Cyanotype, a printing method dating back to 1842 can be an incredibly satisfying art project. Fairly forgiving and easy to do! In my exploration however I learned why you should follow the directions on the bottles of cyanotype chemicals for best results. I have been using https://www.jacquardproducts.com/cyanotype
After opening the package add tap water into each bottle until they are full then screw the cap back, shake and leave for at least 12-24 hours before using. after you have waited the duration of time for chemicals to fully activate and dissolve with the water you can find a container to mix small equal amounts of each chemical at a time. (I have been eyeing my amount of each and that is why my coloring on each print has been inconsistent)
The Reason you want to mix only small amounts at a time is because once the two chemicals are mixed they are only usable for an effective result within a limited amount of time, under an hour. If kept separate they have a long shelf life of usability. Again 50/50 mix ratio and then gentle paint on the surface you want to print on. I love using fabric but paper is fun too! Just make sure it is dark when you are painting your surfaces. Then make sure the paper or fabric you coat is completely dry before you add your printing objects and expose to light. (I have made the mistake of trying to expose to light before dry and had a bad discoloration or a rejecting the print result, so as usual patience is worth it)
After dry find a flat surface to lay your pre-coated paper or fabric on lay out whatever design, stencil,photo negative, plant material ect. (get creative!) you want and then put a piece of clean glass on top.(still being cautious that is is dark where you do this) Then finally put directly under the sun and leave for at least 5 minutes or longer. Once you see a dark blue develop where your objects are not you can rinse in a tub of water. Leave in the water for at least 5 minutes, some people add some (a splash) hydrogen peroxide to fasten the coloring process.
