GUM ARABIC POWDER(CODE 2023)

GUM ARABIC POWDER

*GUM ARABIC POWDER OR GUM ACACIA AS IT IS SOMETIMES KNOWN IS RECOMMENDED AS A PRINT TABLE ADHESIVE.

* GUM ARABIC IS A NATURAL THICKENER/ADHESIVE EXUDED FROM THE ACACIA TREE AND IS WIDELY USED IN FOOD AND PHARMACEUTICALS.

MAKING UP PRINT TABLE ADHESIVE

* 100grms OF GUM ARABIC IS STIRRED INTO 200 mls OF COLD WATER (WILL GO LUMPY) AND THE MIXTURE IS HEATED UNTIL BOILING.

* CONTINUE TO BOIL WITH CONSTANT STIRRING FOR 15 MINUTES BY WHICH TIME THE MAJORITY OF THE LUMPS WILL HAVE DISSOLVED.

* COOL. MAKE UP THE VOLUME TO 300 mls AND STRAIN TO REMOVE RESIDUAL LUMPS.

* THE GUM ARABIC PASTE IS READY TO USE AND CAN BE BRUSHED ONTO THE PRINT TABLE (KEEP REMAINING PASTE IN SEALED BOTTLE).

* BEFORE DRYING, THE GUM ON THE TABLE WILL BECOME TACKY AND THE FABRIC TO BE PRINTED CAN BE STRETCHED AND SMOOTHED OVER THE SURFACE.

* TO USE THE PRINT TABLE AT A LATER DATE EITHER:

* SPRAY WITH A WATER MIST TO MAKE THE GUM TACKY AGAIN
* DAMPEN THE SURFACE WITH A WET CLOTH.
* APPLY MORE OF THE STORED GUM ARABIC PASTE.