Cleaning cyanotype glass?

msh · Apr 14, 2024

Hello - I'm a new to posting here and new to cyanotype. I have made a number of images and find there are stains on the glass from the sensitizer. I have used a vinegar/water solution but still find some stubborn stains. Any suggestions?

BrianShaw · Apr 14, 2024

Perhaps the sensitized paper wasn't fully dry?

I've never experienced residue on the cover glass, assuming that you mean the printing frame glass, but perhaps try an alcohol-based cleaner or dawn dish detergent.

koraks · Apr 14, 2024

msh said:
there are stains on the glass from the sensitizer

Could you please explain what glass we're talking about? Are you printing cyanotypes onto glass and are you left with sensitizer staining after clearing them? Or do you use a glass worktop to coat your paper/textiles on?

If you want to clear Prussian blue cyanotype stains, you can easily bleach them out with an alkaline solution; e.g. a little sodium carbonate in water, or household bleach. Apply to the affected surface and wait until the color is done. Then rinse and wipe dry.

msh · Apr 14, 2024

I should have mentioned that the paper was wet for the process I was doing. I'll try some dish soap.
Thanks for your reply.

BrianShaw · Apr 14, 2024

I'm really curious... what cyanotype process were you doing with a wet sensitized paper? Never heard of that before and really interested.

nmp · Apr 14, 2024

I think the OP means wet cyanotype. To clear completely the stains without scrubbing the glass, you can use an an alkali first but that only does the first step of forming iron hydroxide (which is insoluble rust) which can then be removed by immediately followed up with oxalic acid solution, then washed.

:Niranjan.

BrianShaw · Apr 14, 2024

I hadn't heard of the wet cyanotype technique before. Thanks... something new to research and consider!

msh · Apr 14, 2024

wet cyanotype technique

Hi - In answer to the inquiry about wet cyanotype, it is a process where the paper is sensitized and while wet additions are made to the paper - botanicals, soap bubbles, vinegar solution, etc - before placing glass on top to hold that material in place. I attached two images. Since the glass comes in contact with the wet paper, there can be residue left on the glass. I will try the suggestions made here about using an alkali solution. Thank you.

Cleaning cyanotype glass?

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