Make your first cyanotype with leaves, flowers or a homemade negative. The Cyanoprints Starter Kit brings together chemistry, paper and the main working materials. Prepare the light-sensitive emulsion, coat the paper and use UV light to make a blue contact print.
What is in the starter set?
- Powdered cyanotype chemicals for preparing 200 ml of emulsion with water.
- 10 sheets of absorbent watercolour paper in different sizes.
- A foam brush, measuring cup and mixing tray.
- Nitrile gloves and use instructions.
You can begin without collecting all the basic materials separately. A UV lamp, negative and contact plate are not listed in the contents; add them separately if needed.
A first project with leaves
Prepare the components as directed on the packaging and mix the emulsion needed shortly before use. Coat the paper evenly and let it dry in the dark. Place a leaf or another flat object on the dry coating. Expose it in sunlight or with a suitable UV source, rinse as instructed and leave the print to dry. The object blocks light and leaves its silhouette in the blueprint.
What affects the result?
Coating thickness, the surface, UV source and exposure work together. Make a test strip first; one fixed exposure time will not suit every lamp or weather condition. A UV lamp is optional when starting, as sunlight can also be used.
From botanical print to photograph
For a photographic design, print a digital negative on suitable inkjet transparencies. A plexiglass contact plate helps hold the negative flat against the paper. Both are additions to the kit.
Continue experimenting
Use absorbent, uncoated paper or test prewashed cotton or linen; fabric is not included. Follow the safety instructions, protect your work surface and supervise children when using the kit. The 10 sheets describe the paper contents, not a guaranteed print yield from the emulsion.
For later projects, replenish the chemistry with the Cyanotype Refill Kit. Use our exposure guide and the digital negative guide to develop your technique.
