Guar Gum

Guar Gum Marbling Size Formulas

Roberto Briceño’s Formula

Thanks to Roberto Briceño from Montevago, Sicily

Ingredients:

  • Guar Gum in Powdered Form (3500-4000 cps) download datasheet
  • Isopropyl Alcohol (The higher the %Vol., the better)
  • Ambient temperature water
  • Guar Powder to Water Ratio: 5 to 6 grams per liter

Important notes:

Take into consideration that if the climate is cold the viscosity will be higher, adjust your Guar ratio until you feel it is right (takes some trial and error). I do about 6.5gr/Lt on summer to 5.5-6gr/Lt. on winter.
Although I prefer to use Isopropilic alcohol I’ve also used Ethyl Alcohol (this kind) because it is easier and cheaper to find in Italy. It works but your size will be very alcohol smelling although I feel that it gives some contamination to the size that can alter the way the colors behave. Didn’t experience it first hand, but i got this feeling… with the Isopropyl kind the alcohol smell is almost completely imperceptible after a couple of hours.

 


Barbara Kelnhofer Formula

Thanks to Barbara Kelnhofer (www.marbled-paper-arts.comfrom Staufen Im Breisgau, Germany

Ingredients:

  • Guar Gum in Powdered Form (5000 cps)
  • Lukewarm water
  • Guar Powder to Water Ratio: 3,75 grams per liter

Important notes:

Take into consideration that this recipe uses a strong version of the Guar Gum with 5000cps. (like this one)