Clairefontaine Cyanotype Discovery Kit

Clairefontaine Cyanotype Discovery Kit

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic printing processes still practised today, and this kit gives you everything you need to try it at home.

Developed in the mid-19th century, the technique uses a light-sensitive solution of iron salts to turn ordinary paper into a surface that reacts to sunlight, producing rich, deep blue prints wherever light touches it. Lay a leaf, a flower, a piece of lace or a photographic negative on the paper, let the sun do the work, then rinse with water to reveal the image.

No darkroom, no camera and no prior experience required.

The Clairefontaine Cyanotype Discovery Kit is a complete, ready-to-use set housed in a compact cardboard box, designed for anyone curious about combining art and chemistry.

What's in the box

• 10 sheets of Clairefontaine 300gsm watercolour paper (Fontaine range, satin grain finish, 100% cotton)
• 2 chemical vials: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide
• 1 pipette (20ml) for accurate measuring
• 1 brush for applying the solution
• 1 pair of protective gloves
• A step-by-step instruction booklet

How it works
Mix the two chemical solutions together in subdued light, then brush the mixture evenly over the watercolour paper and leave it to dry away from direct sunlight. Once dry, arrange your chosen objects or negatives on the coated surface and expose the paper to sunlight for several minutes, depending on the strength of the light. Rinse the paper in water to stop the exposure and fix the image, and watch the print deepen into its characteristic Prussian blue as it dries. The 100% cotton watercolour paper is well suited to the wet cyanotype process, holding the solution evenly and standing up to rinsing without buckling.

Who it's for
This kit suits complete beginners as well as anyone with an interest in photography, printmaking or botanical art. It makes a thoughtful gift for a creative friend, a hands-on activity for a quiet weekend, or a starting point for building a larger cyanotype practice. Because the process involves mixing and handling chemicals, the kit is recommended for ages 18 and over.

Good to know

• Box dimensions: approximately 21.4cm x 8.6cm
• Keep the chemical solutions and finished vials out of reach of children and pets
• Wear the included gloves when mixing and applying the solution, and work in a well-ventilated area
• Best results come from strong, direct sunlight; cloudy days will lengthen exposure times and soften contrast
• Once the kit's 10 sheets are used, standard watercolour paper, fabric or card can be coated with your own cyanotype solution for continued use