Water Thickener For Marbling

The best paper for marbleizing is thick enough to be absorbent while standing up to the water bath but not so thick that it s inflexible.

Water thickener for marbling.

Although paper marbling has been around for ages i was recently intrigued to give it a go when i saw this cool japanese marbling technique also known as suminagashi paper marbling on a an artist friend s instagram. Dissolve 2 tsp alum in 3 4 cup water. Methocel is a synthetic thickener that provides a viscous surface for fabric and paper marbling. I prepared my water in a stock pot which has measurements marked out along the inside.

If it s too thick the paper will push away the pigment when you gently lay your sheet onto the pigmented water. Make a double recipe of liquid starch by dissolving 4. Conforms to astm d 4236. You should also opt for an uncoated paper coated papers won t absorb any pigment.

The size might be too thin or old. It is also used in book arts as a paper sizing for paste papers and to slow the drying time of pva glues. Then you capture your design by laying a treated piece of fabric or paper down on top of the paint to transfer the swirls to the fabric. Mix 1 4 cup of methyl cellulose with 2 quarts of water for the best marbling consistency.

Marbling is the process of floating fabric paints on the surface of a thick cellulose solution called size somewhat like oil on water. This package contains 8oz of methocel. Mark one side of your watercolor paper with an a and use a sponge brush to apply alum solution evenly to that side of. Add 1 teaspoon of methocel methocelulose powder per gallon of solution or throw out and start a new recipe.

The floating paints are swirled into patterns. Add water to thin the colors skim the marbling base then test. Marbling is easier than you think and once you ve learned the technique you ll be swirling and dipping everything you own from hats to totes to notebooks this tutorial is not to be missed. The marbling paints sink to the bottom of the tray.

To thicken the water you will need methyl cellulose which is a powdery substance that mixes with water to create a consistency much like a thin gelatin.