Cyanotype on Glass

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating cyanotype prints on glass. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a distinctive blue print. This method allows you to create stunning visual art on glass, making it a unique and impressive physical object. Let's dive into the steps to mix the emulsion, prepare the glass, and print your artwork.

Step 1: Mixing the Emulsion

To start, you need to prepare the cyanotype emulsion. Follow these steps for mixing:

1. Gather Materials:

   • Ferric ammonium citrate
   • Potassium ferricyanide
   • Measuring spoons
   • Glass or plastic mixing container
   • Darkroom or dimly lit area (to avoid premature exposure)

2. Mixing Process:

   • Measure equal parts of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.
     • For example, use 25 grams of each.
   • Combine the two powders in the mixing container.
   • Slowly add water to the powders while stirring until they dissolve completely.
   • The mixture should result in a bright green solution.

3. Storage:

   • Store the emulsion in a dark container to protect it from light.
   • Label the container with the date and contents for future reference.

Step 2: Coating the Glass

Once your emulsion is ready, the next step is to prepare the glass surface.

1. Prepare Glass:

   • Clean the glass thoroughly to remove any dust or fingerprints. Use glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol.

2. Coating Process:

   • Using a brush or a glass pipette, apply a thin, even layer of the cyanotype emulsion onto the glass surface.
   • Ensure that the coating is uniform, avoiding any bubbles or thick spots.

3. Drying:

   • Allow the coated glass to dry in a dark place. This helps prevent any exposure to light before you're ready to print.

Step 3: Printing

Now that your glass is coated, it's time to create your cyanotype print.

1. Prepare Your Design:

   • Choose or create a design that you want to print. This can be objects, negatives, or even drawings.

2. Expose the Print:

   • Place your design or objects directly on the coated glass.
   • Expose the glass to sunlight or a UV lamp for about 10-20 minutes, depending on the intensity of the light.

3. Develop the Print:

   • After exposure, rinse the glass under running water to stop the development process.
   • Allow the print to dry completely.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created a cyanotype print on glass. This technique allows for endless creativity and experimentation.

Key Takeaways:

• Mixing the emulsion requires equal parts of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.
• Properly coating the glass is crucial for a good print.
• Exposure time can vary based on light conditions, so keep an eye on your print during development.

Next Steps:

Explore different designs and objects to print, and don't hesitate to share your creations on social media for inspiration. For more advanced techniques and ideas, check out additional resources or videos on cyanotype printing.