Make a double recipe of liquid starch by dissolving 4.
Water thickener for marbling.
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.
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.
The size might be too thin or old.
Scroll all the way down to watch the video below to see the process for easy diy paper marbling at home and make sure to subscribe to our youtube channel for more fun videos.
You should also opt for an uncoated paper coated papers won t absorb any pigment.
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 water to thin the colors skim the marbling base then test.
Marbling colors are too thick.
Add 1 teaspoon of methocel methocelulose powder per gallon of solution or throw out and start a new recipe.
The marbling paints sink to the bottom of the tray.
Mix 1 4 cup of methyl cellulose with 2 quarts of water for the best marbling consistency.
If it s too thick the paper will push away the pigment when you gently lay your sheet onto the pigmented water.
It is also used in book arts as a paper sizing for paste papers and to slow the drying time of pva glues.
Conforms to astm d 4236.
Dissolve 2 tsp alum in 3 4 cup water.
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.
I prepared my water in a stock pot which has measurements marked out along the inside.
Let the paper dry overnight or speed drying with a blow dryer.
Methocel is a synthetic thickener that provides a viscous surface for fabric and paper marbling.
This package contains 8oz of methocel.
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.