Cyanotype printing on fabric has become a popular method for creating unique clothing and accessories like tote bags. Whether you’re looking to print on a t-shirt, crop top, or tote bag, one of the most frequently asked questions is how to properly wash these cyanotype prints to maintain their beauty and longevity.
Step 1: Preparing Your T-Shirt
Begin by laying your t-shirt flat and inserting a piece of cardboard inside to prevent the cyanotype solution from soaking through to the other side. In a dimly lit room, apply the cyanotype solution evenly across the area you want to print on. Allow the shirt to dry completely in the dark. It’s advisable to coat a piece of test fabric first to experiment with exposure and washing before moving on to your final piece.
Step 2: Exposing Your Print
Once the shirt is dry, place your digital negative on top of the treated area with the emulsion side facing up. Use a glass sheet to press down the film tightly against the fabric. Expose the shirt to sunlight or a UV lamp. Keep in mind that the exposure time for fabric is generally longer than for cyanotype on paper.
Step 3: Developing Your Print
After exposure, remove the transparency and wash your t-shirt under cold running water until the water runs clear, ensuring all unexposed solution is removed. This step is crucial for developing your print and achieving the final image.
How to Wash Cyanotype Prints on Fabric
Proper washing is key to preserving cyanotype prints on fabric. Here are some essential tips:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use any soap or detergent that contains phosphates, bleach, or sodium. These chemicals can damage the cyanotype print.
Hand Wash with Mild Soap: Use a very mild hand soap that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Hand washing is gentler on the print than machine washing.
Use Cold Water: Always wash your cyanotype-printed fabric in cold water to help maintain the print's integrity.
Do Not Soak: Avoid soaking the fabric for extended periods, as this can lead to fading.
Air Dry: To best preserve the print, air drying is recommended over using a dryer.
It’s important to note that any washing will gradually shorten the lifespan of the cyanotype print. However, careful washing can help extend its longevity.
Experimenting with Washing Techniques
Malin Fabbri from Alternative Photography conducted an interesting experiment to test the durability of cyanotype prints under different washing conditions. Here are the results from four pieces of fabric that went through the same exposing and washing process:
Untouched Fabric: This piece remained as a control to show the original print.
Hand Washed 10 Times with Mild Hand Soap: This fabric showed some fading but maintained most of its original detail.
Washed with Washing Powder Containing Bleach and Phosphates: This fabric exhibited significant fading and damage to the print.
Washed with Liquid Soap Containing Phosphates (After Toning in Tea): This piece also showed considerable fading, highlighting the negative impact of phosphates on cyanotype prints.
untouched - washed 10 times with hand soap - washed with powder with bleach phosphates - washed with liquid containing phosphates.
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