Sun-print or cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. The process uses two chemicals: ammonium iron(III) citrate and potassium ferricyanide. It was kinda hard to get both chemicals, but once I got them I started the experiment.
Ammonium iron(III) citrate and potassium ferricyanide
Combining those two chemicals you get a photosensitive fluid. The fluid is yellow and due to its photo sensitivity it is important not to expose it to UV light (sunlight).
This mildly photosensitive solution is then applied to a receptive surface (such as paper or cloth) with a brush and allowed to dry in a dark place.
Cyanotype is a negative process which means the areas where light does not hit, the sensitized material will remain white. You can place negatives or varius objects on your sensitized material. It is up to you.
A negative exposed to sunlight
I used a one negative, a feather, some string, locket etc. After I put put them on the sheets I exposed them to strong sunlight for five minutes. And then the magic happend! The sheet turned silvery blue and it was time for washing!
It is important to wash in running water until yellow residue is gone from non exposed areas. The print will still be a weak, silvery blue but as it dries it will oxidize and turn blue.
Results:
I hope you enjoy my artwork.
Cheers,
VoodooLizard