The checklist for cyanotype supplies and learning resources

Few things are more frustrating than being ready to print – only to discover you’re out of supplies, or that the paper you grabbed last minute ruins your image. Use it to learn or to take part in World Cyanotype Day. We have put together a handy checklist of materials, plus some recommended reading if it’s been a while since you last printed – or if you’re just curious to learn more.

The cyanotype checklist

MUST HAVE

Do you have paper? If not, here is:

• a list of suppliers of paper
• the massive paper chart – to find the BEST papers for cyanotypes
• tests of paper by Jalo Porkkala
• tests of paper by Christina Z. Anderson
• paper basics, sizing and buffering by Malin Fabbri

Do you have chemicals, precoated paper or a kit? If not, here is:

• a list of suppliers of chemicals and kits or
• precoated cyanotype paper or premixed cyanotype chemicals
• 3 ways to coat paper
• hake brushes or foam brushes for coating

NICE TO HAVE

Do you…

• have good weather? If not, a good backup plan is a UV light. Here is how to build a UV light the classic way or buy a LED light.
• expose in the sun? Here is an idea of exposure times
• have good memory? If not, a notebook for process notes is good to have
• love cleaning? If not, an apron to protect your clothes and gloves for your hands are good to have
   

LEARN THE BASICS

Need to brush up on your cyanotype skills?

• Read the article on Classic Cyanotypes
• Get the beginner’s book by Malin Fabbri
• Get the beginner’s book by Kim Tillyer

GET INTO DEPTH

Do you want to go the extra mile with your print? Here is:

• how to control mid-tones with vinegar
• how to do wet cyanotypes
• how to mix blue and sepia tone
• how to create multicoloured cyanotypes
• how to make a cyanotype duotone in a 7-part series
• how to do double-exposures
• or get the Cyanotype book by Christina Z Anderson
• or Cyanotype Toning by Annette Golaz

MUST KNOW INFO

Will you take part in World Cyanotype Day? Make sure to send to TWO places. AlternativePhotography.com and WorldCyanotypeDay.com:

• How to send your print to AlternativePhotography.com
• How to send to World Cyanotype Day

It’s completely free to take part in World Cyanotype Day. If you haven’t already, please consider becoming a supporting member or make a donation – your contribution helps us continue running events like this and keeping resources available for everyone.

Note: This contains affiliate links. If you click on an Amazon link and buy something, we earn a very small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps support our work, and we appreciate it! That said, we believe in supporting local businesses, so if you can find supplies locally, please consider doing that instead, check the suppliers directory.