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This has come up a few times, so I thought I'd post my recipe here for Gum Arabic Sealing Solution (GASS.) GASS seals things like Whisper White and Very Vanilla craft pads, metallic pads, Versamark with PE, and Poppin' Pastels to keep them from smudging.
Lots of people use hairspray as a sealant and/or PE base; however, while it has polymers that will give you the bond that you're looking for, it also has chemicals that are not acid-free. Because it is *not* acid-free, deterioration will begin in a fairly short period of time, yellowing your creation.
1 Part *LIQUID* Gum Arabic
4 Parts Water
2 Parts Alcohol
Shake *well* before each use.
To make "Pearl Ex Shimmer Spray", add Part Pearl Ex in your choice of color to the GASS in fine-mist spray bottle. I generally add 1/4 part PE (that is: 1/4 of whatever measuring standard I've used to make the GASS...if I've been using tsp, then I add 1/4 tsp; if I've been using Tbsp, then I add 1/4 Tbsp.) You can add more or less, depending upon your specific needs.
Q. Can I use powdered Gum Arabic? A. Yes - but be sure to mix it directly with the alcohol *first* before adding the water. I personally have not found the powder to be as effective as the liquid, but know that I could have used an inferior brand or "old" powder. In my experience, I have found the powder does not blend or mix nearly as well as the liquid.
Q. What kind of alcohol should I use? A. I prefer either white brandy or vodka. Some people prefer rubbing alcohol. It doesn't really matter: what you're after is non-colored alcohol which will facilitate quick drying of the sealant.
Q. I've got it mixed, but it still appears to be "separated" like an oil-and-vinegar dressing. What did I do wrong? A. Absolutely nothing! The Gum Arabic is heavier than the water/alcohol mixture. It has temporarily settled on the bottom. Just give your solution a hearty shaking to remix it. Over time, the Gum Arabic will cease to separate so dramatically; however, you'll still need to shake it well before every use.
Q. Now that it's mixed, how do I use it? A. Mist the GASS into the air once or twice, and wave the image through the mist a few times. The GASS should dry almost immediately. If you're not convinced it did the trick, repeat the process. It will *definitely* be set the second time. Try to avoid spraying GASS *directly* onto your image - it will just look like a "splat" and likely won't cover the entirety of your intended area.
HTH! ~ Kaylyn
__________________ Hi...My Name is Kaylyn...I'm An Alphaholic.
[B]
And thanks so very much to both of you for your helpful info!
__________________ "A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright *2 Successful Trades
[quote=SkisInOkinawa]...where do you get the liquid gum arabic??...[/quote]
I get mine at Hobby Lobby in the fine art department. It's in the area with the gesso / mineral spirits / linseed oil / etc. I believe they also have it at Michael's, JoAnn's, AC Moore, and Dick Blick as well. Don't expect an employee to be able to help you finding it - they'll look at you like you're from Jupiter!!! Best bet: AC Moore and Dick Blick *online*!
__________________ Hi...My Name is Kaylyn...I'm An Alphaholic.
[B]
Geez Kaylynn... this is awesome... I just bought some of the GUM Arabica a couple of weeks ago and was just wondering when I'd use it. Well, now I can go home and try it tonight. Thanks for all the info. So very nice and clear... I have no questions.
Wow - this is awesome. Especially with my asthma, even "low-ordor" sealers do me in. I can't wait to try it to see if it bugs me. I already stamp with my inhaler handy! LOL
Thank you for sharing this info.
__________________ ~Barbara
Wife to the most wonderful man in the world - he sits through all my "look what I made!" sessions!
I am new to this site and just found this. I have newspaper articles I would like to have with pics I have taken. Will this solution seal the newspaper? And where do you find the *LIQUID* Gum Arabic. Thanks
Thank you!! Kayln for the gum arabic recipe to make glimmer mist sprays!! I am experimenting and trying LOTS of ideas I have found here and other sites..will keep everyone posted.
As always, I know I can count on SCS to help this "newbie" out...thanks!!!
Acid-Free Sealing Spray Recipe
