Paper Marbling Cheatsheet
Marbling Methods
Method | Origin | Description |
---|---|---|
Suminagashi | Japan | Inks are floated on plain water. Creates organic, concentric rings. |
Ebru | Turkey | Paints are floated on a thickened water (size). Allows for more control and complex patterns. |
Materials for Ebru (Western Marbling)
Material | Purpose |
---|---|
Carrageenan | A seaweed extract used to thicken the water (create the “size”). |
Marbling Paints | Specially formulated paints that float on the size. |
Alum | A mordant used to pre-treat the paper so the paints adhere. |
Tray | A shallow tray to hold the size. |
Stylus/Comb | Tools used to manipulate the paints into patterns. |
The Ebru Marbling Process
Step # | Action | Notes |
---|---|---|
1 | Prepare the size. | Mix carrageenan with water and let it sit for several hours. |
2 | Pre-treat the paper. | Sponge a thin layer of alum solution onto the paper and let it dry. |
3 | Float the paints. | Drop or flick paints onto the surface of the size. |
4 | Create a pattern. | Use a stylus, rake, or comb to move the paints around. |
5 | Lay the paper. | Carefully lay the alum-treated paper onto the surface of the size. |
6 | Lift and rinse. | Peel the paper off, and gently rinse off the excess size. |
7 | Dry the paper. | Hang to dry or lay flat on a rack. |
Classic Marbling Patterns
Pattern | How to Create It |
---|---|
Stone | The random pattern created by dropping colours. |
Gel-Git | Raking the colours back and forth in parallel lines. |
Nonpareil | Combing through the Gel-Git pattern at a 90-degree angle. |
Feather | Drawing a wavy line down the center of a Nonpareil pattern. |
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Paints sink | Size is too thin, or paint is too heavy. | Add more carrageenan to the size. Add a drop of dispersant (ox gall) to the paint. |
Colours are pale | Paper was not treated with alum. | Ensure paper is properly treated with alum before marbling. |
Pattern is muddy | Over-working the paints, colours are bleeding. | Use a lighter touch with the stylus/comb. |