Heliography - using Sun Dyes
This month, we’re shining a light on Sun Dyes—a surprisingly versatile textile paint that works on fabric, paper, and even wood!
When Bonny and Graeme first formulated Sun Dyes, they never set out to create a heliographic liquid, but to their surprise, it reacted to sunlight all on its own. That’s the magic of it!
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Sun Dyes and explore how you can harness the power of the sun in your own creative projects.
Sun Dyes & Heliography: Art Inspired by Science
^^^ The first photograph, View from the Window at Le Gras (c. 1826 — 1827), Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (1765 — 1833)
Sun Dyes are a liquid textile paint that reacts to sunlight, making them heliographic.
Between 1817 and 1822, Nicéphore Niépce discovered heliography by using a naturally occurring bitumen that hardened when exposed to the sun. By coating a plate with a liquid bitumen mixture and placing it in a camera obscura, he captured the first-ever photograph (shown above)—a breakthrough that changed not only the visual arts but how we document and experience life itself.
Niépce coined the term heliographic from the Greek words helios (sun) and graphein (to write or scratch), meaning sun writing.
Today, some contemporary artists still practice traditional heliographic techniques, which require years of training and using hazardous chemicals. But with Sun Dyes, you can paint with the power of the sun and create stunning, one-of-a-kind images—without the complexity or toxic chemicals!
Customer Feature: Robyn Kreibich - @marbledinmelbourne
We’re thrilled to shine a light on the incredibly talented Robyn Kreibrich, who has truly mastered the art of marbling on both paper and fabric using Sun Dyes.
Robyn’s dedication to exploring and refining her techniques is inspiring. She has meticulously tested different methods and materials, all while generously sharing her knowledge and process on Instagram.
If you love marbling or want to see some truly stunning work, be sure to check out @marbledinmelbourne and show her some love! 💛🧡❤️💜💙💚
Tips for great Heligoraphs!
For the best results when using Sun Dyes, keep these key tips in mind:
Fabric Choice Matters – The weave and weight of your fabric can affect your prints. Tightly woven, even surfaced fabrics tend to produce the sharpest results.
Use Flat Objects – Choose items with broad, flat surfaces to create well-defined prints. Raised or uneven objects may cast shadows, leading to blurred edges or not producing a result.
Ensure a Smooth Surface – Lay your fabric on a completely flat surface to prevent distortions. Avoid corrugated cardboard, as its ridges can create uneven contact. For small fabric pieces, try using a chopping board or another sturdy, moveable surface.
Layering Colors – Start with lighter colors first when layering, then build up darker tones. Feel free to experiment to find the effect you like best!
Dilution Affects Definition – You can dilute Sun Dyes for a lighter shade, but keep in mind that less concentrated colors may result in reduced vibrancy and less defined print edges.
We’ve updated our Sun Dye colour chart and instruction sheet! 🎨☀️
This new version includes helpful tips for achieving clear, crisp prints, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. Whether you're new to Sun Dyes or a seasoned pro, this update will help you get the best results from your projects!
You can download the new instruction sheet here.
Until next time, enjoy the sun krafters!