Gum Arabic Powder for DIY Watercolor Paint Making Supplies 1oz Jacquard

This plastic jar of Gum Arabic powder contains 28g/1oz of pure dried tree sap powder from Acacia Senegal and A. Arabica. Gum Arabic is commonly used as a transparent binder for watercolor paint. It’s primary function is to adhere the pigment to the paper, while still remaining workable (not waterproof). When you apply pigment powders with just water to paper, once the water dries the pigment will rub off just like sidewalk chalk. The Gum Arabic is the reason watercolor paints do not rub off on your finger once dry. You can see me demonstrate this in the following video:     (Learn more about Arteza art supplies in the video on the Arteza review page here). You may also add other ingredients to your watercolor paints if you choose, such as honey and glycerin for easy re-wetting, ox-gall (cow bile) or Golden’s vegan “Qor watercolor medium” or “synthetic ox gall” for flow. Use a small drop of natural preservative like clove oil for it’s anti-mold properties. When using only Gum Arabic and no preservatives, I recommend using purified water to avoid introducing mold and bacteria to your paints. Once mixed, the paint should be stored in an air-tight jar or poured into an empty plastic pan to dry. This is an easy way to make your own watercolors or calligraphy ink from any finely ground powder you may have. You can sand paper, pulverize or grind up (mortar and pestle) any old chalk pastels, charcoal sticks, graphite pencils or just use pigment powders. It works really well with shimmer metallic dusts like Pearl-Ex brand typically marketed to polymer clay artists. Mica powders typically re-wet very easily from dry, even when only mixed with Gum Arabic and water. The ratio is typically 1 part Gum Arabic to 4 parts pigment powder, but can be adjusted as you see fit. Adding too much Gum Arabic may add a subtle glossy finish. Adding gum arabic to thin inks can help provide viscosity and make them easier to use with dip pen nibs.