Ultra large Cyanotype on glass

[HandleyPhoto]

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

 

[koraks]

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!!

 

[PGum]

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.

 

[Molli]

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

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!