Gum Arabic is a water soluble sap from the acacia tree. This is the binder for watercolor and gouache paints. We use it also in the fountain solution for polyester plate lithography.

Here’s the recipe, thanks to Natural Pigments.

• 150 grams of gum arabic powder
• 500 ml distilled water heated to around 140°F
• a couple drops of clove oil as a preservative, optional

For a watercolor binder, it’s common to add a small amount of glycerin or honey as a humectant/plasticizer.

Refrigerate, especially if not using a preservative.