Materials Used

The principal materials used in marbling are: basin, liquid containing viscosity enhancers (gum tragacanth), dye, gall, combs and other tools.

1) Basin
This is the container where we put our special water. The basin may be made out of glass, wood or galvanized steel, and plastic receptacles are also acceptable.

2) Water
Water is the second substance used in marbling, and its quality and importance is often overlooked. The water, which will be used in the preparation of both the gum tragacanth and dyes, must be distilled water.

3) Brushes
Different brushes are needed for the mixing of colors and for sprinkling several dyes onto the surface of the base.

4) Paper
Any kind of absorbent paper may be used in marbling. Heavily glazed or polished papers are not very suitable because of their inabsorbent properties. Ideal papers are handmade, acid-free papers, but these are very expensive.

5) Dyes or coloring agents
Mineral pigments have been traditionally used in marbling since very early times. These are natural dyes consisting of colored soil containing metal oxides or they are obtained from colored soil.

6) Gall
Gall, which is obtained from large cattle or other animals, lowers the viscosity of the base liquid and enables the paint to disperse on the water surface. Gall is a surface-active substance and forms the surface tension. Dyes without gall will sink to the bottom of the tray. Insufficient quantity of gall results in lesser dispersion of the dye on the surface, whereas too much produces light colors.

7) Viscosity Improvers
Viscosity of the fluid used needs to be higher than that of the water, and for this purpose, several materials have been used over the years; badderlocks, linseed,quince seeds, okra, several celluloses (methyl-cellulose wallpaper fixer).