DIY Turmeric Sun Printing Recipe
Turmeric printing is a photographic process where a photosensitive chemical (curcumin) is extracted from the turmeric root to create a photosensitive ink which can be used to make photo prints similar to cyanotypes.
I LOVE this printing process because there’s no perfect formula but the results are always so interesting. To me, the beauty of this experiment lies in the freedom of playing with materials, method, and media.
A quick note before getting started:
Curcumin extract is extremely pigmented and as a result turmeric ink stains everything it touches, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, use gloves and don't eat or drink out of anything that the ink touches!
List of supplies
Turmeric powder
Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Paper to print on
Jar for ink
Funnel/ Filter
Paintbrush
Frame
Borax detergent or baking soda
Water Tub or sink
Dried leaves or flowers
You probably already have most of the supplies in your kitchen
Getting Started
Turmeric
I use powdered turmeric from the grocery store for this project. You can also use fresh turmeric if you have it!
Dried leaves or flowers
Choose what you want to print onto your paper! You could also use rocks, paper, kitchen utensils, cloth or found objects!
Frame
I highly recommend using a frame to keep everything in place. Choose one that is slightly larger than the paper you are printing on.
Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
To make the turmeric ink, mix turmeric with 70% isopropyl alcohol (also called surgical spirit)
I always just measure with my heart, but if you aren’t comfortable with that try these measurements:
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
4-6 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
small Tub/ container
This is to hold the borax solution while you are developing the prints. You can also you a sink or tub.
Paper
I’ve used matte photo paper, watercolor paper, mixed media paper, computer paper. Higher quality paper tends to give higher quality results. (Homemade paper is not recommended)
Borax or baking soda
1/3 cup Borax
1 gallon of water
Be sure to pick a container larger than your paper.
If you need a smaller quantity of developing solution, use 2 teaspoons Borax per 1/2 cup of water
Instructions
Step 1
Collect leaves, flowers, and/or other flat objects you want use in your print. Dry, flat objects work best!
Step 2
Using a funnel strain the rubbing alcohol through the turmeric powder in a coffee filter or paper towel. For best results, try to keep the ink out of direct sunlight until you have everything in place.
Step 3
Use a brush to paint your turmeric ink on to the paper and let it dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 4
Next arrange the leaves or flowers and place the glass on top. You can reference my drawing to double check the order!
Step 5
Secure the frame or tape around the edges so that the wind won't move the plants during the exposure time— moving plants means a blurry print!
Step 6
Put your print out in the direct sunlight for 1-6 hours. Keep in mind, you may need to move it throughout the day to keep it in a sunny spot. Exposure time will vary greatly depending on location and time of year.
Step 7
Once the exposed parts of the print become a very pale yellow, release/remove the tape or frame and place the paper in your borax and water solution. Once the subject has darkened remove from the solution and allow to dry completely.
Ta da!
You have now successfully created a turmeric sun print.
One last thing:
If you like the results, I highly recommend taking photos of your prints or scanning them into a computer.
These prints will keep their color for a long time if you store them in a dark place, however they will fade rapidly if exposed to any more sunlight, even indirectly.
