What is gum arabic?

Gum arabic is a natural product extracted from Acacia trees. It can be used both in millinery work and in leather craft for edge finishing.

Gum arabic comes in powder form. To obtain a stiffener, mix the powder with water. You will then get a slightly viscous texture resembling egg white or wallpaper paste.

The powder is packaged in 50g sachets, or in 500g and 1 kg pots.
Store in a dry place, in the pot and well protected from moisture.

MILLINER

Recipe:

We recommend that you carry out your own tests to achieve the desired result (stiffening) on your hats.

• As a general rule, we mix 1 volume of powder with 6 to 8 volumes of water (for example 25cl of powder for 1.5L of water).
• Add the water gradually to avoid lumps when mixing.
• Once mixed with water, gum arabic does not keep for very long. We recommend preparing your mixture when you need it.

How to use?

The gum will become transparent when dry and will stiffen. It is possible to apply several coats to achieve greater stiffening. This stiffener can be used on both felt and straw.
Depending on the water-to-gum ratio, your stiffener will be more or less rigid.

LEATHER WORKER

Gum arabic is used for edge finishing on vegetable-tanned leather. It gives a smooth and slightly burnished effect to the edge.
It is possible to mix gum arabic with dyes (water-based).

Recipe:

• Mix gum arabic with warm water - 3 volumes of gum arabic for 10 volumes of water (Example: 300g of gum arabic for 1L of water)
• You can add pigments at this stage for colouring.
• When the solution has cooled, you can add a glass of methylated spirits to prevent the mixture from going mouldy.

How to use?

• Mix the powder to obtain a smooth solution.
• Apply a coat of gum arabic to your edge
• Wait a few seconds then rub with a soft cloth. It is the friction-generated heat on the edge and the gum arabic that creates the shine.

Safety precautions:

• Clean tools with water
• Do not swallow (the gum arabic we sell is not food-grade)
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Sensitive individuals should wear gloves
• In case of any problem, consult a doctor

WARNING this gum arabic is not food-grade
Photos are not contractual. The last photo shows the gum arabic and water mixture as an example.