Garment Care & Washing Instructions

Here's how to take care of your cyanotype and painted clothing so that it lasts for years to come!

Here's a general "how-to" for taking care of your Mellifera Modern original piece

My items are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art that need extra care and love to flourish, just like you! Here are some care tips that can extend the life of your new favorite garment. Keep washing to a minimum as much as possible. I recommend hand-washing. Here are some more detailed directions:

Cyanotype on Fabric Care

Cyanotype prints are permanent. However, yellowing or fading may occur if prints are exposed to the wrong environments. Washing cyanotype fabrics in cold water using non-phosphate detergents is essential. Turn your item inside out & do not use any soap or detergent containing phosphates or bleach. Most natural and PH balanced detergents are safe for your cyanotype garment, but be sure to check the ingredient list. I personally use & recommend ECOS plant powered detergent. Hand washing is best, but you can also machine wash alone on the gentle cycle in cold water. Air dry or tumble dry alone on low heat. Cool iron inside out if needed. Do not dry in direct sunlight. Over washing may cause the print to fade. If fading occurs, soaking the print in a dilute bath of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can usually restore it to its original vibrancy.
Remember, it is normal for natural dye to change over time.

History of Cyanotype

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. In fact, the word comes from Ancient Greek κυάνεος - kuáneos, "dark blue". English scientist and astronomer Sir John Herschel discovered the process in 1842. It uses two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. When these solutions are combined, they become UV light sensitive. Commercial use came in 1872, the year after Herschel's death. Marion and Company of Paris were the first to market the cyanotype. It's advantages were its low cost and simplicity of processing which only required water. With the manufacture of blueprint papers, it remained the dominant reprographic process until the 1940s and was used by engineers well into the 20th century. Prints can be made from a variety of things, ranging from digital negatives to everyday objects. After UV exposure, the unreacted solution is rinsed off with running water leaving only the exposed image. John Mercer in the 1850s used the process for printing photographs onto cotton textiles and discovered means of toning the cyanotype violet, green, brown, red, or black. Today, companies such as SolarFast produce chemicals that are already tinted to other colors.

Cyanotype on Fabric

As someone who dabbles in many facets of art and photography, I was drawn to cyanotype because of its versatility. I started printing on denim years ago and instantly fell in love with the process and the results. It is very similar to printing on paper, but I find it far more exciting. I coat the fabric in the solution, either with a brush or by soaking the whole garment. After it has dried, I'm able to create magic! I overlay my pressed flowers, leaves, or digital negatives and expose it in the sun. After a good rinse and a quick wash, it's ready to wear! Although this process often takes longer (sometimes multiple days!) than printing on paper due to the lengthy drying times of the fabric and longer exposure times, I find that the results are well worth the wait.