What Is the SolarFast Starter Kit?
The SolarFast Starter Kit Jacquard is a complete set of materials and tools designed to explore the possibilities of light-sensitive solar dyes, solar printing, alternative photography and textile printing using sunlight or ultraviolet radiation.
Unlike many other printing systems, SolarFast allows permanent images to be created directly on fabrics and absorbent surfaces through the action of light. The kit includes the essential materials needed to begin working with the process without purchasing each component separately, making it an excellent choice for students, workshops, artists and anyone interested in discovering alternative photographic processes.
What Does the SolarFast Starter Kit Include?
The SolarFast Starter Kit is designed to provide a complete introduction to solar photography, combining photosensitive dyes, materials for creating negatives and practical accessories compatible with both paper and fabric.
Kit Contents
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3 bottles of SolarFast Dye 59 ml (2 oz) in Orange, Blue and Violet.
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1 bottle of SolarFast Wash 59 ml (2 oz) for washing prints after exposure.
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3 sheets of Jacquard SolarFast Film for creating digital negatives and photographic positives using an inkjet printer. If you would like to learn more about creating digital negatives and transparencies for alternative photography, you can also explore our specialised guides.
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Marker pen for drawing directly onto transparencies.
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Application sponges.
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Protective gloves.
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Textile sample material for testing.
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Rigid support board.
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Instruction booklet.
Many of these materials can also be purchased individually once you become familiar with the process and wish to expand your creative possibilities.
How SolarFast Photographic Printing Works
SolarFast is a light-sensitive printing system that allows images, photograms and graphic compositions to be created through exposure to sunlight or controlled UV light sources.
The process consists of applying the dye to the chosen surface, placing an object, stencil or photographic negative on top and exposing the assembly to light. Exposed and protected areas react differently, generating the final image. After exposure, washing with SolarFast Wash removes any unreacted material and helps achieve cleaner whites and improved image stability.
This technique can be used with natural objects such as leaves and flowers, as well as digital photographs converted into transparent negatives capable of reproducing highly detailed images.
SolarFast and Alternative Photography
Although SolarFast is a contemporary system, it shares many principles with some of the most important historical photographic and handcrafted printing processes.
Like cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown, salt printing and gum bichromate, the image is formed through the action of light on a previously sensitised surface. The main difference is that SolarFast offers a wide range of colours and performs exceptionally well on natural fabrics, extending creative possibilities beyond traditional photographic techniques.
For this reason, SolarFast has become a popular tool within experimental photography, artistic textile printing and projects that combine historical techniques with digital tools such as computer-generated negatives.
Compatibility with Paper and Fabric
SolarFast achieves its best results on natural fibre fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, hemp and canvas. It can also be used successfully on many absorbent papers, particularly those intended for artistic techniques and alternative photographic processes.
Final colour appearance may vary depending on the substrate, exposure time, light intensity and application method. This variability forms part of the creative appeal of the process and makes each print unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SolarFast Wash Necessary?
Yes. Washing with SolarFast Wash helps remove unexposed material and contributes to cleaner images, improved contrast and greater long-term stability.
Can I Use UV Lamps Instead of Sunlight?
Yes. SolarFast responds both to direct sunlight and to UV lamps, exposure units and other ultraviolet systems commonly used in screen printing and photographic applications.
Can I Print Real Photographs?
Yes. By using digital negatives printed on transparency materials such as inkjet film or laser film, it is possible to reproduce photographs with a high level of detail on both paper and fabric.
Can SolarFast Colours Be Mixed?
Yes. SolarFast colours can be mixed together to create new shades and significantly expand the creative possibilities of the process.
Is It Suitable for Beginners in Alternative Photography?
Absolutely. One of the main goals of the kit is to provide a complete introduction to photographic printing with light, allowing users to explore solar printing, sun printing and related historical photographic processes without purchasing additional materials.
If you would like to expand your palette, individual SolarFast colours are also available in 118 ml and 236 ml formats. In our Cyanotype & Solar Printing section you will find additional kits, materials and tools for alternative photography, historical processes and other creative techniques involving ultraviolet light.
