HomeBlogBlogMake Cyanotype Paper at Home: Easy DIY Sun Prints

Make Cyanotype Paper at Home: Easy DIY Sun Prints

How can I make cyanotype paper at home?

Making cyanotype paper at home is simple, but it does require care because you’re working with light-sensitive chemistry. The easiest path is to buy a ready-made cyanotype solution or kit and coat paper yourself, then dry it in the dark, expose it in sunlight, and rinse to reveal the classic Prussian-blue print.

What you’ll need

You’ll need cyanotype chemicals (pre-mixed solution or two-part set), a natural-fiber paper (watercolor paper works well), a foam brush or soft paintbrush, gloves, a dim indoor space (or shaded area) for coating, and a flat place to dry the coated sheets. For exposure, gather objects for silhouettes (leaves, lace, small flat items) or a printed transparency for a photo-like result, plus a piece of glass or clear acrylic to hold everything flat.

Coat the paper (in low light)

In a room away from direct sunlight, brush an even, thin layer of cyanotype solution onto the paper. Leave a small border uncoated if you want a clean frame. Let it dry completely in darkness—many people place it in a drawer or a light-blocking folder until it’s ready to use.

Expose with sun or a UV light

Arrange your objects on the coated side, press them flat with glass/acrylic, and place it in bright sun. Exposure time varies (often 5–20 minutes) depending on sunlight strength and how dark you want the blue. You’ll usually see the coated area shift toward a bronze/gray tone when it’s ready.

Rinse and dry to reveal the blue

Rinse the print in cool running water for a few minutes until the water runs mostly clear and the highlights look clean. The blue deepens as it dries; laying it flat on a towel helps prevent warping.

For a kid-friendly walkthrough and project ideas, see the full guide here: https://wepalo.com/guide-kids-cyanotype-sun-print-kit-diy-blueprint-art/.

FAQ

What kind of paper works best for cyanotype prints?

Thicker, absorbent paper like watercolor paper (100% cotton if possible) gives smoother coating and richer blues. Thin printer paper can work, but it often buckles and shows brush marks more easily.