Turmeric Anthotype Prints

In this post I share instructions for a really cool science based art project- turmeric anthotype prints. If you've ever tried using Sunprint paper, this is the same concept, except you are making the photosensitive paper yourself.

For this activity you will need: white paper, turmeric, alcohol (rubbing alcohol or vodka), a paint brush, something to print (leaves, sticks, rocks), baking soda, water, a spray bottle, a tray, and sunshine.

*Turmeric stains, so be sure to work in old clothes or use a smock.

Start by making a turmeric based ink/paint by mixing about a teaspoon of turmeric powder into 1/4 cup of alcohol. If you end up having a lot of chunks of turmeric after stirring well, you can strain it through a coffee filter, but we have found that this step usually isn't necessary.

In an inside space, away from direct sunlight, paint your entire sheet of white paper with the turmeric ink. Then set it aside to dry in a dark space.

While it dries, collect items to print. Leaves, fern fronds, sticks, and rocks all work well.

Once your paper is fully dry, set it on your tray and arrange the item(s) you want to print on your paper. If you are using items that will easily blow away like leaves or a fern frond, you will want to weigh them down with small pebbles or set a sheet of glass from a picture frame or a clear sheet of plastic over the top.

Take your tray outside and set it in a sunny place. After a while you will start to notice the yellow color fading from the exposed parts of your paper. This is because curcumin, the chemical constituent in turmeric that gives it it's yellow color, is photosensitive. You should leave your print in the sun until it fades to a very light yellow. The more it fades, the better. The amount of time it takes will vary between about 30 minutes and several hours, depending on how intense the sunlight is that day.

While your print sits in the sun, prepare a baking soda solution by dissolving a of couple teaspoons of baking soda into water in a spray bottle.

Once you are satisfied with the amount your print has faded, bring it inside and remove the items you printed. Gently spray it with your baking soda solution. This does two things- it helps fix your print so that it will fade less over time and it changes the color of your print from yellow to red. The color change occurs because turmeric is a natural pH indicator and baking soda is a base.

Display your print someplace away from direct sunlight, as it will still fade with sun exposure.

If you enjoyed this post, check out:

STEM Art- 21 STEAM Project Ideas

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