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Van Dyke *
Copper *
Hypo Iron *
Vitamin C *
Seawater Plates
Cyanotype Variations
NOTE: NO CYANIDE COMPOUNDS SHOULD EVER BE MIXED WITH AN ACID
Traditional Mix:
Solution A:
25% ferric ammonium citrate (green scales)
Solution B:
10% potassium ferricyanide
mix equal parts A and B just before use, coat paper, dry, expose and develop by washing in water.
Source: Historic Photographic Processes - A guide to Creating Handmade Photographic Images, Richard Faber, 1998
Variation 1:
Solution A:
20% ferric ammonium citrate (green scales)
Solution B:
14% potassium ferricyanide
mix equal parts A and B just before use, coat paper, dry, expose and develop by washing in water.
>>> This is the formula that I use for my own work. 5-10 minute exposure to full sun depending on the density of the negative. For paper I like to use Epson Double Matt Inkjet paper. VERY smooth finish and high resolution, resonable cost and faster washing than thicker art papers.
Source: Alternative Photographic Processes, Kent Wade, 1978
Variation 2:
Solution A:
22% ferric ammonium citrate (green scales)
Solution B:
16% potassium ferricyanide
mix equal parts A and B just before use, coat paper, dry, expose and develop by washing in water.
Source: Breaking the Rules, A Photo Media Cookbook, Bea Nettles, 1977
NOTE: Too little Potassium ferricyanide will result in color bleeding into the whites. Too much will cause the exposure to be longer. [in above formulas, the Traditional has the lowest ratio and Variation #2 the highest]
Single solution. Mix up just before use: [same as variation #1 above]
in 20ml of water add
2 grams of ferric ammonium citrate (green scales) and dissolve. Then add 1.4 grams potassium ferricyanide and dissolve.
Expose in a contact printing frame to full strength sunlight for 2-5 minutes. wash in water and dry.
You can intensify with 3% hydrogen peroxide or half strength household bleach.
Yet another:
Solution A:
25% ferric ammonium citrate 1% oxalic acid (or citric acid)
Solution B:
9% potassium ferricyanide 0.1% potassium dichromate (carcinogenic)
mix equal parts A and B just before use, coat paper, dry, expose and develop by washing in water.
Gives more intense blues.