Schmincke Gum Arabic 60 ml – Binder for Watercolour and Gouache

Schmincke Gum Arabic – Binder for Making Your Own Watercolour and Gouache Paints

Schmincke gum arabic (60 ml) is a proven binder for grinding your own watercolour and gouache paints. You mix it with pigment to make your own colour.

Added to Schmincke watercolour and gouache paints, it improves adhesion to the surface and increases gloss, transparency and colour intensity, according to the manufacturer. The 60 ml bottle is enough for your first mixes and small sets of paints. For larger quantities, the manufacturer offers a 200 ml bottle.

Grinding your own paint

Shake the bottle before use. The gum arabic is ready to use and can be diluted with water in any ratio if needed. As a starting point, take equal parts binder and pigment, then adjust the mixture: more binder makes the paint glossier and more transparent, more water makes it runnier. Grind the pigment carefully on a palette or glass plate until no grains can be felt.

As an additive to ready-made paints

If you mix gum arabic into Schmincke watercolour or gouache paints, work on a separate palette. This leaves the paint pan unchanged, and you can adjust the mixture for your subject. The dried paint is smudge-proof but remains water-soluble and can be reactivated with water. Do a test on your paper first, as gloss and transparency depend on the pigment and the mixing ratio.

Care and storage

Close the bottle immediately after use, store it in a cool, dry place and protect it from frost. Clean brushes and tools with water straight after painting, with a little soap if needed.

Schmincke Gum Arabic product details

• Manufacturer: Schmincke, art. no. 50302025
• Content: 60 ml
• Use: binder for watercolour and gouache paints
• Dilution: with water
• Drying: smudge-proof, remains water-soluble

You will also need: pigment, palette or glass plate, spatula or muller for grinding, water

Contains biocidal products BIT, CIT, MIT, OIT. May produce an allergic reaction.