In this class you will learn 2 methods of how to use artificial lighting instead of the sun to make your cyanotype prints. One method is super simple if you're not in the mood to build anything, while the other method gives you more power and more even light, but requires some construction.

Why would you want an indoor UV printer? Well, cyanotype photography needs to be exposed in UV light, and I love to use the sun. But inevitably it is rainy, cloudy, freezing cold or dark when I finally have time to print. So building a UV printer will allow you to make cyanotypes whenever you want, regardless of the weather, time of day, season or location.

At the end of this class you will have a UV printer you can use any time you want, and we'll walk through making your first test strip and print on it so you know what to expect in terms of exposure times.

SUPPLIES:

Method 1 - LED Grow Lightbulb (easy)

LED Grow Light - The specific one I used was 30w and cost $12, and you can buy it from amazon here. However, I'd recommend going for one with a little more power for just a few dollars more, like this 50w, or 100w. There are tons of options out there and you might already have one. What you really need is something that puts out UV light. In the past I've even used florescent black lights, but I found them far less convenient than this little LED.
- I've also recently seen lots of people using this kind of light for curing resin, which means it should also work for cyanotype, though I haven't tested it myself. The advantage of this is that, unlike the grow lights, every LED is uv, so you get more bang for you buck in terms of power, which should equate to shorter print times. And this would still be plug and play.
Light Fixture - I used a basic utility clamp light, and something like an articulating desk lamp would also work well.

Method 2 - LED Tape (intermediate)

LED UV Tape - 16ft, 60w, 12v. I got mine from Amazon.
LED Tape Wire Connectors - 15 pack from Amazon (this is optional if you'd rather not cut your LED tape)
Plastic Box - I opted for a heavy duty Rubbermaid BRUTE 14 gallon tote. You can get one from amazon, but I got mine cheaper from my local Lowes (or you may already have something at home that could work).
Glue - I opted for hot glue, but if you want a more permanent bond, you could use a plastics glue.

Cyanotype Supplies

Cyanotype Paper - Buy Pre-coated from Amazon or get cyanotype chemistry to mix and coat your own watercolor paper
Photo Frame - Any old photo frame will work for this. I would recommend using a frame that is larger than your paper size. I used 12x18 inch frame that fits snugly in the base of the tote. Also, double check that your frame does not have UV treated glass (this would normally only be in more expensive frames).
Something You Want to Print - In the example I'm using some leaves, which work great. You could also use anything flat with an interesting silhouette.

Alright, that's all you need! Be sure you make a project to share your finished UV printer as well as some cyanotype prints you were able to make with it.

You can check out my other classes covering the Cyanotype Process on my profile.

Ben Panter

Alternative Photography & Game Making

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