How to troubleshoot blurry shadow prints

Here are some simple suggestions to help you print a sharp shadow print.

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When making shadow prints, choose items that come in close contact with your Inkodye coated material to avoid shadows (which will result in blurry prints).

For example: It would be better to choose the black wrench since it lays flatter than the silver wrench.

For example: It would be better to choose the black wrench since it lays flatter than the silver wrench.

The shadow of the black wrench is less dramatic than that of the silver wrench. There are also no rounded edges on the black wrench- it lays flat up against the coated material.

The shadow of the black wrench is less dramatic than that of the silver wrench. There are also no rounded edges on the black wrench- it lays flat up against the coated material.

Rotating the print during sun exposure will help expose areas in shadow. But it can also lead to uneven exposure around rounded edges of an item. Play around with it and see what works best for you!

Rotating the print during sun exposure will help expose areas in shadow. But it can also lead to uneven exposure around rounded edges of an item. Play around with it and see what works best for you!

The flat black wrench (right) was the right choice for a sun print! Printing when the sun is directly overhead is also a good solution to avoid blurry prints as it minimizes shadows during exposure.

The flat black wrench (right) was the right choice for a sun print! Printing when the sun is directly overhead is also a good solution to avoid blurry prints as it minimizes shadows during exposure.

Items like a whisk or scissors can cast dramatic shadows on your print and yield a very blurry print.

Items like a whisk or scissors can cast dramatic shadows on your print and yield a very blurry print.

The result is interesting and has a fun vibe to it. But if you are looking to do shadow prints with crisp edges, we recommend items that lay flat against your coated material.

Such as safety pins!

Such as safety pins!

Shadows are minimal when the print is exposed to the sun.

Shadows are minimal when the print is exposed to the sun.

Your end result will be sharper when using items that come in close contact w/ the  material. If you're using flat items (leaves or flowers) place a piece of glass on top of your items before exposure

Your end result will be sharper when using items that come in close contact w/ the material. If you're using flat items (leaves or flowers) place a piece of glass on top of your items before exposure

See our "Make a Shadow Print with Inkodye" guide for step-by-step instructions on how to make an Inkodye print.

  • Inkodye (purchase at www.lumi.co)
  • Full supply list in "Make a Shadow Print" guide