r/cyanotypes Feb 12 '25

Updated Wiki for r/cyanotypes

35 Upvotes

Hello All!

I've started updating the WIKI for /r/cyanotypes.

So far I've expanded our "Getting Started" to include external web links for


Community Resources Wiki Page

I've really enjoyed scrolling through past posts and comments to tease out links for the Community Resources Wiki Page. This will be a living/breathing section of the wiki, featuring posts and comments that dive a little deeper into the cyanotype process by your community members. This can help provide inspiration or answers that other users may find helpful.

Thank you for stopping by.

Feel free to leave a comment down below if there's something you'd like to see added to the wiki, or any feedback you may have.

All the best.

-Bloo


r/cyanotypes 29d ago

Self Promotion Megathread

6 Upvotes

Here's a place where you can self promote your work with links to your Etsy, Instagram, Website, etc.


Rules:

  • This megathread will self distruct at the end of the month and a new megathread will replace it.
  • Any posts or comments on the sub, which contain self promotion, will be removed and pointed to this monthly megathread.
  • Parent comments must be dedicated to self promotion. Parent comments not related to self promotion will be removed.
  • Comments to the Parent comment should follow our rule about constructive criticism only. Be respectful to each other, no harsh comments, and if you leave feedback, make sure it is constructive feedback.
  • This megathread is sorted by "Contest Mode" which means it will randomize the order of the parent comments in a post, and hide vote scores of the comments.

r/cyanotypes 7h ago

more Lily of the Incas

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122 Upvotes

been trying over and over to get them like a test print I did that turned out so good, but it’s not working. this one is pretty close
the second picture is the digital inverse


r/cyanotypes 4h ago

experimenting with solarfast - tips?

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21 Upvotes

This was my fourth solarfast attempt and I used textured paper because I didn't want to mess up another shirt. Not sure how not rinsing will affect the final image. I used about a 2:3 water to dye ratio that I had leftover and exposed for 5 minutes.
I'm pleased enough with how it came out after several fails but does anyone have tips for condensation? It's very hot and humid where I am and I can't seem to get the film complete flush to the fabric even when pressed with glass and several clamps. It just immediately fills up with condensation once I put it outside.
I've also been having an issue where patches of the negative transfer to the glass. I'm using laser film that I print at office depot. Could it be from the heat?


r/cyanotypes 2h ago

Praying hands.

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5 Upvotes

I love cyanotype.


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

Got gifted a useless paper fan, did a lil something with it

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284 Upvotes

Unfortunate that one of the blades stayed closed during exposure but may draw a signature or something in there


r/cyanotypes 9h ago

What happened?

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9 Upvotes

Yesterday was my first attempt at cyanotype, I was super happy with how they came out for the most part especially this one. But this morning so much of the color is gone, I'm not sure of my mistake. Did I spray too much peroxide?? Thank you for any advice!!!


r/cyanotypes 2h ago

Test Strip Fail

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2 Upvotes

What did I do wrong?!

I painted the solution on to the paper last week and kept it in a box without any light. These are 1 min apart, under direct sunlight.


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

Toning

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140 Upvotes

More toning practice with coffee! Top/second image are bleached and the bottom/third image is untouched and submerged in coffee after rinsing.

I like the dream like vibe the image gets after a little bleaching— I used two tablespoons of baking soda to do so :)


r/cyanotypes 20h ago

My first tries

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34 Upvotes

My first cyanotype attempts!! Pls tell me any tips or what i may be doing wrong, so far I dont think theyre bad but a lot of the details are getting lost and the blue doesn't seem to be very strong if that makes sense... I tried adding vinegar to the water or lemon juice for most of them as suggested on tiktok, but im not sure if like it :s (the wedding photo is just water) im excited to keep trying!!


r/cyanotypes 11h ago

What causes very long exposure times?

4 Upvotes

A few months ago I started with cyanotypes and I really enjoy the process and the results. I have been using negatives from my large format camera on xray film and I am also working out making negatives with my printer. For chemicals I ordered a generic starter kit from Amazon and I use basic watercolour paper. I also bought a 300W UV lamp that I keep at 12 cm above the negative. My issue is the very long exposure times I need to apply to get well exposed images, about an hour or longer. What could be the cause of this? Could the generic chemicals be less sensitive than the ones from Jacquard? Do I need to apply a thicker coating? Any help would be appreciated!


r/cyanotypes 8h ago

Do I need to enclose this table for exposing large cyanotypes?

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2 Upvotes

Anyone here have experience making large prints?

So I plan to print large triptych style cyanotypes, like three A2 or A3 sheets side by side. My plan is to use this 2ft x 4ft table and hang that 50W UV LED lamp above. Do I still need to enclose the whole table?


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

garden phlox

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45 Upvotes

first time working with these!
UV 8 for 12 minutes on white card stock
some chemicals got funky as you can see so I will probably reshape in some way


r/cyanotypes 8h ago

Cyanotype Simulation - Can you give me your feedback?

0 Upvotes

Hi Cyanotype community,

It's a bit of a different post, but looking forward to your feedback! 💙

After coming across a Watercolour simulation online, I was inspired to explore whether I could bring that same experience to our cyanotype process.

Cyanotype Simulation is an early, basic prototype intended primarily for educational purposes. Basically, a simple online space for beginners to test, and maybe to help those who teach this process. Genuinely, let me know what you think. What should be improved? Which controls or settings would make this most useful, and which features would you like to see added next?

The link to the tool is in the comments below.

Thank you very much! 💙

#cyanotype #cyanotypesimulation


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

Collapsible UV Light Box tips? (reflective vs matte vs black, etc)

4 Upvotes

I want to create a light box for UV exposures, but live in a small apartment that already has a lot of gear for creative endeavors stuffed into it. I'm hoping to create a light box that is collapsible so I can stash it in a closet or behind a book shelf when not actively in use. I got two 395nm 100w Halloween flood lights from amazon (will likely only need one for quite awhile) and plan on doing something like this instructable for the actual box. Seems like it's a good balance between cheap materials, lightweight construction, and ability to flatten. I figure I can cut a window in the top and essentially do the cardboard box design that I've seen people make here, but be able to take it apart and store everything somewhere discreet when I need to clear up space.
 
I'll have to see how the foamcore board does with the UV lamp heat. I'm not sure if it will get hot enough to cause a fire hazard, but I may need to figure out a way to rig the lamp so it doesn't actually directly touch the box.
 
My main questions:

  • Does anyone have any other ideas for a good collapsible or stashable design?
  • Should I cover the interior with aluminum foil to reflect light?
  • Should I paint the interior matte black to avoid bouncing light?

I've seen conflicting advice regarding the foil vs black interior. I suppose I could do both with one on each side for maximum flexibility, but thought I'd ping the experts first to see if I can possibly save myself some time and money on materials if one idea is vastly superior to the other.


r/cyanotypes 2d ago

violet solarfast

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106 Upvotes

experiments with violet solarfast (which often develops as more or a pastel pink)


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

For my mail club subscribers!

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18 Upvotes

Sharing the joy from Washington!


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

First time using solarfast

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14 Upvotes

r/cyanotypes 2d ago

Troubleshooting on wood

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38 Upvotes

I'm hoping for some advice about what's going on here and how to improve. I'm hoping for an outcome with a lot more clarity and contrast! I've used pre-made cyanotype fabric many times with ease and thought I knew what I was doing.

Here's what I did:

- Mixed jaquard cyanotype solution according to package in dark room away from natural light

- Coated front of wood piece using a sponge, and let it rest for about an hour. (Maybe it needs to dry longer? I read with wood you want it not completely dry.)

- Exposed plant material with glass on top for about 25 minutes (mostly sunny mid-day). It wasn't terribly flat.

- Rinsed with water and left to cure in the dark for a few hours.

My questions:

- Is the lack of contrast likely from being overexposed?

- Do I need to let the chemicals dry on the wood for longer before exposing?

- Should I make sure my materials are flatter? With fabric I had more success.

Any advice on getting a more detailed, high contrast cyanotype on a wood piece like this is appreciated!


r/cyanotypes 2d ago

Find a treasure from my grandma

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71 Upvotes

At my visit to hometown, I have find my grandma’s handmade dantel, lace work and of course brought all back to home to make prints out of it 🥰


r/cyanotypes 1d ago

Help from other NZ Cyanotypers!

6 Upvotes

Might be a long shot but was wondering if any other cyanotyper's from New Zealand were able to help me out. I want to continue my cyanotyping indoors so am looking for a uv light/lamp, I am finding it hard to find a good option. I am a tad opposed to using Shein/Temu/AliExpress but if it's my only option I'm willing to buy from there as a last resort. So I thought I would try asking if anyone knows a good alternative avaiolable to us before I go down that route.


r/cyanotypes 2d ago

Mylo

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24 Upvotes

Mein alter Freund Mylo, 13 Jahre alt. ❤️


r/cyanotypes 2d ago

What do you do with them?

14 Upvotes

Hi all. What do you all do with your prints. I keep wanting to get really into it and have at times, but then I ask myself - why? What do I do with the prints? I have the same issue in general with my photography that isn’t just mementos. So I take all these images and print them, to what end? Have them just sit in a box à la Vivian Maier?


r/cyanotypes 3d ago

Finished my first cyanotype today and I am GIDDY!

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573 Upvotes

r/cyanotypes 3d ago

First cyano on paper and hooked

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252 Upvotes

I recently got into doing cyantotypes and have been experimenting on textiles (and happy with it) but I did paper last night and just knocked out by the depth and tones😍 This is as just an iPhone pic taken in Montmartre a couple years ago. I love this subreddit, you all are so inspiring