process, experiment with different materials, and let the sun do its magic!

printmaking cyanotype blue