Cyanotype, the historic photographic printing process, offers a unique and captivating way to create one-of-a-kind images. However, finding the right paper can significantly impact the final results. Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to collaborate with Legion Paper to explore and test a variety of papers suitable for this fascinating technique.
The Challenge:
Cyanotypes require papers that are receptive to the light-sensitive iron salts. The ideal paper should:
- Be free of optical brighteners: These interfere with the chemical reaction and can produce uneven results.
- Have good ink absorption: This ensures crisp lines and vibrant colors in the final print.
- Be durable and archival: Cyanotypes are meant to last, so the paper needs to withstand the test of time.
The Experiment:
Legion Paper, renowned for its high-quality fine art papers, graciously provided a diverse selection of papers for my experimentation. We tested a range of weights and surfaces, including:
- Traditional watercolor papers: These offered a classic, textured look, but some showed variations in ink absorption.
- Smooth, cotton rag papers: These provided a clean, consistent surface, ideal for detailed images.
- Unique specialty papers: We explored options like Japanese papers and papers with interesting textures, adding a unique dimension to the cyanotypes.
The Results:
Through rigorous testing and careful observation, we identified several papers that consistently produced stunning cyanotypes. These papers exhibited excellent ink absorption, resulting in deep, rich blues and vibrant contrasts.
Stonehenge and Coventry Rag emerged as my favorites. These papers proved remarkably resilient during the cyanotype process, and produced some of the deepest blues. Minimal buckling occurred during both sensitizer application and drying, resulting in sharp images with excellent contrast and a wide range of tones.
Key Takeaways:
This collaborative effort provided invaluable insights into the nuances of paper selection for cyanotype printing. We learned that:
- Paper choice significantly impacts the final appearance of a cyanotype.
- Experimentation is key to finding the perfect paper for your specific needs and artistic vision.
- Collaborating with paper experts like Legion Paper can greatly enhance the creative process.
Want to learn more about our findings and discover the specific papers we recommend?
Check out Legion Paper's comprehensive blog post on our collaborative cyanotype paper exploration: Click Here!
I encourage you to explore the world of cyanotype printing and discover the magic that unfolds when you pair this historic technique with the right paper.