A Kit Packed with Creativity

Before we jump into the process, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tiny treasure trove of materials inside your Kitsters Cyanotype Kit. Every item plays an essential role in this magical transformation!

• Ferric Ammonium Citrate

• Potassium Ferricyanide

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• 10 Handmade Papers

• 1 Acrylic Sheet

• Foam Stickers

• Gloves

• 1 Flat Brush

• Pressed Flowers

• 1 Beaker

• 10 Wooden Clips

• 1 Messy Mat
  

Pro Tip: You can also experiment with lace, feathers, handwritten notes, or even your own hand-cut stencils to make your prints even more personal!

Video Tutorial – A step-by-step guide to ensure success!

Now that you have everything, let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide to Solar Printing

Step 1: Setting the Scene – Work in a Dimly Lit Area

Before you start, it’s important to work in a space away from direct sunlight. The light-sensitive paper will start reacting as soon as it’s exposed to UV light, so all preparation must be done in the dark or under dim artificial lighting.

Best practice: Mix and apply the chemical solution at night or in a low-light room. Allow the paper to dry completely before proceeding to exposure the next day.

Lay down your messy mat and put on your gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2: Mixing the Cyanotype Solution

We’ll be working with two special chemicals:

• Potassium Ferricyanide (Part A)

• Ferric Ammonium Citrate (Part B)

Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Open the Part A bottle and fill it with tap or distilled water up to the brim. Close and shake well until dissolved.
2. Repeat the same process for Part B.
3. In your beaker, mix equal parts of Part A and Part B.
4. Stir well with your brush.

Pro Tip: For optimal results, mix water into your Part A and Part B bottles and let them sit for a day or two. Combine both solutions only when you're ready to coat your paper, as the mixture is light-sensitive and must be used immediately.

Step 3: Coating Your Paper

1. Take one handmade paper from the kit.
2. Use the flat brush to coat the paper evenly with the mixed solution.
3. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a complete print.
4. Leave the paper in a dark place to dry (about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results)

What to Expect? Right now, your paper will appear brownish-yellow. The real magic happens after exposure and development!

Step 4: Designing Your Print – Time to Get Creative!

This is where your artistic side shines! Think of this step as making a stencil—wherever you block the sunlight, the paper will remain white, and the exposed areas will turn deep blue.

1. Choose foam stickers, dried flowers, leaves, or any objects you like.
2. Arrange them on your coated paper in any pattern.
3. Place the acrylic sheet over your design and secure it with wooden clips.

Step 5: Exposing Your Print – Let the Sun Do the Work!

Now for the exciting part—taking your project outside!

Time it Right! The best time for exposure is between 10 AM - 2 PM, when the sun is strongest.

1. Take your setup outside and expose it to direct sunlight for 5-20 minutes.
2. On cloudy days, you might need to leave it longer (30 minutes to an hour).

What Will You See? The paper will start changing from brownish yellow to brownish blue. This means the reaction is taking place and your design is developing!

Step 6: The Big Reveal – Developing Your Print!

After exposure, it’s time to bring out the final design

How to Develop Your Print:

1. Remove the stickers, flowers, or objects carefully.
2. Rinse your print in a tray of cold clean water and gently swirl it around.

3. Watch the white areas become clearer, revealing your final design.
4. For deeper blues, add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide while rinsing.
5. Lay the print flat to dry completely.

If your paper curls after drying, place it under heavy books overnight to flatten it.

The Science Behind the Cyanotype Process

The solar printing process relies on a light-sensitive solution called cyanotype, which contains iron salts—typically ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. When you apply this solution to paper and expose it to sunlight (UV rays), a chemical reaction occurs.

How It Works:

Exposure to Sunlight (UV Light):

The UV light reduces ferric (Fe³⁺) ions in the solution to ferrous (Fe²⁺) ions in the exposed areas.

These ferrous ions then react with potassium ferricyanide, forming insoluble Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide)—the deep blue color characteristic of cyanotypes.

This part of the print becomes water-insoluble and remains permanently on the paper.

Areas Blocked from Sunlight:

The covered areas (where objects or stencils block the light) do not undergo the UV reaction.

The ferric ions remain unchanged and do not convert into Prussian blue.

When you rinse the paper with water, these unreacted chemicals wash away, leaving behind the white areas of your design.

This selective reaction creates the beautiful blue-and-white contrast in solar prints, with the exposed areas turning deep blue and the blocked areas remaining white!

Endless Possibilities – What Will You Make?

Now that you have your unique solar prints, put them to good use:

1. DIY Greeting Cards – Create personalized, handcrafted cards.

2. Wall Art & Home Décor – Frame your prints for an artistic touch.

3. Scrapbooking & Journaling – Add a unique artistic element to your personal collections.

4. Handmade Gifts – A thoughtful and creative present for loved ones.

5. Bookmarks & Gift Tags – Cut them into stylish accessories for books and gifts.

What will YOU make? Share your creations with #KitstersDIY!

FAQs – Answering Your Burning Questions!

Q. What surfaces can I use for cyanotype printing?
A. You can use a variety of absorbent materials such as:

- Watercolor or cotton-based paper or the paper provided in the kit

- Fabric (cotton, silk, linen)

Q. How long can I store coated paper before exposing it?
A. If kept in a dark, dry place, it can last up to a week.

Q. What if my print looks too light?
A. Possible reasons:

- Underexposure – Not enough sunlight; try a longer exposure.

- Overwashing – If rinsed too long, the print may fade. A quick wash is enough.

- Old solution – The chemicals may have degraded; always use fresh solutions.

Q. Is this safe for kids? 
A. Yes! But adult supervision is recommended while handling chemicals.

Q. Do I need special light for solar printing?
A. No, natural sunlight works best! However, if needed, a UV lamp can be used for indoor exposure.

Q. Can I reuse the mixed cyanotype solution?
A. No, once Part A and Part B are mixed, they must be used immediately. The solution is light-sensitive and will degrade over time.

Q. How should I store the unmixed solutions?
A. Store Part A and Part B separately in airtight, opaque bottles (already in the kit) in a cool, dark place to maintain their effectiveness.

Ready to Get Crafting?

Congratulations! You’ve just harnessed the sun to create your own solar masterpiece!

Cyanotype printing is more than just an art—it’s an experience. No two prints are alike, and each one tells a unique story. Experiment with different objects, exposure times, and techniques to create something truly one-of-a-kind!

Need more help? Scan the QR code in your kit for a step-by-step video tutorial!

We’d LOVE to see your creations! Share your prints and tag us on social media with #KitstersSolarPrint and follow us on Instagram @kitsters.in

Have questions or ideas? Drop a comment below! Whether you’ve tried cyanotype before or are just discovering it, let’s chat about how you can turn sunlight into art! So, what will you create next?