Cyanotype printing
A 19th-century photographic process that uses sunlight to make blue-and-white prints.
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Startup cost
Under $25
Difficulty
Easy to start
Typical session
~45 min
Activity
Sitting / gentle
Space
A table or desk
Equipment
A basic kit
What do you actually do?
- Coat paper or fabric with light-sensitive cyanotype solution
- Lay objects or a negative on top and expose it to sunlight or UV
- Rinse in water to reveal the blue print
Why people enjoy it
- The reveal when you rinse a print is genuinely magical
- Works with leaves, lace, found objects — no camera needed
- Every print turns out a little different
What you'll need
- Cyanotype kit (pre-coated paper is easiest to start)
- Sunny day or UV lamp
- Glass or acrylic sheet to press objects flat
- Tray of water
Startup cost: Under $25 — a rough beginner estimate in US dollars (2026). Borrowing, secondhand and library kits can bring it down.
Time & difficulty
A typical session is about 45 minutes. Easy to start: you'll make something you're happy with on day one.
Getting started
- Buy pre-coated paper for your first try
- Arrange leaves or flat objects on the paper in dim light
- Press under glass and expose in sun for roughly 5–15 minutes
- Rinse until the water runs clear, then dry flat
Common beginner mistakes
- Exposing in bright light while you arrange objects
- Under-exposing — prints wash out pale
- Not rinsing long enough, which leaves a yellow tint
Accessibility
Wear gloves when handling chemicals; keep away from children and pets, and don't use food containers.
Courses & resources
We haven't verified specific courses yet, so we're not listing any rather than guessing. Libraries, community centers and the official sites of tools you use are good first stops.