Ultra large Cyanotype on glass

Hi yall,

Been wanting to do some printing of a topographical negative, about 51x36in, I found when I bought my flat file and I just happened into two sliding glass doors that I think would be a great medium. I've read the glass workflow in The Book of Alternative Processes but was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how to apply this workflow to a glass plate much bigger than the 5x7 described in the section.

Any suggestions are appreciated, and yes I know this is wildly overcomplicating a cyanotype but its free and I like recycling.
-Jacob

I've made a grand total of TWO cyanotypes on glass, both about 4x5". They were of mediocre quality and the procedures I used were totally unfit for the kind of size you're looking at. So sadly, no help from me.

But...if this project happens, please do post pictures!!

The small sheet pour approach with gravity spread will probably not cut it. What comes to mind is the use of a long coating rod to ensure an even spread with consistent thickness. Place the glass over a large tray of warm water while spreading. However, a large sheet could sag and cause pooling without support throughout.

HandleyPhoto said:

Hi yall,

Been wanting to do some printing of a topographical negative, about 51x36in, I found when I bought my flat file and I just happened into two sliding glass doors that I think would be a great medium. I've read the glass workflow in The Book of Alternative Processes but was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how to apply this workflow to a glass plate much bigger than the 5x7 described in the section.

Any suggestions are appreciated, and yes I know this is wildly overcomplicating a cyanotype but its free and I like recycling.
-Jacob

Click to expand...

Hi Jacob, you'll want to look up Joseph J. McAllister and his My/AP series on YouTube from between seven and twelve years back. He hasn't set up a playlist specifically for his alternative process stuff, so there's some wading to do. I can't find one that shows his 10ft. Cyanotypes on glass, but I KNOW I've seen it. Failing that, here's a link to his Cyanotypes on Glass video:


and a link to his 2017 kickstarter video for his course to make them 10ft. tall:


I'm fairly sure there's an instructional website with pdf downloads floating about, also.

Good luck! I watched those videos when he originally put them online and I STILL haven't made a start in putting them on glass!