How to Prepare a Blueprint Solution for Sun Printing Blueprinting (cyanotype) is an alternative photographic process that has been used to reproduce technical designs for architectural and engineering plans. You can apply this same technique to create blue and white designs on paper or fabric using the sun and two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.
Instructions o
1
Pour eight ounces of warm distilled water into the measuring cup and set aside. o
2
Measure one-half ounce of potassium ferricyanide. Open the lightproof bag or bottle of potassium ferricyanide and pour about one-half cup of the chemical slowly into one of the cups. Place the cup on the scale and check the weight. Add more of the chemical if needed to measure one-half ounce. o
3
Slowly pour the potassium ferricyanide into the measuring cup, a little at a time. Stir until the chemical dissolves. o
4
Measure one ounce of potassium ferricyanide. Open the lightproof bag or bottle of ferric amonium citrate and slowly pour about one-half cup of the chemical into the remaining cup. Place the cup on the scale and check the weight. Add more of the chemical if needed to measure one ounce. Reseal the lightproof bag. o
5
Add the ferric amonium citrate, a little at a time, to the potassium ferricyanide already dissolved in the measuring cup. Stir until the chemical is dissolved and the solution is thoroughly mixed. Reseal the lightproof bag. o
6
Clean the work area. Wash surfaces with paper towels and water that may have come into contact with the blueprint solution. Spills may not be visible but may appear hours later when you may encounter blue stains. If you are not ready to print, store the solution in a lightproof container.
Tips & Warnings
Do not use metal containers because metal can react with the chemicals and spoil your solution. Work away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the chemicals will react to the light before you are ready to print. Incandescent and fluorescent light will change the chemicals but very slowly. The chemicals are safe when used properly. Do not add acid to potassium ferricyanide because acid can react with the chemical to produce hydrogen cyanide. Also, do not heat potassium ferricyanide above 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Wear a dust mask to protect from inhaling the chemicals, which are in powder form. Cover your work area with the drop cloth because the blueprint solution can stain your table and floor. Wear an apron to protect your clothing from stains, wear goggles to protect your eyes, and wear your gloves to protect your hands from stains.
More Resources
Business Card Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/business-cardprinting.html Flyer Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/flyers.html Postcard Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/postcards.html Poster Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/posters.html Banner Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/banners.html Brochure Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/brochure-printing.html Sticker Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/sticker-printing.html Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) Printing http://www.samedayprinting.com/direct-mail-printing-eddm.html