New Cyanotype 100ml

Many of our workshops use Mike Ware's New Cyanotype chemistry for incorporating into the printmaking workflow. A cyanotype layer can be added to palladium print using the same negative that was used for the palladium print. The chemistry is a little involved to mix, so we decided to offer a pre-mixed bottle of this cyanotype formula. 

Instructions & Information

Paper

Neutral non-buffered papers work best. Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag, Revere Platinum, Arches Platine and any paper that works well will pt/pd chemistry should work with this process. 

Additives

 1 drop of 40% citric acid per 1 ml of new cyanotype will aid in clearing after exposure. Depending on the paper being used, 1-2 drops per 1 ml 5% Tween 20 will sometimes help get a smooth coating and aid absorption into the paper fibers.

Coating

A fine synthetic bristle wash brush such as the Richeson 9010 works well. The brush can be wet with distilled water before coating and given 4 sharp shakes before coating out the solution.

Drying

Allowing the coated paper to dry beneath a cool fan in a dark place is the easiest and most trouble-free approach.

Coating quantity

Roughly 0.2ml per square inch of area being coated should be sufficient. This means that an 8x10 would require 80 x 0.2, or 1.6ml of solution. This is 1/3 of a teaspoon if you are using teaspoons. These amounts will vary depending on your coating style and how far outside the image area you decide to coat.

Exposure

A fully exposed cyanotype will 'reverse' in the dark shadow areas and appear as a milky blue-gray. This is normal and they will be very dark during development.

Development

This is actually just a clearing step. Adding 1/2 tablespoon of sulfamic acid per liter in the development water will aid in clearing out the unexposed solution from the highlights. They will appear as paper-white when they are completely clear. If you want to see the final deepest blue that the print will have, add a capful of hydrogen peroxide to the clearing bath and you will see the final blue color. Alternatively, just wait a day for the dried print to turn this color as it is exposed to air.

Dilution

This formula yields a very intense deep blue that may not be appropriate for all images. The coating can be diluted with distilled water from 1:1 and 1:2 for progressively less intense maximum black(blue).

Shelf-life: 2-4 years

Safety & Warnings

Contains very small quantities of ammonium dichromate as a preservative and contrast agent. Keep away from small children and do not permit contact with eyes and skin. Wash off any small drops from hands with water. Rinse brushes used for coating thoroughly with warm water and hang to dry.