New Cyanotype (Ware)
New Cyanotype (Ware) is Mike Ware's reformulated cyanotype process — a modern alternative to traditional cyanotype that uses ammonium ferric oxalate instead of ferric ammonium citrate as the iron sensitizer. The reformulation produces deeper Prussian-blue color, higher contrast, finer image details, and better paper compatibility than the traditional 1842 Sir John Herschel formula.
Key features
- Iron-based UV-sensitive process (no silver involvement)
- Single-coating workflow — sensitize paper, dry, expose under UV, wash
- Modern reformulation addresses traditional cyanotype's contrast + tonal-range limitations
- Cheap and accessible — both formulations use inexpensive iron salts
- No darkroom required — sensitized paper handled in normal indoor lighting; exposure is UV-only
Workflow
- Mix the sensitizer from Ware's formula (ammonium ferric oxalate + potassium ferricyanide + ammonium dichromate)
- Coat paper with sensitizer using a brush, hake, or rod-coater; let dry in subdued light
- Expose through a digital negative or contact print under UV light (sun, UV box)
- Develop in plain water (image appears as washing proceeds)
- Acid clear in dilute citric acid solution to clear highlights
- Final wash
Practical notes
- Mike Ware's published formula and procedure are the canonical reference
- Choose New Cyanotype over traditional when contrast and tonal-range matter
- Choose traditional cyanotype for accessibility (simpler chemistry, easier sourcing)
- Compatible with digital negatives for hybrid workflows
- Compatible with multiple coatings for higher density
- PPE: nitrile gloves; iron salts and dichromate are moderately toxic
Related recipes
- [[recipe-classic-cyanotype|Classic Cyanotype]] — traditional 1842 Herschel formula
- [[recipe-van-dyke-brown|Van Dyke Brown]] — alternative iron-silver alt-process
- [[recipe-platinum-palladium|Platinum/Palladium Print]] — high-end alt-process alternative
- [[recipe-gum-bichromate|Gum Bichromate]] — pigment-based alt-process; combines well with cyanotype as a base layer
Mixing Instructions
Sensitizer (single solution):
- Dissolve the iron salt first (ferric ammonium oxalate) in distilled water per the Ware formula proportions.
- Then add the potassium ferricyanide — order is load-bearing.
- Store in a brown glass bottle in the dark.
To print:
- Coat onto sized paper using a glass rod or brush under dim tungsten light.
- Dry completely in the dark using gentle heat or a fan.
- Expose under UV light.
- Develop by floating face-down in a tray of very slightly acidified water.
- Clear in several changes of water.
Ingredients for 1L of Working Solution
Volume:
ml
| # | Chemical | Role | Qty (1L) | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ferric Ammonium Oxalate | Sensitizer | 300.0 | g | |
| 2 | Potassium Ferricyanide | Toner | 100.0 | g |