Use a transparent plexiglass contact plate to hold a negative or flat leaves close to your cyanotype paper during exposure. Choose A4, A5 or A6 and a thickness of 2, 3 or 5 mm. The plate is a contact-printing tool, not a light-sensitive printing surface.
Choose size and thickness
Choose a plate that covers the entire image and subject. A4 is the largest option; A5 and A6 suit smaller compositions. At the same size, a thicker plate is more rigid but also heavier. 2 mm is the thinnest choice, 3 mm the middle size and 5 mm the thickest. Thickness alone does not determine how much UV light passes through.
Check exposure through the plate
A clear appearance does not prove full UV transmission. The exact UV transmission of this plate has not been confirmed by a product specification. First make a small exposure test using the plate and your own sunlight or UV source. Change one setting at a time and judge the required exposure from the rinsed, dried result. Do not rely on a guaranteed exposure time for a different material.
Close contact without damaging your coating
Let coated paper dry completely in darkness before placing the negative and plate over it. Work on a flat, firm backing and remove dust from both contact surfaces. Keep the assembly still; a thick flower or curled leaf remains above the paper even under a plate and may give soft edges. Remove any protective film before use. Clean with a soft cloth and avoid scratches; do not use a cleaner whose compatibility with the material is unknown.
- Selected contact plate: A4, A5 or A6; 2, 3 or 5 mm thick.
- Paper, negatives, chemicals, backing board and clips are needed separately.
- The illustration with several plates shows the material, not a complete contact-printing set.
Choose Aquapad paper for test prints · Explore inkjet film for digital negatives · Prepare your paper with the Cyanotype Refill Kit
