Description
Cyanotype vs SolarFast:
Cyanotype
- Lightfastness: Yes, archival (excellent permanence).
- Wash-fastness: Poor (the blue colour can fade or wash out more easily).
- Exposed Dry: Yes.
- Exposed Wet: No (requires a dry surface).
- Store and expose later: Yes (the coated surface can be stored before exposing).
- Surface compatibility: Excellent on fabric, paper, and wood.
- Toning (post treatment): Yes (can be toned to alter colour).
- Number of colours: Blue only.
- Processing: Cold water only.
- Ease of use: Yes (easy for all ages).
- Exposure time: 10–15 minutes.
- Active formula parts: 2-part mix (ferric ammonium citrate + potassium ferricyanide).
SolarFast
- Lightfastness: Excellent (but not fully archival like cyanotype).
- Wash-fastness: Excellent.
- Exposed Dry: No.
- Exposed Wet: Yes.
- Store and expose later: No.
- Surface compatibility: Excellent on fabric; good on paper and wood.
- Toning: No need (comes in various colours).
- Number of colours: 14 mixable colours.
- Processing: Must be washed in hot water with SolarFast Wash.
- Ease of use: Some learning curve.
- Exposure time: 15–25 minutes.
- Active formula parts: Single part (ready-to-use dye).
Cyanotype is the classic blueprint process—simple, archival, and beginner-friendly but limited to blue tones.
SolarFast is a modern, colour-rich alternative—more flexible and durable on fabric but needs special processing and has a slight learning curve.
Instructions / Resources
- SolarFast Starter Kit Instructions [pdf]
- SolarFast Instructions
- SolarFast Step Wedge and Instructions [pdf]
- SolarFast Exposure and Color Details [pdf]
- SolarFast FAQ / Troubleshooting [pdf]
- SolarFast How To Print A Good Negative [pdf]
- SolarFast Tips and Tricks [pdf]
- SolarFast Quick Start Guide [pdf]
- SolarFast Negative Generator– easily transform any image into a film negative
- Jacquard Dye Road Map [pdf]
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