Finished Cyanotypes - Second Batch

[fgorga]

Last week I prepared another batch of four digital negatives for cyanotype... all are 4x5 inches printed on a 5.5x8.5 inch sheet (i.e. half a letter-sized sheet) of Pictorico Premium.

I printed each negative on four different papers as I am still trying to decide on my "standard" paper(s). I got nice results on all four papers. The differences between papers is subtle.

Just for the record... None of these papers were pre-treated with acid. I use the traditional the cyanotype sensitizer and include Tween-20 in it. I coat with a brush and dry the coated paper naturally (i.e. no heat or fan) on a rack. I develop in 25% (v/v) vinegar and all of my washes have 1% (v/v) vinegar.

In order not to clog things up too much I'll show just one print from each negative, but also show each of the papers.

These scans [made on a cheap all-in-one device, seem a bit flat and soft (in contrast and sharpness)] compared to the originals, but here goes...

#1 -- Baskets on Fabriano Unica White (a 250 gsm 50% cotton paper)

#2 -- Buckets on Stonehenge Warm paper (a 250 gsm, 100% cotton paper)

#3 - Sap Bucket on Fabriano Tiepolo White (a 130 gsm, 100% cotton paper)

#4 - USA on Rives Heavyweight White (a 175 gsm, 100% cotton paper)

Comments and critique appreciated.

 

[BrianShaw]

I like them all... hungering for pancakes, though. I really like the look of #1. My first guess was that is a hot-press paper. But looking at the specs they say it’s texture is like a cold-press paper. That surprised me and I thin that’s what I’ll seek out when I revive my cyanotype printing. Really nice studies your doing. Thanks!

 

[bdial]

I like #1

 

[ced]

I too prefer #1 maybe because the others look thinner and whites blown away.

 

[nmp]

Most definitely #1, smooth tones and great shadow density and details. But is it the print or the images themselves? Do the negatives have to be optimized (curve-wise) for each paper separately?

If I have to pick one paper, I would choose Fabriano Unica White and run with it.

:Niranjan.

 

[fgorga]

Thank you all for your comments and sorry for the delay in replying... we are in the process of moving my mother to assisted living and dealing with that took more time over the weekend than I anticipated.

 

[fgorga]

I like them all... hungering for pancakes, though. I really like the look of #1. My first guess was that is a hot-press paper. But looking at the specs they say it’s texture is like a cold-press paper. That surprised me and I thin that’s what I’ll seek out when I revive my cyanotype printing. Really nice studies your doing. Thanks!

Brian,

Yes, all of these papers are fairly smooth, similar to hot press watercolor paper.

I have a few papers with distinct surface texture. However, for a standard/"go to" paper, I am looking at smoother papers as most images work best on the smooth paper.

That said, it doesn't mean that I will not used a textured paper. Rather I'll use it only for a small subset of image where the texture "fits".