Cyanotype

Over the past two years I have made at least 100 cyanotypes, probably more.  That's a whole lot of paper, since I like to work big! 

Exposing a 30x44" cyanotype outside using Pictorico film.

The basic cyanotype process is fairly simple :  

1) I purchase my chemicals in bulk from Bostick & Sullivan and mix the two solutions myself-- if you plan to make a lot of cyanotypes, this is much more cost effective than buying pre-mixed cyanotype kits.  I mix the solutions and then allow them to sit at least 24 hours before use.

2)  When ready to use, mix the two solutions together in equal amounts and stir (do this in a safe light room with no UV light).  I use a 4" foam brush to coat my paper, making sure to coat both vertically and horizontally.  Allow to dry completely.

3) Expose coated paper and imagery (whatever is being used as a "negative"-- objects, photographic transparency, etc) to sunlight for 5-45min, depending on strength of sun.

4) Rinse carefully both front and back for several minutes.  If you don't rinse well enough the white of your paper is likely to be stained yellow.

5) Allow to dry on a tilted screen in a dark room.  Tilting prevents water from puddling on the cyanotype and ruining the emulsion.

Toning is a separate process that you can do to change the color after the cyanotype has cured for at least a day. 

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Rinsing a cyanotype that I had first screenprinted with black ink.