W/NW alternative process prints

[mrtoml]

I don't think there is a thread for alt process printing on RFF. I have just started experimenting with it. Please post yours.

This is a cyanotype printed as a digital negative using the PiezoDN system and the canned curve for cyanotype on Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag. It is unlinearised and looks weak on contrast. I have just done the linearisation so I am going to print it again tomorrow with the new negative. I toned it in wine tannin after bleaching in sodium carbonate solution but it is still not right.

 

[mrtoml]

I did the linearization and reprinted the negative. It is much better. The PiezoDN system seems to work quite well. I can now theoretically print any file to a negative and get a decent result. I will let this print dry overnight and tone it again tomorrow. Next week I will try and set up the system for Argyrotypes.

 

[mrtoml]

The toned version. Partial bleach in socium carbonate and wine tannin.

 

[mrtoml]

Another image straight cyanotype.

 

[froyd]

The toned version. Partial bleach in socium carbonate and wine tannin.

View attachment 4875197

Nery nice. Is it fairly stable with normal exposure to light?

 

[mrtoml]

Nery nice. Is it fairly stable with normal exposure to light?

I know that cyanotypes are fairly stable. They can fade in certain conditions (alkalinity I think), but can sometimes be revived.

Toned cyanotypes are a different matter and I don't think there is definitive evidence. I started these experiments with cyanotypes because they are (relatively) easy to do and to test the calibration system of PiezoDN. I am moving on now to argyrotypes which is a modified Vandyck brown technique. I am not a particular fan of cyanotype, but I think it does suit certain subjects and it is easy to process (just water essentially). I have always been more of a fan of warm toned prints.

Because argyrotypes are an iron/silver process they can be toned in the usual silver toners such as gold, selenium etc. So if the argyrotype is printed on acid free paper and gold toned (which is what I am going to try) this should be archival.

Another problem with toning cyanotype is that tannins stain the paper so whites are subdued in the toned print. This would not happen with a silver process.