Which paper should I use to calibrate cyanotype?

300 gsm fine-grain watercolour paper (e.g. Arches) is recommended. Use the same paper for calibration and final prints — the curve is specific to each substrate.

Do I need to recalibrate with each new chemistry batch?

Yes, if you change chemistry batch, paper or UV source. Otherwise, a saved preset stays reliable for several months.

How long does a cyanotype calibration take?

About 15 minutes: 5 min exposure, 5 min wash and quick dry, 5 min scan and curve generation.

Does calibration work with VP sensitiser?

Yes, Calibration Flow is the official tool for Vision Picturale kits. The VP N°03 sensitiser is fully compatible.

Can I use the generated curve in Lightroom?

The .acv file imports directly into Photoshop. For Lightroom, apply the curve via a Photoshop preset or use Lightroom Classic’s Curves module.

Calibration · Cyanotype

Calibrate your cyanotype with precision.

Cyanotype is sensitive to UV, paper and chemistry. Without a correction curve, highlights are blown and shadows are blocked. Calibration Flow measures the deviation and generates the exact compensation.

Calibrate now →VP Cyanotype Kit →

Why calibrate your cyanotype?

Each paper + chemistry + UV source combination produces a different response curve. Calibration turns a random print into a reproducible process.

Reproducibility

Same chemistry, same paper, same result — print after print. No more wash-day surprises.

Full tonal range

Recover all 21 grey levels from your digital negative instead of the usual 8-10 without calibration.

Time savings

A 15-minute calibration replaces hours of trial-and-error test prints.

Method

Calibrate in 3 steps.

1
Print the cyanotype target
Select the Positive target in Calibration Flow, print it as a digital negative and produce a cyanotype print on your watercolour paper.
2
Scan and analyse
Photograph the dried print with the app. Calibration Flow reads each patch, measures density and shows the deviation from target.
3
Export the .acv curve
The app generates a compensation curve via cubic interpolation. Export the .acv file and apply it in Photoshop or Lightroom before every new print.

Frequently asked questions

Cyanotype calibration — FAQ.

Ready to calibrate your cyanotype?

First calibration in 15 minutes. Open the app or start with a Vision Picturale kit.

Open app VP Cyanotype Kit →