Why Cyanotype Printing is the Trendiest Way to Make Sun-Art Prints

Why Cyanotype Printing is the Trendiest Way to Make Sun-art Prints

Hey there, craft friends! 👋 Have you ever stared at a blank piece of paper, or a plain canvas, feeling totally stumped for what to create next?

I know that feeling. It's like you want to make something beautiful, something unique, but all the usual crafts just aren't sparking joy anymore. You scroll through endless feeds, but everything feels a little... done.

Well, what if I told you there’s a super cool, surprisingly simple way to make art using nothing but sunshine, water, and a few basic chemicals?

We're talking about cyanotype printing today! I'm going to walk you through why it’s become my latest obsession, how to get started, and even the funny little mistakes I made along the way so you don't have to.

Why This Actually Matters

In a world full of mass-produced everything, there’s something incredibly special about creating art that literally can't be replicated. Every cyanotype print is a one-of-a-kind, made by the sun itself.

It’s not just a craft; it's an experience. You're experimenting with light, shadow, and chemistry, making something totally unique from natural elements.

Last spring, I spent a whole afternoon in my backyard, just playing with leaves and flowers. Watching the sun transform plain paper into a vibrant blue masterpiece was genuinely magical.

It was a slow, mindful process that pulled me away from screens and into the moment. That feeling of surprise and wonder when you pull your first print from the water? Seriously, it's priceless.

What Even is Cyanotype? the Basics

Alright, so let's break down this fancy-sounding process. At its heart, cyanotype is an old photographic printing process that uses two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.

When these two solutions are mixed and applied to a surface – like paper or fabric – they create a light-sensitive coating. This coating is yellow-green at first, but here’s where the magic happens.

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, like the sun, the chemicals react and turn blue. Any areas that are blocked from the light, say by a leaf or a cool object, stay white (or the original color of your paper).

After exposure, you simply rinse the print in water. This washes away the unexposed chemicals, fixing the image and deepening that signature Prussian blue color. It’s pretty neat, right?

A Little History Lesson (the Fun Kind)

This isn't some brand-new trend, actually. Cyanotype was invented way back in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, a brilliant English scientist.

But the real superstar who made it famous was Anna Atkins, a botanist and photographer. She used cyanotype to create stunning "photograms" of plants.

Her work, "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," published in 1843, is considered the first book ever illustrated with photographic images.

Imagine that! She was making sun prints of seaweed over 180 years ago. It just goes to show you some brilliant ideas really do stand the test of time.

Why It’s So Beginner-friendly

Okay, so chemistry might sound intimidating, but I promise it's not. Here's why cyanotype is perfect for anyone, even if you think you're "not artistic":

• Minimal Equipment - You mostly just need the chemicals, paper, sunlight, and water. No fancy darkroom required!
• Affordable Start-Up - You can grab a starter kit for under $20, or even just buy pre-coated paper to get a feel for it.
• Forgiving Process - It's pretty hard to "mess up" completely. Even partial exposures or unique washes can create cool, abstract effects.
• Natural Elements - Leaves, flowers, feathers, even small pebbles – anything opaque or semi-transparent can make an interesting print.
• Instant Gratification - The exposure time is quick, and watching the blue develop in the water is incredibly satisfying.

How to Actually do It: Your First Cyanotype

Alright, ready to roll up your sleeves? Let's make some sun art. I’m going to walk you through the process, just like I did my first few times.

Seriously, don't overthink this. The first time I tried, I just grabbed some leaves from my yard and a few old buttons. It was messy, but so much fun!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies (and Your Enthusiasm!)

First things first, you'll need your cyanotype chemicals or pre-coated paper. I usually buy a kit from a craft store or online because it takes the guesswork out of mixing.

You’ll also need paper (watercolor paper works great!), a paintbrush or sponge brush, a tray or tub for rinsing, and a clear piece of glass or acrylic sheet (like from a picture frame) to hold your objects down.

Most importantly, collect your "negatives" – the objects you want to print. Think leaves, flowers, lace, feathers, keys, paper cutouts. Anything that will block the light!

Step 2: Prepare Your Paper (or Fabric!)

If you're using a kit, mix your two solutions according to the instructions. They usually come as separate powders you mix with water, or liquids you combine.

Now, this part needs to happen in a dimly lit area – no direct sunlight! I usually do this in my garage with the main light off and just a small lamp providing indirect light.

Carefully brush the mixed solution onto your paper or fabric. Try to get an even coat, but don’t worry if it's not perfect; sometimes those brushstrokes add character!

Step 3: Let It Dry in the Dark

Once your paper is coated, you need to let it dry completely. Again, this is super important: it has to dry in a dark place.

I usually hang mine on a line with clothespins in a dark closet or lay them flat in a drawer. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much solution you applied and the humidity.

You'll know it's dry when it feels completely touch-dry and the color is a consistent yellow-green. Don't rush this step, or your prints might be a little blotchy.

Step 4: Arrange Your Objects and Expose to Sunlight

This is where your artistic vision comes in! Once your paper is dry, take it outside (or near a very sunny window) and quickly arrange your chosen objects on top of the coated surface.

Place your clear glass or acrylic sheet over everything. This helps keep your objects flat and prevents them from blowing away if there’s a breeze. It also ensures sharp edges on your prints.

Now, set it in direct sunlight! The exposure time varies wildly. On a super sunny summer day in Portland, it might only take 5-15 minutes. On a cloudy day, it could be 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer.

You'll notice the paper changing color – from yellow-green to a murky blue, sometimes with a bronze or gray tint in the exposed areas. That’s how you know it’s working!

Step 5: Wash Your Print (the Big Reveal!)

Once you think it's exposed enough (I usually look for a rich, dark blue in the exposed areas), bring it inside out of the direct sun. Remove your objects and the glass.

Now for the most exciting part! Rinse your print under cold running water. You can do this in a sink, a tray, or a bucket. Gently agitate the paper.

You'll see the unexposed chemicals wash away, and the vibrant Prussian blue will intensify right before your eyes! Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and no yellow-green residue remains.

Step 6: Dry Your Masterpiece

After rinsing, carefully hang your print to dry, or lay it flat on a clean surface. As it dries, the blue color will deepen even more.

Sometimes, the colors will be a bit lighter right after washing, and then darken to that iconic blue as they oxidize in the air. This transformation is part of the magic!

And just like that, you’ve got yourself a beautiful, unique sun-art print. How cool is that?

Making It Stick: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Okay, so I’ve had my share of cyanotype fails. Trust me, it’s all part of the process! But learning from them makes the successful prints even sweeter.

Here are a few things that have tripped me up, and how you can avoid those same frustrations.

Uneven Coating = Splotchy Prints

My first few papers looked like a tie-dye project gone wrong. I brushed the solution on too thin in some spots and too thick in others.

Try to apply the solution with even strokes, moving in one direction, then cross-hatching to ensure full coverage. It doesn't need to be soaking wet, just thoroughly coated.

Not Enough Sun = Faded Blues

I once tried to do cyanotypes on a really cloudy Portland day, convinced it would still work eventually. The prints came out a pale, washed-out blue.

For best results, aim for direct, strong sunlight. If it's a bit overcast, just increase your exposure time significantly. Test strips can really help here – expose a small piece of coated paper for varying times to find your sweet spot.

Too Much Sun = "solarized" or Burnt Look

Believe it or not, you can overexpose! If your print stays out too long, especially on a super bright day, the highlights can start to turn a bit gray or lose definition.

It's a fine line, but generally, when the exposed areas turn a deep, rich blue-gray and the shadows start to look defined, it's probably ready. Experimentation is key!

Forgetting Gloves = Blue Fingers (trust Me)

The chemicals aren't super toxic, but they can stain. And oh, do they stain. My fingers looked like a smurf for a couple of days after my first session.

Just wear gloves when handling the mixed solution and coating your paper. Your hands (and your laundry) will thank you.

Impatient Washing = Fading over Time

If you don’t wash away all the unexposed chemicals thoroughly, your print might look great initially but then start to yellow or fade over time.

Rinse until the yellow-green color is completely gone from the water. A good final rinse in a tray of fresh water, letting it sit for 5 minutes, can help ensure stability.

The best cyanotype prints often come from embracing the imperfections, not trying to achieve absolute perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Regular Printer Paper for Cyanotypes?

You can, but it might not hold up as well during the washing process. I usually recommend heavier papers like watercolor paper (140lb/300gsm) or even thick cardstock.

These papers can handle the moisture better and give you a more durable final print. Try experimenting with different textures for cool effects!

Do I Need to Buy a Special Kit, or Can I Mix the Chemicals Myself?

You can absolutely mix the chemicals yourself if you buy them separately, but I always recommend starting with a kit. It’s usually pre-portioned and comes with clear instructions.

Once you get the hang of it and understand the process, then you can branch out and buy the chemicals in larger quantities, which is often more cost-effective.

What if I Don't have Direct Sunlight? Can I Use a Uv Lamp?

Yes, absolutely! While natural sunlight is free and fantastic, a UV lamp or sunlamp works just as well. This is especially helpful if you live somewhere cloudy, like here in Portland sometimes!

The exposure times will differ significantly from natural sunlight, so you'll definitely want to do some test strips to figure out the right duration for your specific lamp.

How Long do Cyanotype Prints Last? Will They Fade?

When properly processed and washed, cyanotypes are remarkably archival. They’re pretty lightfast and can last for decades without significant fading.

However, like any artwork, direct, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause some fading over many years. Framing them behind UV-protective glass is always a good idea for longevity.

Is Cyanotype Printing Safe for Kids?

With adult supervision, yes! The chemicals are generally considered low toxicity, but they can stain and shouldn't be ingested. I always make sure kids wear gloves and don't touch their faces.

It’s a fantastic science and art project for older kids, teaching them about light, chemistry, and nature. Just be sure to explain safety precautions clearly beforehand.

The Bottom Line

Cyanotype printing is more than just another craft; it’s a way to reconnect with nature, experiment with light, and create truly unique art that tells a story.

It’s perfectly imperfect, wonderfully accessible, and incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to try it, even if you’re just starting out.

Grab a kit, gather some leaves from your backyard, and let the sun do its magic. You’ll be so glad you did. Happy sun printing! 💙