Cyanotype Care & Washing Instructions
Each piece is lovingly made by hand with all-natural dye and should be handled with care. By following a few simple tips, you can extend the life of your garment's vibrant print!
-
Hand wash cold.
-
Line dry only.
-
Keep washing to a minimum if possible.
Hand wash in a tub or sink with cold water. Do not use the washing machine. Washing machines can contain residue from bleach and other detergents of the past.
Turn your garment inside out to safeguard the print. Opt for a phosphate-free liquid soap such as Dr. Bronner’s Castile. If fading occurs over time, soaking in a diluted bath of water and a tiny splash of 3% hydrogen peroxide can often restore it to its original vibrancy.
Choose to air dry in the shade, out of direct sunlight.
You can put your piece in the washing machine on the ‘drain and spin’ cycle only to remove excess water but do not wash it in the machine.
Natural dyes are living, breathing colors and will evolve over time. While colors may shift and blend like a Maui sunrise, it's a tribute to the dynamic living nature of the dye.
What is Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a 100% all-natural form of solar printing using local plants, minerals, and the beauty of Maui sunshine!
Cyanotype photography is a camera-less technique that involves laying an object on paper or fabric coated with a solution of iron salts before exposing it to UV light and washing it with water to create stunning white and Prussian blue images.
This 100% all-natural process is one of the earliest forms of camera-less photography and was discovered in 1842.
Did you know the word “blueprint” comes from the use of cyanotype?
The iron solution is painted onto the fabric in the dark. When it is first applied it appears green! Once it dries the plants are laid on top and then its exposed to the UV light. Anything the sunlight touches magically turns blue!