Thickening gums such as gum arabic, guar and xanthan gums are indispensable for creation of inks and pigment by individual or industrial pigment makers. Understanding the role of gums opens up a whole new world of color and experimentation.
In pigment, ink and paint making the difference in binders is notable. With unique properties and versatility, gum arabic, guar gum, and xanthan gum are functional in art but also hold significant cultural and commercial importance.
Is Plant Gum the Same as Resin?
Though the terms "gum" and "resin" are often used interchangeably, the substances are different. Plant gums are water-soluble polysaccharides. They provide thickening, stabilizing, or binding properties, derived from the sap of various plants.
Resins are typically a mix of solid or semi-solid organic substances produced by plants for protection, often set as a result of polymerization or evaporation of volatile compounds. Resins can be used in art but function poorly as binders.
Other binders include egg yolk (egg tempera painting) or beeswax. The ancient Greeks use beeswax, and put the palette on a small brazier at steadily maintained heat to keep the paint liquid. Linseed oil is the preferred medium for oil painters of old, but yellows over time.
Myrrh, both a resin and a compound of water-soluble gum, is used in medieval egg tempera murals and paintings in churches. Egg tempera has a distinctive smell when it's curing, and myrrh is added in hopes of hiding the odor. Myrrh can make a fragrant binder for some inks.
Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum)
Origin
Gum Arabic is harvested from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree, primarily found in regions of Africa, specifically Sudan. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, where it's valued for its adhesive and binding properties.
Properties
This gum is highly soluble in water and forms a viscous solution when mixed, which is perfect for use in various mediums such as watercolor, gouache and ink. It form a clear film and has superior emulsifying and adhesive properties. Gum arabic is the preferred binder by far.
Historical & Modern Uses
Historically, gum Arabic was used in the production of ink, watercolor paints, and as an ingredient in traditional medicine. In the modern era, it has found its way into cosmetics, food products (as a stabilizer and thickener), and even in photography.
Gum Arabic holds significant economic value; it has been traded along the Nile since antiquity. Today, it continues to be a major export product for countries in Africa and is deeply embedded in global commerce, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
Suitability as a Paint or Ink Binder
Artists favor gum Arabic as a binder in watercolors due to its capacity to enhance color transparency and brilliance. It also aids in maintaining a smooth application and re-wettability, making it indispensable for watercolorists and calligraphers.
Gum arabic's adhesive qualities make it an exceptional binder for paints and inks, ensuring longevity and vivid color retention in artworks.
Guar Gum
Origin
Guar gum is a gel-forming fiber derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), primarily grown in India and Pakistan. The extraction process involves milling the seeds to obtain the gum from the endosperm.
Properties
Guar gum is renowned for thickening and gelling abilities, making it one of the most effective polysaccharide binders available. It is soluble in both hot and cold water and is less viscous than other thickeners at low concentrations. Due to its stabilizing properties, guar gum is widely used in food, textile, and cosmetic industries.
Suitability as a Paint or Ink Binder
While not traditionally used in art supplies, guar gum’s thickening properties can be advantageous for certain techniques, like creating textured surfaces in acrylic mediums or mixed media applications.
Historical & Modern Importance
Guar gum has a strong market in the food industry as a thickening agent. Increased cultivation of guar beans in the 21st century significantly benefits the economies of producing countries.
Medicinally for bowel problems, guar gum helps normalize the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in those with diarrhea, and softening the stool in those with constipation.
Historically, guar gum is a component of traditional cooking and textile industries. Today, it is widely used in food products and personal care items due to its thickening and emulsifying properties.
Pods of the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. plant are collected annually in India during the monsoon season or kharif, from June to October. India is responsible for nearly 80% of the global Guar output.
Xanthan Gum
Origin
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugar with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. This process occurs in controlled environments, mainly in the United States and Europe.
Properties
Even in low concentrations it has excellent thickening abilities and forms stable emulsions, making it exceptionally versatile. Xanthan gum remains effective across a range of temperatures and pH levels.
Properties : With exceptional viscosity and stabilizing properties, xanthan gum is widely used as a thickening agent in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
Historical & Modern Uses
Originally developed as a food additive in the 1960s, xanthan gum is a common ingredient in the food industry, particularly in gluten-free products and sauces. Beyond the kitchen, it's used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Suitability as a Paint or Ink Binder
Xanthan gum is an emerging choice among artists, particularly in acrylic and mixed media applications. Its ability to create unique textures and stabilize mixtures allows for innovative approaches in painting and printmaking.
With industrial grade thickening abilities, xanthan gum can be used as a binder in paints and inks, providing enhanced texture. With the qualities of a glue it also provides good adherence.
Historical & Modern Importance to Trade & Commerce
As a pivotal ingredient in many consumer products, xanthan gum holds substantial economic importance. It plays a critical role in the food and cosmetic industries, allowing for stable formulations and meeting consumer demands for quality.
Xanthan gum's applications in multiple industries have secured its place as a valuable commodity in global trade. Its increasing demand and commercial importance make it a good investment.
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