Cyanotype Care
Each cyanotype is a one-of-a-kind creation made with sunlight and care. If one has found its way into your home—or you're thinking of welcoming one—these tips will help preserve its beauty over time.
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How to Look After Your Cyanotype Print
1. Keep out of direct sunlight
To preserve the deep indigo tones, display your print out of direct sunlight. Indirect light or soft interior lighting is ideal.
2. Avoid humidity and moisture
Hang or store your print in a dry environment. Excessive humidity can lead to staining, fading or degradation of the image over time. It is not recommended to hang your print in a bathroom that has a lot of steam. If you are hanging your print in a kitchen, please be mindful of how much steam and moisture will be near the print.
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3. Frame behind UV-protective glass
I recommend framing your cyanotype behind UV-filtering glass or acrylic. This adds an extra layer of protection from light and air exposure, helping maintain the integrity of the print.
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4. Handle with clean, dry hands
The surface of a cyanotype is delicate, especially unframed works. Always handle with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or moisture.
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5. For unframed storage
Store your unframed print flat in a cool, dark place. Avoid rolling if possible, especially for large or older pieces. The print needs to be protected so please leave it in it's plastic sleeve if possible.
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6. Wavy paper
Sometimes, if the print is not stored correctly or is exposed to humidity, the paper can develop waves or warp a little bit. This is usually most noticeable around the edges. If this happens place weights on top of the protected print and it should flatten out over 24-48 hours. If you have one of my large format prints, please get in touch to ask about the best way to flatten your artwork.
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A Note on Fading
All art is affected by time, light, and air. If fading does occur, removing the print from light and placing it in a dark storage area can sometimes help the cyanotype recover its colour.
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Questions or Concerns?
If you ever have questions about caring for your artwork—or if you'd like advice on framing, hanging, or restoring a piece—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I want you to enjoy your cyanotype for years to come.