Gum Arabic isn’t essential. (Patrick Reyntiens, for example, barely uses it at all.) It’s just that, without it, our dried, unfired paint would be extremely fragile.
Also, we wouldn’t be able to shade and matt as we like to – that is, all in one firing, including oil-based paint on top.
Now stained glass painting stockists mainly stock gum Arabic in powdered form.
We prefer liquid because we find it’s easier to mix evenly with the glass paint and water.
Liquid gum Arabic is the same medium that water-colour painters use.
So just find a good supplier of traditional art materials, and they will help you.
Ours is made by Winsor & Newton.
Tip: clean the top scrupulously before you screw the lid back on …
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Thank you for your site. I just discovered it and will refer to it frequently and try to support it with future purchases. I have been an artist/craftsman for 35 years, supporting myself repairing, designing, and fabricating leaded glass and etched glass. I do a little stippling and line work, but nothing like you guys. Do you have a Facebook page?
Hello Thomas,
Well, it’s also we who are thrilled you found us, and we hope you will find enjoyment and interest in the various posts and comments.
When we can help with anything, please just say. And of course please also say when you can help us and other visitors with anything by way of tips or resources.
You ask if we have a Facebook page. Well, I do. It’s right here. Right now we use it mainly as another way of bringing people to this site where you are right now. (It also gets our Twitter comments).
Thanks for joining the newsletter. You’ll get regular techniques, photos and videos, plus thoughts on strategy and approach: all essential.
All the best,
Stephen