Blog

Jun 20, 2024

How

In this article, I’m going to show you how to make a Cyanotype print with UV LED box as the light source. Cyanotypes are traditionally developed in sunlight and the prints are often referred to as

In this article, I’m going to show you how to make a Cyanotype print with UV LED box as the light source. Cyanotypes are traditionally developed in sunlight and the prints are often referred to as “sun prints”. But it is winter, it is cold and UV light isn’t so strong and readily available as in the summer. Wouldn’t be great to make Cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown or Salt Papers at any time during the year? Even before the sun comes up or after it goes down!

The finished UV LED box will produce an A3 or A4 size cyanotype print just after 5 minutes of exposure. This box was design to be inexpensive and simple, and your total cost should be no more than 70 Euros.

The video below demonstrates the UV LED Box in action and goes through the construction in detail. For those of you who prefer a “paper” resource, I’ve provided the parts list and construction steps below.

The following video below is about preparing the cyanotype papers:

* These strips are are not IP rated for outdoor use!

When working with electronics and electricity use proper caution and safety. Ensure not to short circuit cables. I’m by no means responsible for any damage to anyone or anything. By building this kit you are responsible for UV exposure and electronics etc..

I have split the LED light into two sides, for best current distribution and have the added advantage of controlling the light power (half power or full power).

Note: The box will get warm after 20 minutes of use which should be no problem. I’ve used it for an hour without issue. However, you should switch off the box when not using it.

If you wish to make a more robust version, I recommend placing everything on an aluminium plate. I may do this myself in the future but for now, everything works pretty well.

Download this strip test negative and print it out on A4/Letter size transparency on a laser or inkjet print.

The paper used for the test strip and the prints is the Daler & Rowney Acrylic Paper System 3.

Exposure the strip test page on the Cyanotype sensitized page for 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 minutes. Use a book to cover each section and slide it along at 1, 1, 2, 2, 2 minute intervals.

Leave the print face down in the slow-flowing water. After 10 minutes, inspect the results. Agitate the water with your hand from time to time. If there isn’t any yellow left on the paper it’s ready to hang up and dry.

I was super excited by the results of my Cyanotypes using the UV LED Box. If you happen to build this box please do let me see your results. Happy Printing!

~ Gavin

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Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1972, Gavin Lyons is an award-winning landscape and nature photographer who is self-taught. After living in Italy and France for a couple of years, it wasn't until settling in Austria that he became more serious about using a camera.... Click to see Gavin Lyons's full profile, links and other articles , and please make sure you also check out their website here.