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Vinegar-Developed Cyanotypes - Non-Toxic Midtone Contrast Control
Vinegar-Developed Cyanotypes - Non-Toxic Midtone Contrast Control
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There is quite a bit of conflicting information available about the impact of acidic water upon
cyanotypes during processing. I have read that acid helps clear cyanotypes, that it makes
cyanotypes blotchy, that it improves or impairs contrast, that it can ruin a good print… I had my
doubts about some of these claims, and so elected to perform some tests and decide if acids
could be useful in adjusting my own cyanotype prints using vinegar in the cyanotype developer.
“Direct experimentation is the best way to learn what works best for you with
your existing working practices and tools.”
I have also enjoyed Richard Farber’s book, Historic Photographic Processes, which recommends
the use of weak solutions of acetic or citric acid for contrast adjustment. The book provides
persuasive sample step tablets showing the difference in contrast that are possible with different
concentrations of acid development.
Vinegar is a simple way to adjust my cyanotypes in useful ways. I plan to use vinegar (or other
forms of acetic acid) in my cyanotype printing practices more often.
Elizabeth Graves is an artist working with cyanotype, vandyke and collodion and a keen experimenter
with all sorts of alternative photographic processes.
Cyanotypes
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B. Stockwell
August 2, 2021 at 9:45 pm
This article was tremendously useful – thank you, O Wise One! I’ve been slowly
perfecting my cyanographic (?) technique. Vinegar works for me. My blues are deeper
and the mid-range in my prints has expanded to my satisfaction – and delight. I’m
finding a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar get the same results as straight vinegar. It
might be analogous to how a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in water is as effective as
a lot of it. It seems all that’s needed is enough vinegar to “dance” on the molecules of
the finished print.
Rick
April 7, 2014 at 8:29 pm
It takes a powerful, concentrated mineral acid to release cyanide gas from Potassium
Ferricyanide. Vinegar won’t do it. Also, the amount of Potassium Ferricyanide in an
exposed cyanotype is very small. There is no danger of exposure to cyanide gas when
developing cyanotypes in vinegar
David Behar
May 23, 2013 at 7:35 pm
I too am interested in trying the development method using white vinegar, but I would
also hesitate until I heard that this method does not produce toxic gasses while the
print is in development.
Thanks.
Eben Ostby
June 16, 2012 at 10:48 pm
I have also experimented with using oxalic acid in the development bath. About 0.2%
oxalic acid (about one-half teaspoonful in a liter of water) reduces contrast by about one
(or so) grade and reduces exposure time by about 1/3.
Richard Bailey
September 4, 2011 at 12:54 pm
I really like like the results from this method but Malin Fabbri in her book warns against
using any acid solutions with potassium ferricyanide as it can release very toxic
hydrogen cyanide gas. What I am uncertain of is whether this pertains to the liquid
solution or the exposed cyanotype when immersed in the vinegar.
I am no chemist so would like someone with more knowledge to advise me before I try
this method.
Pedro Horta
October 7, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi,
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