Cyanotype Pretreated Fabric Sheets
Cyanotype is the “original” sun-printing process, one of the earliest photographic techniques. Discovered in 1842 and distinctive for producing rich, Prussian blue monochromatic prints, Cyanotype was popular well into the 20th century as an inexpensive method for reproducing photographs, documents, maps and plans (hence the enduring architectural term “blueprint”) and famously, for making impressions of biological specimens in the field (“photograms”).
Harness the power of the sun to make detailed prints from virtually any object that casts a shadow: tools, toys, plants, leaves, stones, sand, string, lace, etc. Simply place the object on the sensitized surface and expose to sunlight (UV). Use a digitally-printed photographic negative (an inverted black and white photo inkjet-printed onto a transparency*) instead of an object to create full-resolution photographs on paper or fabric. Great for photographers, mixed media artists, printmakers, quilters, kids and more, the cyanotype process is easy, forgiving, quick, magical and fun. Capture the nuance of every shadow—a fun group activity for any age!
Cyanotype Fabric Sheets
Cyanotype is an antique photographic printing process, developed in the mid 1800’s and distinctive for its rich blue color. Jacquard’s high-quality cotton sateen fabric sheets come pre-sensitized for cyanotype and ready to use, making sun printing easier than ever before. Just pull a sheet out of the package, place objects or film on top, expose to light, rinse and dry and you’ll have a rich, detailed print.
Here’s how it works: when the cyanotype fabric is exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction occurs. It won’t reveal itself, though, until you put the fabric in water. Then it will instantly turn blue!
So how do you make a print? Place objects on the fabric to block the light: anywhere the sunlight doesn’t touch will remain white and leave a photographic impression on the fabric (this is called a photogram ). To make prints of photographs, just print the photo onto a transparency and place that on top of the fabric instead of an object. You can even make prints from drawings by first drawing on a transparency—the possibilities are endless! Exposure time depends on conditions, but is generally 3-10 minutes.
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