SCHRAMMR@WLSVAX.WVNET.EDU
Sun, 14 Feb 1999 20:27:08 -0500 (EST)
Since Judy has given me permission I will post her toning process for
cyanotypes and also the toning formula which appears in "The Keepers of
Light" and elsewhere.
First, I have tested a number of cyanotype toners recently and found that
all of them cause bleaching. Therefore you must print deeper when making
prints for toning. Second, different papers react differently to the toners.
Red-Brown Toner for Cyanotype Prints
Solution A
Tannic Acid 6 gm
Water 180 cc
Solution B
Sodium Carbonate 6 gm
Water 180 cc
Place the print in solution A for 5 min. Then transfer the print to
solution B. Wash
Crawford says the highlights will begin to turn yellow in about a week.
I have a toned print I made in December of 1998 which has not turned
yellow yet.
Seigel Toning for Cyanotype Prints
This process will produce lavender and brown split tones on cyanotype prints.
It is sort of tricky so follow these instructions carefully.
Solution A
1 teaspoon of tannic acid in 1 liter of water.
Solution B
2 teaspoons of sodium carbonate in 1 liter of water.
Start with a DRY print. Immerse it in solution A for 2 minutes. Then rinse it
in clear water for about one minute. Slide the print face down into solution
B and IMMEDIATLY turn the print face up. WATCH CAREFULLY. This is where the
color happens. If you want a split tone, snatch the print out BEFORE it gets
to the color you want and put in in the wash water. Wash thoroughly.
Re stability: I have a print that has been exhibited many times in the
last few years. It is, I think, about 5 years old or maybe 3 years old.
It has not faded or changed in color. It is my opinion that this is because
I washed the print thoroughly in running water in order to remove any trace
of sodium carbonate.
Notes: The actual tones you get depends on a number of factors. The most
important one is the length of time the print remains in solution B. I
have found that the second most important factor seems to be the paper.
I believe this is because different papers will absorb more or less solution
A and more or less of it will likewise wash out during the rinse before
solution B. Once the print is in solution B, the tonal changes take place
very rapidly; therefore, you will get different effects depending on when
you pull the print out. I would suggest making several prints and cutting one
up to make some test strips that you can use to practice.
Happy printing!
Bob Schramm
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