How to Sun Print on Fabric | DIY Cyanotypes

How to Sun Print on Fabric | DIY Cyanotypes

Materials Needed:

• Fabric (preferably natural fabric like cotton)
• Cyanotype solution (A and B)
• Bowl or bucket
• Plexiglass or glass plate
• Leaves or foliage for printing
• Clear packing tape
• Cardboard box
• String lights
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dowel (for hanging the finished prints)
• Water

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

1. Choose a piece of natural fabric (like cotton) for your cyanotype project.
2. Pre-wash and dry the fabric to ensure it is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
3. If desired, hem the edges of the fabric to give it a clean finish. This step is optional.

Step 2: Mix the Cyanotype Solution

1. In a dark room, mix equal parts of Cyanotype solution A and B in a bowl or bucket according to the directions on the bottle.
2. Stir the solution well to ensure it is thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Treat the Fabric with the Cyanotype Solution

1. Dip the fabric into the Cyanotype solution, making sure to saturate it completely.
2. Wring out the fabric well to remove excess solution.
3. Hang the fabric up to dry in a dark room to prevent exposure to light.

Step 4: Prepare the Printing Surface

1. Select leaves or foliage to use for your prints.
2. Place the leaves flat against a piece of plexiglass or glass plate.
3. Secure the leaves in place by selectively taping them down with clear packing tape.

Step 5: Create the Sun Print

1. Once the fabric is dry, place it on a flat surface in a dark room.
2. Place the prepared plexiglass with leaves on top of the fabric.
3. Quickly move everything outside to expose it to sunlight.

Step 6: Wash the Print

1. After 15-20 minutes of exposure, remove the plexiglass from the fabric.
2. Rinse the fabric in a bucket of cold water with a little hydrogen peroxide to stop the chemical reaction.
3. Agitate the water to ensure all the solution is rinsed out of the fabric.
4. Hang the fabric up to dry.

Step 7: Finish and Display

1. Once the fabric is dry, you can hang it as an art installation on a dowel or frame.
2. Get creative with how you display your sun prints to showcase your unique creations.

Additional Tips:

• Work in a dark room when mixing the Cyanotype solution and treating the fabric to avoid premature exposure to light.
• Use string lights or a dark bathroom for working in the dark.
• Experiment with different foliage and fabric sizes to create a variety of prints.
• Enjoy the process and have fun creating your own DIY cyanotypes!

By following these steps, you can create beautiful sun prints on fabric using the cyanotype process as demonstrated in the video tutorial by Justine Silva.