So! How do I make a cyanotype then?
Hi there! In this short tutorial, we will learn how to make a cyanotype like the one above. A Cyanotype is a wonderful 19th-century process invented for copying scientific journals, now repurposed for us to enjoy creating art. We will mix the required chemicals (DONT PANIC!), coat the paper, then compose our image, expose it to light, and finally develop it. All in easy to follow steps.
Lets get started.
Preparing the Chemicals.
For this section, we will need to gather some things together and create a tranquil space where we can get some peace and quiet. It is possible there may be some spillage so I always do this part on a non-stick baking tray. Any surface will do, just make sure that you can wipe up any liquid or powders you spill safely, kitchen towel or paper is fine.
This stage can be completed under normal (incandescent/tungsten) light. Fluorescent or UV light sources should be avoided.
Potassium Ferricyanide (PF)
Ferric Ammonium Citrate (FAC)
De-ionised/distilled water
Scales (which can measure in tenths of a gram)
A measuring jug or beaker (which can measure in 1ml increments)
A teaspoon (plastic)
Two small brown screwtop bottles. (plastic or glass)
Three cups. (plastic disposables are great)
One syringe or pipette.
A small plastic tub. (I use an old takeaway tub)
Coating the Paper
Now is a good time to clear up your workspace. Some of the equipment you have been using up to this point will not be needed until you have to mix more solution.
You will need the following items for this segment.
The working solution.
A clean syringe or pipette.
A brush. There are a few options here but essentially you are choosing between a foam brush (super affordable from a craft store or online source) or a wide (50mm or so) soft, fine bristle paint brush. I use a hake brush which is perfect for coating surfaces smoothly and evenly.
Paper. Don’t get into a conversation with a cyanotype artist about paper unless you have a very long time and infinite patience. Find one that is acid free and has a surface texture you like and be prepared to experiment a bit. I have used dozens of different types and currently prefer Hahnemuhle platinum rag. It is heavy weight 300gsm, is acid free and 100% cotton. It works beautifully, and consistantly.
Exposing the Image.
The next phase is where the cyanotype chemical infused paper is exposed to UV light to create your image.
Depending on where you are in the world this could be a simple as taking the whole assemblage outside into the sunlight. Happy days. Regrettably we cannot always rely on the sun (I live in Scotland so can pretty much rely on the lack thereof). The method shown will use a UV light source. These are readily available, and relatively inexpensive, especially if you go homemade. Specification can get very technical if you want to deep dive, but mine works great and is a 50W LED blacklight stuck to a cardboard bow with a hole cut in it! Total cost £50.00. This allows me a short, 10 minute development time, with the payoff being I can only create images up to 20X15cm (8”X6”). Longer development times and more coverage could be achieved by increasing the distance from the light to the paper surface (using a taller box).
