Cyanotype Paper - share your favorites

[stawastawa]

Greetings, Please only post Papers you have used, example images always helpful.

I am looking for Papers for Cyanotype. Please indicate what process you have used the paper with, and if the paper needs pre treatment (sizing, acidification etc). I personally want papers to use straight out of the box. Additional notes on paper characteristics always appreciated.

I will do my best to compile a list from responses submitted.

~nicholas

 

[ransel]

I have used only the classic formula and have used only two papers - no treatment - both have given good images:

~ Stonehenge 110 lb
~ Canson XL Watercolor Cold Press 140 lb (300 g)

The Stonehenge has a slight cream color. I ordered it from Bostick & Sullivan.
The Canson is slightly more neutral (white). Purchased off the shelf at Wal Mart.

My 1st water bath (1 minute) for both papers is 1 part 5% white vinegar to 3 parts water.

 

[removed account4]

hi nicholas

i have used a variety of inexpensive papers, and really have enjoyed the results.
bordon and reily "velum" comes in a largish pad and has some thickness to it
it isn't deep like water color papers that absorb a lot.
i have also used staples brand #10 security envelopes and love the shape and how
the envelope's glue undoes itself when it gets wet from processing. i also like using cheap staples xerox paper
its thin but not as thin as japanese rice paper, it takes chemistry well and develops out well, i have used 8.5x11 and 14x17 size.
and lastly i have some "virgin? ( neither side is coated ) butcher paper ( or so i have been told ) it is sold by uline in a giant roll or sheets
also in small rolls by "alex" arts and crafts through amazon and places like wal*mart. i don't treat any of these papers with anything, just cyanotype fluid.
feel free to look at images in my gallery here or my blog ( nanian photo.com/blog ) to see images made from these papers.

have fun!
john

 

[Jim Noel]

I use 100%cotton or linen stationery from Staples. No special treatment needed. although only 28-32 lb, it stand up well to extended wetting. Attains a remarkably deep blue.

 

[stawastawa]

Thank you all,
I will be starting my next cyanotype printing session with the following four papers (purchased at jerry's artarama):

Strathmore 400 Series Parchment Paper 50 Pack 8.5x11"
Item #79703 / Item #79704 Natural and White

Bienfang Graphics Pad 360 9x12"
Item #17385 - 100 sheets

Strathmore 300 Series Sketch Pad 9x12" 100 Sheets
Item #V13805​

I would also like to try in the future:

Masa paper
Stonehenge 110 lb
Canson XL Watercolor Cold Press 140 lb (300 g)
Daler Rowney Cartridge paper (from UK)
Winsor and Newton Cartridge paper (from UK)
Arches Platine (I have used it and had satisfying results in the past)
Bergger Cot 320
Artistico Fabriano

bordon and reily "velum"
cheap staples xerox paper
100%cotton or linen stationery from Staples
virgin? ( neither side is coated ) butcher paper - from uline or alex arts and crafts on amazon
​

 

[Svenedin]

Beginners luck I think but I used Daler Rowney "The Langton" 300 gsm, hot pressed, British, watercolour paper. I used the standard cyanotype formula (solutions made up that day), no pre-treatment, dipped the paper in the sensitiser in a tray and spread it with gloved hands. Wash in flowing tap water without additives. I was very pleased with the results. Paper dried flat without any special treatment and was easy to handle. I overexposed my first attempt (in sunlight) as it responded much faster than I expected.

Ruskin House Cyanotype (first ever attempts)

• Svenedin
• Oct 5, 2016
• 14

This is my second ever attempt at a cyanotype. The first was also today but I overexposed it so...

 

[kevin klein]

I have been using a very cheap rice paper ordered from BLICK called Masa paper, very thin but coats well and prints nicely. I just got a sheet of Arches and Saunders Waterford hot press watercolor paper and those make very nice prints, they are especialy good for salt prints. Most any good watercolor paper will work, play the field and see what you like.

 

[stawastawa]

A nice little article by Christina Z. Anderson has been published over on the Alternative Photography website.

If you need a quick place to start with a paper for printing cyanotypes, try one of these:
http://www.alternativephotography.c...sic-cyanotype-process-1613-research-for-free/

all the best

~nicholas