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Cyanotype print on paper

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Experience the joy of the cyanotype photographic technique – also known as sun printing – and create beautiful nature designs on watercolour paper. The resulting bright blue prints can be used as both wall decorations and postcards.

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How to do it

Video guide Get step-by-step instructions on how to make a cyanotype print on paper.

Fill the bottle with water to the top of the label 24 hours before making the cyanotype print.

Shake the bottle well to dissolve the powder completely. The liquid will hold for up to two years.

Mix the two liquids in a ratio of 1:1 by filling three pipettes of each liquid and combining them in a container. Store the liquid in a dark place and use within 2-4 hours.

How to make a cyanotype print – also known as a sun print – on watercolour paper. Wear gloves when working with the cyanotype liquid.

Use a foam brush to apply the liquid to the area of the watercolour paper to be printed. Avoid UV rays from the sun.

Allow the paper with the cyanotype mix to dry for 30-90 minutes in a dark place. For example, place it inside a box.

While it dries, you prepare the design. Create a butterfly design, for instance, with stickers and stencils that are adhered to the plastic sheet. Use adhesive tape for the parts that do not stick.

Place the design on the part of the paper with the dry cyanotype mix and place the paper on top of the thick board.

Secure with clips all around so that the design is pressed against the paper and the board. Do this in a dark place to avoid UV radiation from the sun.

Place the project in sunlight on a windowsill or outdoors. In sunshine, it takes 3-30 minutes for the colour of the cyanotype mix to change from greenish to greyish and around 4-5 hours on a cloudy day.

Remove the clips and design – you can now see the design in the cyanotype print area.

Rinse the fabric in cold water and rub off any excess colour from the paper to reveal the bright blue colour. (This method is the most gentle one for watercolour paper)

Rinse until all excess colour is removed and the water in the tub is clear (change the water around three times).

Place the paper on an absorbent surface and pat dry.

While it dries, place something heavy on the paper so it will have a nice smooth surface.

Allow the paper dry overnight under the heavy item.

Make prints with flowers and leaves from nature.

Use the foam brush to apply the mixed liquid to the area of the watercolour paper to be printed. Avoid UV rays from the sun.

Allow the paper with the cyanotype mix to dry for 30-90 minutes in a dark place. For example, place it inside a box.

While it dries, you prepare the design. For example, create a design with different leaves and flowers, which are then secured to the plastic sheet with clear tape.

Place the design against the watercolour paper on the area with the cyanotype mix, with the plastic sheet on top and thick board underneath.

Place clips around the design to press it tightly against the fabric and board. Work in a dark room to avoid UV radiation from the sun.

Place the project in sunlight on a windowsill or outdoors. In sunshine, it takes 3-30 minutes for the colour to change from greenish to greyish – and around 4-5 hours on a cloudy day.