Watercolor Ink Medium

Description

Make your own watercolor inks with our bespoke Watercolor Ink Medium thatblends premium gum arabic, raw local honey, and a touch of food-grade sodium preservative to create a stable, glossy binder for high-intensity pigments. Based on a historical recipe from the middle ages. The gum arabic provides superb film formation and brushflow, while the honey adds slip, improves edge definition, and slows crystallization. A small amount of sodium preservative ensures long shelf life by inhibiting mold and bacterial growth — so your custom ink formulas stay fresh and vibrant.

Key Features

Pure Gum Arabic: First-grade, finely ground for excellent clarity, adhesion, and even pigment suspension.

Local Michigan Honey Humectant: Enhances flow, prevents hard edges, and contributes a subtle luster without stickiness.

Natural Preservation: food-grade Sodium Preservative (<0.1%) protects against microbial spoilage without altering color or gloss.

Glossy, Flexible Film: Dries to a strong, water-reactivating finish that rewets cleanly for glazing and layering.

pH-Balanced & Non-toxic: Formulated around a balanced pH for pigment stability and safe handling in studio environments.

Shelf Life: 6 months (unopened)

Usage & Care

Binder Ratio: Mix 1 part pigment to 10 part medium by volume for a balanced ink; adjust lower for more fluid washes or higher for richer, more opaque ink. Do not exceed 1:4 as it will result in chalking (rubbing off) of pigment.

Mixing: Combine pigment and medium on a glass or ceramic slab; mill with a glass muller or palette knife until uniform.

Application: Dry time is 10–30 minutes depending on humidity and pigment load.

Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dark place to prevent fermentation, spoilage, or crystallization.

Cleanup: Clean brushes and palettes immediately with warm water and mild soap to avoid stickiness.

Enhance your watercolor inks with the balanced flow, archival stability, and natural sheen of Morrow Archival Watercolor Ink Medium.