The size can be made of several different types of gel or gum but the finest and most detailed marbling must be done on carrageenan size.
Carrageenan marbling alternative.
For example kappa carrageenan quickly turns to jelly whereas lambda can be left out for a couple days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Carrageenan is a vegetarian and vegan alternative to gelatin in some applications or may be used to replace gelatin in confectionery.
Carrageenan is used for coughs bronchitis tuberculosis and intestinal problems.
The solution on which the colors are floated is referred to as the size.
Preparing for marbling is an art in its own right one that requires a strict precision.
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.
Carrageenan is common as a food additive in commercially processed food where it is used as a gelling agent and to improve mouthfeel.
Marbling carrageenan not the food variety mixed at 2 5 tablespoons per gallon of water i use distilled bottled and marbling alum again not the food kind mixed at 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of water.
The paper or fabric is then.
For larger quantities repeat using same proportions.
If what you need is a simple thickener that is stable at room temperature corn starch is a great.
4 teaspoons 19 g carrageenan to 1 gal 3 79 l water.
I prepared my water in a stock pot which has measurements marked out along the inside.
Some marblers still use the actual seaweed to make their size.
The carrageenan is mixed in a high speed.
Recommended proportions for marbling.
Has anyone had success with watercolor or acrylic marbling on any of these thickeners as an alternative size to carrageenan or methyl cellulose psyllium seed main ingredient in metamucil sodium alginate f another kind of seaweed high viscosity low solids type for fine print definition.
Mix 1 4 cup of methyl cellulose with 2 quarts of water for the best marbling consistency.
In a blender slowly add the carrageenan to 3 cups 0 71 l warm water and blend until fully dispersed.
Many times online retailers don t specify which type of carrageenan they are selling and not all carrageenan is the same.
Carrageenan is an extract from a seaweed called irish moss.
I mix my alum a bit stronger than some recommendations just because i find it works better for me.
It will never set after this point nature takes course and it starts to break down.
The french use a form.
It is not a common ingredient for home cooks but it is available from various retailers.
Of all the steps involved preperation of the size is the most important as without the right size the colours simply will not float that being said there has been numerous types of sizes that were used throughout the history of marbling including but not limited to carrageenan gum tracaganth and most.
The ancient art of paper and fabric marbling uses a carrageenan mixture on which to float paints or inks.