Cyanotype Printing Process

The cyanotype printing process is not something I use to create work here in the UK as, let’s face it, sunshine can be pretty unreliable here, especially where I am near the Peak District hills! I do, however, run printmaking holiday art retreats in Portugal and Tuscany, Italy, where the sunshine is a little more reliable. I love to introduce cyanotype sessions there where we print onto fabric or paper. These sessions are great fun and produce some lovely results.

What You Need For Cyanotype

When creating cyanotype prints I usually use Jacquard Cyanotype Chemistry as it comes in blackout plastic bottles and it is really easy to mix. There are two bottles to fill with water. Fill each bottle to the top and shake well until the powder is mixed. Wait for 24 hours before using. If you plan to create more it may be an idea to invest in a stock of crystals rather than purchasing the bottles each time.

You will need a selection of paper or fabric. Avoid using very thin paper for cyanotype and experiment with different papers to see what works best. I use a 200gm Fabriano paper for cyanotype and I use 100% cotton for printing onto fabric. Small cotton zipped pouches are fun to use and make lovely gifts for your loved ones.

Applying The Solution

Mix together equal amounts into a glass jar. Keep this solution away from natural light. This can be used up to 24 hours once it has be mixed. Apply with a sponge brush or a paint brush. I really like using the sponge brush for applying the solution.

When coating the paper I usually do two coats. I find one coat onto fabric is enough. It is important to do this in a dark space and try out your paper and fabric without bright natural light, although having a small lamp on will help you see what you are doing!

Exposing Your Cyanotype Images

The paper or fabric is then placed in direct sunlight covered with the objects that you wish to expose onto it. Exposing your cyanotypes will vary depending on the brightness of the sun. Midday sun is best where the light is directly above. This also avoids long shadows when exposing, although this can be interesting depending on what you are trying to achieve.

Place and position your flowers and leaves etc into position onto the paper of fabric out of direct light. Move into the sun or light for the desired time. This can be anything from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

Experimenting is the key and can be lots of fun. Log your time of day and exposure times to help you next time. Remember to place your paper or fabric onto a ridged surface so it makes it easy to carry. Use glass clip frames for holding certain items in position.

Wind can be a bit of a problem sometimes! Look for the changes in colour during the exposure. A light brown/silvery colour usually means its ready. I really like moving my items during the exposure. This creates lovely variations and patterns.

Rinsing The Print Creations

A water tray is essential for washing out the excess solution after exposing. Access to a tap or hose is also a good idea to keep the water clean. There is often lots of solution that comes out so refresh the water in the tray regularly.

Fabric often needs a lot more rinsing to get the excess solution out. Plastic gloves are useful if you do not want blue hands. The solution is non-toxic but it’s always good to keep contact to a minimum. Sensitivities can develop over time.

The Science Of Cyanotype Printing

There is not an exact science with cyanotype. The key is to play and experiment with this fun technique. I love teaching this process while running my printmaking art holidays in Portugal and art holidays in Italy. The gardens in Portugal are perfect for finding items to use in the cyanotype process.

Using photographs is also a fun way of creating cyanotypes. Images need to be turned into negatives and printed onto acetate first before using. Obviously access to a computer and printer is key for this process.

Cyanotype Printing Workshops & Holidays

If you would like to learn printmaking with me I run group printmaking workshops locally as well as individual printmaking classes in my studio here in New Mills, Derbyshire. I run printmaking workshops in schools and can also travel to you for private printmaking workshops.

If you want to learn cyanotype with me, however, I only currently teach this on my art retreats in Portugal or Tuscany, Italy alongside other processes such as lino printing, drypoint printing and monoprinting.