Marbling Kit Instructions

The technique involves floating paints on the surface of a gel like medium known as the marbling size and then transferring this floating design onto paper or fabric.

Marbling kit instructions.

Jacquard marbling instructions for a succinct visual guide from jacquard click here. A mordant must be used on paper and fabric so that the marbled design will adhere to the fiber or paper quickly and permanently. The floating paints are swirled into patterns. Using the correct acrylic body marbling paint is extremely important.

Mix 3 tablespoons alum per quart of hot tap water in a bin. Then you capture your design by laying a treated piece of fabric or paper down on top of the paint to transfer the swirls to the fabric. Marbling is the process of floating fabric paints on the surface of a thick cellulose solution called size somewhat like oil on water. Soak leather or prewashed fabric in mixture for 20 minutes or brush onto paper.

The ancient art of paper marbling has historically been associated with the book arts. Pretreat fabric or paper with mordant. Alum treated fabric or paper should be used within 2 days or placed in an airtight container or bag as the alum deteriorates and also can rot.