Cyanotype troubleshooting
What went wrong with a cyanotype print, by what you see. Every explanation is Jacquard’s, quoted from its troubleshooting sheet and its FAQ.
Blurry or out of focus
“Using a film negative to make cyanotype prints is a contact printing process. The film must be flush on the print surface for optimal resolution and detail. Otherwise, the print may appear out of focus or blurry.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
If it is a digital negative, check how it was printed and laid down: digital negative.
Dark blue or blown out
“The dark areas of the film may not be dense and opaque enough to block the light adequately.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
“Stacking two negatives may be the best solution—this will double the opacity and contrast.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
“The print may also be over-exposed. Try reducing the exposure time.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
Pale or low contrast
“The print was probably not exposed long enough. The light source may not be intense enough. Or the negative may be too dark. Over-washing can also result in pale prints.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
Exposure times from the sources are on the exposure time page.
Splotches and water spots
“The print may become splotchy if you touch it with damp hands.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
“Do not wet fabric or paper before or during exposure.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
Brown or yellow
“Discoloration may occur if the print is exposed to phosphates, soap or dirty objects.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
Darkens as it dries
“The print was probably not thoroughly washed. Make sure the water runs clear before hanging to dry. Do not dry in direct sunlight.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype Tips and Troubleshooting]
Fading later
“Over-washing may also cause the print to fade.” [Jacquard, Cyanotype FAQs]
“Yes, cyanotype prints are archival. However, yellowing may occur if prints are exposed to phosphates or alkaline environments” [Jacquard, Cyanotype FAQs]
On your phone: Cyanotype
For iPhone and iPad.
The app shows your photo as a cyanotype print first, in seven looks, with print sizes and matte borders, so you can see the blue before you coat anything. Then it exports the digital negative at full resolution: black and white, inverted and mirrored, and for 4 × 5, 5 × 7 and 8 × 10 paper at the resolution that prints at the paper’s size. It all happens on the device. There is no account, and the app makes no network connections.
How this was checked
Statements about the process, its chemicals, safety and history are quoted word for word from the maker’s instructions (Jacquard), the Getty Museum and the Photographers’ Formulary safety data sheets, and linked where they appear (checked ). Where we could not fetch a source for a fact, we left the fact out, so this section gives no concentrations or amounts of chemicals: use the instructions and safety data sheet that come with what you buy. The digital negative tool is compared by an automated test with the Cyanotype app’s own code. If something here is wrong, tell us at a@noshu.net.