ART 10D - 2D FOUNDATION

 

Extra Credit - UV Prints

Step 1: Materials + Set Up

Materials

  • Solar Fast Dye

  • 9x12 Hot Press Watercolor Paper with scratch paper below

  • Application Brush + small container or palette for dye

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Supplies + Workspace

  • Have objects for creating composition nearby, with an idea on how to compose - take some photos of posiible layouts BEFORE applying dye to paper

  • If you are working with a transparency, have this available - Transparencies will create an INVERSE image once exposed (black areas will be white / lighter, clear areas will be darker / color of dye)

  • Dye must be applied and then exposed to sunlight or UV light when still damp on the paper for best results

  • Paper MUST be washed to “fix” image and remove excess dye

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Step 2: Apply Dye

Steps 2 & 3 MUST be completed inside a darker room away from any windows and sunlight. A little bit of light leakage is ok, especially low-level indoor lighting, but avoid sunlight and bright light. Be sure to leave the solar dye bottle capped at all times.

Uncap the Solar Fast bottle. Pour about a 2 -3 caps full of dye into palette. Make sure to cap the bottle, then apply dye to the entire sheet of water color paper. Try not to leave any borders (be sure to use scratch paper completely below). Try to apply in brushstrokes that go in a single direction - these will be visible in the final print.

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Step 3: Adding Screen or Objects to Paper

After applying the dye, add the transparency or objects to the paper. Dye should remain damp on paper during this time as well as the exposure process.

If you are working with larger / heavier objects, place paper on a piece of cardboard or wood before adding objects, to make it easier to move, or create the composition outside where you plan to expose, trying to keep the paper in your shadow while composing.

Step 4: Expose to Sunlight

Before bring the print outside, be sure to find a good spot where you can sit with your print and it is in direct sunlight (not reflected light or light obstructed by shadows). While watching the image develop, make sure your shadow is not falling over it. Exposure will be best if paper is still damp with dye.

Image can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to develop, based on clouds or fog - you will see it begin to develop when the areas free of ink, shadows, or objects begin to darken.

Image is fully developed when there is good contrast between the areas of dark and light

Step 5: Wash + Dry

Once fully exposed, remove from light and place in warm water for 10 - 15 minutes, periodically changing out the water to keep it warm. There will be a bin or other tub to use in the studio room, and multiple prints can sit in tub at time. After image 10 - 15 minutes, and lighter areas appear closer to the original paper color, remove from tub, blot with newsprint paper, then layout or hang / pin to dry (Please do not place directly on the studio walls or on any surface without scratch paper to dry).