Cyanotype on Birch Ply

Experiment

Heritage

Reinvention

Research

Using oak leaves and cut-outs from film gels placed on a birch ply panel, the cyanotype solution is exposed onto the wood creating a blue toning of the wood, with the overlaying material acting as a resist during exposure. The silhouettes of the oak leaves and cut-outs are left as an “imprint” where the UV rays of the sun could not reach during exposure.

Material

Experimental materials
Wood

Craft

Printing
Wood-working

General Technique

Combining
Surface modifying

Specific Technique

Wood Staining

Properties & Qualities

Application

Architecture Art Furnishing Furniture Sample making

Qualities

2D Colourful Rigid Smooth

Colour

Blue

Sample Information

Date of Creation

March 25th, 2023

Dimensions

220mm X 170mm X 1mm

Culture & Context

Cyanotype photography is a camera-less technique that involves laying an object on a material coated with a solution of iron salts before exposing it to UV light. The piece is then washed with water, producing a tonal range of blues depending on the material being used and the exposure time. The material will reach its final colour state after 24 hours

Process & Production

The cyanotype solution is applied to the material surface using a brush or sponge roller away from sunlight. Leave to dry for a half hour before placing your objects or patterns on the material surface – The material is then exposed to sunlight for anywhere from 3 to 30 minutes, depending on the strength of the sunlight. The material is then rinsed with cold water for 5 minutes before being left to dry

Recipe Details

Cyanotype kits are readily available in a two-part solution. Mix equal parts of solution A and B before applying this to the material surface in a darkened, dimly lit room and allow to dry for 30 minutes before exposing it to the surface.

Credits

Craft Maker

Tom Dalton

Photographer

Tom Dalton