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.