Cyanotype and Solar Chemicals for Alternative Photography
Cyanotype is one of the best known historical photographic processes used today within alternative photography and printmaking practices. This technique, closely linked to the early development of photography, can be understood as a form of solar printing. It produces deep blue images through the exposure of light-sensitive chemicals applied to paper, textile or other surfaces.
Today, cyanotype is part of a broader family of historical photographic techniques and experimental photo-chemical processes that use the direct action of light to create images. Many of these techniques are known as solar reactive processes or UV printing techniques, and they continue to be widely used by artists, photographers and printmaking studios.
At Rittagraf we regularly work with image reproduction processes, photomechanical techniques, screen printing and historical photographic methods. For this reason we carefully select materials and tools that allow artists to experiment with cyanotype, Van Dyke print, lumen printing and other solar printing techniques such as SolarFast by Jacquard.
In this section you will find a specialised selection of cyanotype chemicals, kits and tools, as well as other solar reactive processes and alternative photography materials. These products are suitable both for beginners discovering these techniques and for artists, photographers, illustrators or professional print studios.
We work with recognised manufacturers such as Jacquard, Dalmau and PAR, offering beginner cyanotype kits, complete kits, individual chemicals and tools for experimenting with different alternative photographic processes such as Van Dyke print, lumen print or experimental solar printing techniques like SolarFast.
Materials Needed for Cyanotype Printing
Cyanotype requires only a few materials, but they need to be appropriate and of good quality. The essential components of the process are two light-sensitive chemicals — typically ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide — an absorbent surface such as paper or textile, a brush or coating tool to apply the emulsion, and a source of sunlight or ultraviolet light for exposure.
With these materials it is possible to create images using solar printing, placing objects, negatives or transparencies on the coated surface to generate unique compositions.
Materials and Products for Cyanotype and Historical Photographic Processes
At Rittagraf you will find both individual cyanotype chemicals and complete cyanotype kits that simplify the process and make it easy to start experimenting with this technique.
Our range includes ferric ammonium citrate, potassium ferricyanide, cyanotype kits, solar reactive products by Jacquard, cyanotype chemicals by Dalmau and experimental kits by PAR, widely used by artists, art schools and alternative photography workshops.
These materials allow artists to explore various historical photographic processes and solar printing techniques derived from some of the most iconic photographic methods of the nineteenth century, still widely used today in contemporary art, printmaking and illustration.
Cyanotype Kits for Beginners, Workshops and Professional Use
Cyanotype kits are the easiest way to begin working with solar printing techniques. They usually include the necessary photosensitive chemicals, instructions and sometimes basic tools for preparing and applying the emulsion.
At Rittagraf we offer different kits for various levels:
These sets allow you to create images using solar printing, exposing objects, negatives or film positives to produce unique compositions.
Solar Chemicals and Alternative Photographic Processes
In addition to traditional cyanotype printing, there are other solar reactive processes and alternative photography techniques that use ultraviolet light to generate images on different surfaces.
These include processes such as Van Dyke print, known for its warm brown tones similar to antique photographs. Lumen print, on the other hand, is a more experimental technique using photographic paper and direct sunlight to produce organic tonal effects and unpredictable colour variations.
We also offer products such as SolarFast by Jacquard, a range of photosensitive dyes available in many colours and specifically designed for solar printing on textile and other surfaces. These are widely used in textile design, illustration and contemporary art projects.
Tools for Applying Cyanotype and Preparing Emulsions
To work properly with cyanotype and other solar printing techniques it is important to use the right tools.
At Rittagraf you will find brushes for cyanotype, coating tools for applying photosensitive emulsions, supports for preparing emulsions, materials for creating film positives and other useful accessories for working with solar reactive processes. These tools help control the application of the emulsion and allow artists to experiment with different visual effects on paper, cardboard, textile or wood.
Leading Cyanotype Brands: Jacquard, Dalmau and PAR
We carefully select manufacturers specialised in materials for alternative photography and historical photographic processes.
Among the brands available you will find:
Jacquard, an international reference in cyanotype products and solar chemicals such as SolarFast
Dalmau, manufacturer of traditional photographic chemistry for historic processes
PAR, offering experimental kits for cyanotype, lumen print and Van Dyke
These products are widely used by artists, photographers, art schools and printmaking workshops around the world.
Why Buy Cyanotype Materials from Rittagraf
At Rittagraf we have been working for years with image reproduction techniques, photomechanical processes and fine art printmaking.
Our experience in screen printing, printmaking, manual printing techniques and historic photographic processes allows us to carefully select the materials and tools we offer in our shop.
If you are looking to buy cyanotype materials, solar chemicals or supplies for historic photographic techniques, Rittagraf offers a specialized selection designed to explore the world of alternative photography and printed image making.
FAQs about Cyanotype and Solar Processes
What are solar reactive processes in photography?
Solar reactive processes are photosensitive techniques that react to sunlight or ultraviolet light to produce images directly on a surface. Cyanotype, Van Dyke print and lumen print are all based on this principle.
What is the difference between cyanotype, Van Dyke, lumen print and SolarFast?
Cyanotype produces deep blue images, while Van Dyke printing creates warm brown tones similar to antique photographs. Lumen printing is a more experimental process using photographic paper and sunlight to create organic tonal effects. SolarFast differs because the dye is ready to use and does not require mixing chemicals, offering a wide range of colours.
Can these processes be used on paper and textile?
Yes. Many solar printing techniques can be applied to paper, cardboard, wood or textile. Some products, such as SolarFast by Jacquard, are specifically designed for solar printing on fabric and other natural surfaces.
Do I need sunlight to work with these techniques?
Sunlight is the most common exposure source, but UV lamps or exposure units similar to those used in screen printing and other photomechanical processes can also be used.
