How lightfast are cyanotypes on fabric?

timm · **Joined:** Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:57 pm **Posts:** 2

Hello
I want to try doing some large cyanotypes on fabric but they will need to survive 2-3 years outside.
Does anyone have any experience of the lightfastness of cyanotypes (using the original method/chemicals).
I don't mind if they fade a bit as long as they don't disappear.
They will be up in England and probably not in direct sunlight.

If they are not light fast is there anything they can be treated with?

Many Thanks

Andrea Reina · **Posted:** Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:28 am

timm,

As far as I know cyanotypes are not precisely lightfast, probably as much as other mineral pigments -- they do fade after a time. You can "regenerate" it by storing it in the dark for a while, though; the blues will intensify to their previous level.

John · **Posted:** Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:22 pm

Hi timm

Cyanotypes are one of the most permanent of all the alternative processes provided they have been processed properly, printed on a suitable paper and stored correctly. Dr Mike ware has some info as a Word doc on his site, see here http://www.mikeware.co.uk/downloads/Con ... otypes.doc

Best wishes

John.

timm · **Joined:** Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:57 pm **Posts:** 2

Thanks for the help folks
I will keep you posted on how it goes
Best
T

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