Gum Arabic - ??

Christi,

Could you be a little more descriptive? What about it is giving you trouble?

Alison

I try to use the Gum Arabic to make the pearls like paint, and mostly it comes out too thin - is their a ratio I don't know about??

Christi,

I did a google search for pearls and "gum arabic" and found the following information at the site:

TO MIX WITH GUM ARABICUse FOUR parts Powdered Pearls to ONE part gum Arabic.. Mix the two powderstogether, then add drops of water, stirring after each one. It may take a minute or two for the gum Arabic to become saturated with water, so be patient. Paint is the right consistency when YOU are satisfied with it. Thin for a shimmer wash, thicker for complete coverage and medium for sponging.

**If using liquid Gum Arabic OR Any other Extender Medium, add drops one at a time over PP.

**Other Medium that can be mixed with PP: Aleenes Satin Varnish (or matte) Liquitex Acrylic Extender Glaze Medium (extender)

Does this help? Alison

I might should mention, Christi... personally, I'm more comfortable working with watercolor paints in dry form (cakes, pencils, etc.), so I like to make the pearlescent powder/gum arabic concoction pretty thick, then let it dry and use it as a cake later. Just so you know that's an option.

HTH, Alison

Here is a link to our webpage where we have directions on using a powdered binder with metallic powders.

most of our projects, we mix ours with one part powder to four partsbinder. For thicker coverage, we use a mix more toward 50/50. Hope this helps!

Thank you both for your help! It is greatly appreciated : )