Making Tiger Eye Marbled Paper

Paper marbling is a centuries-old art form that was once an integral part of the bookbinding trade, but is now relatively obscure. At Four Keys Book Arts we have made a point of maintaining, and I hope reviving, both of these disappearing crafts. In this video I am printing an edition of bespoke tiger eye marbled papers. This is not a tutorial video, but a look 'behind the scenes' at the process.

The marbling process begins with the ‘size’, the fluid bath upon which the marbling paints are floated and manipulated into the desired patterns. The size is made from carrageenan, derived from carrageen moss, a type of seaweed (or more accurately, an algae). The resulting fluid is as thick as cream and will not readily mix with paint.

Many types of paint can be used for marbling. I use acrylic paints, though gouache and watercolor paints are also commonly used. The paints are thinned and mixed with an ‘expander’, which causes the paint to spread upon the size. The properties of the carrageenan size prevent the paints from mixing as they are applied, allowing for the development of the characteristic fine lines of genuine marbled paper.

Once the desired colors and pattern have been achieved, paper that has been treated with an alum solution is laid carefully on the bath. The paint instantly and permanently adheres to the paper, resulting in a print that is as unique as a snowflake. Papers are sometimes rinsed, or in the case of the tiger eye pattern, laid flat to dry.

The tiger eye pattern, sometimes called the sunspot or soleil pattern, is considered one of the most challenging designs to achieve. Additives are mixed into the black marbling paint, altering its viscosity and pH in such a way that when it comes into contact with the carrageenan size it separates and flows out in its distinctive pattern. It is a delicate balance that must be achieved, taking in to account such multitudinous factors as temperature, humidity, viscosity of the size and paint, and the alkalinity or acidity of the materials, to name a few. Achieving consistent, repeatable results is an ever-moving target, so it is understandable that most marblers guard their tiger eye formulas closely. Many consider the technique to be more alchemy than art.

Thanks for watching!

Cheers,

Dennis

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Music Credits:

'Night Snow' (0:05) by Asher Fulero - https://tinyurl.com/y2vszkts
'The Voyage' (3:55) and 'Serenity' (5:46) by Jason Shaw - https://www.audionautix.com