Mr. Blue Sky - Cyanotype project with Sunprint Refill Kit
On a cloudy afternoon in late November (20th) I've decided to give it a try with the Sunprint Refill Kit.
As a base for this project I used a photo I made in Zürich from the Fraumünster clock arrows. I cut the form with a cutter to use it as a template.
You can buy this at ars-imago committed to photography
I asked for help in CoPilot:
How can I use the Sunprint Refill Kit from Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley?
Short answer: The Sunprint Refill Kit is very simple to use: place an object (e.g., leaf, flower, key) on the special paper, expose it briefly to sunlight, and then rinse it with water. This creates a permanent, deep-blue print – a cyanotype.
🌞 Step-by-Step Instructions
As a base for this project I used a photo I made in Zürich from the Fraumünster clock arrows. I cut the form with a cutter to use it as a template.
You can buy this at ars-imago committed to photography
I asked for help in CoPilot:
How can I use the Sunprint Refill Kit from Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley?
Short answer: The Sunprint Refill Kit is very simple to use: place an object (e.g., leaf, flower, key) on the special paper, expose it briefly to sunlight, and then rinse it with water. This creates a permanent, deep-blue print – a cyanotype.
🌞 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare materials
- Sunprint paper (from the Refill Kit)
- A transparent acrylic sheet or plexiglass (to hold objects in place)
- A piece of cardboard as a backing
- A bowl of water
- Objects of your choice (leaves, flowers, small items)
- Arrange objects
- Keep the paper in the shade so it doesn’t get exposed too early.
- Place the objects on the paper.
- Cover them with the acrylic sheet so they lie flat and the outlines stay sharp.
- Expose in sunlight
- Carry the prepared paper into direct sunlight.
- Exposure time: 2–5 minutes in bright sun, longer (5–20 minutes) if cloudy.
- The paper changes from blue to white – that’s when it’s fully exposed.
- Develop in water
- Place the paper in a bowl of water for 1–5 minutes.
- The colors reverse: exposed areas turn deep blue, covered areas stay white.
- Let the paper dry afterwards.
- Place the paper in a bowl of water for 1–5 minutes.
- Your Sunprint is ready!
- You’ll have a permanent, artistic image – a cyanotype.
- Sharp outlines: Use the acrylic sheet so objects press closely against the paper.
- Experiment: Try transparent materials (e.g., glass pieces, plastic film) for interesting effects.
- Longer exposure: In weak light, simply wait longer until the color fades clearly.
- Creativity: Combine natural materials with everyday objects for unique patterns.
- You’ll have a permanent, artistic image – a cyanotype.