Carrageenan Seaweed Marbling

Carrageenan is a mucilaginous substance that is obtained from a several species of red algae namely chondrus crispus it is an edible substance that is used as a thickener and a gelatine substitute it has a sea like smell and it requires washing to remove the excess salt and iodine it is similar to agar a gelatinous substance obtained from seaweed and algae but agar sets even in cold.

Carrageenan seaweed marbling.

To immobilize cells and enzymes. Some people who practice marbling prefer carrageenan over methocel especially those who work with watercolor paints on paper. Carrageenan is used for coughs bronchitis tuberculosis and intestinal problems. The ancient art of paper and fabric marbling uses a carrageenan mixture on which to float paints or inks.

Carrageenan shows up frequently in the ingredients section of food labels but don t expect to. The paper or fabric is then laid on it absorbing the colours. Marbling begins first with the dissolving seaweed powder in water seaweed is a white material derived from an ocean plant. This is a powdered gelatin which you mix with water in a blender to form the size on which the colors float.

For larger quantities repeat using same proportions. The solution on which the colors are floated is referred to as the size the size can be made of several different types of gel or gum but the finest and most detailed marbling must be done on carrageenan size carrageenan is an extract from a seaweed called irish moss. Carrageenan is made from parts of various red algae or seaweeds and is used for medicine. The french use a form.

They feel it offers better control and results in more precise patterning. Recommended proportions for marbling. A type of gum seaweed gives the water a degree of viscosity. Carrageenan is a seaweed extract and is the traditional marbling size.

Even though there are many kinds of gels and thickeners available nothing has been found that works better for marbling than carrageenan. A tray with the approximate dimensions of the paper to be marbled is filled with this liquid to depth of about six centimeters. 4 teaspoons 19 g carrageenan to 1 gal 3 79 l water. Used as an inactive excipient in pills and tablets.

Pour mixture into a bucket add enough water to make a total of 1 gal 3 79 l and stir. Carrageenan also known as irish moss is a widely used food ingredient derived from red seaweed. In a blender slowly add the carrageenan to 3 cups 0 71 l warm water and blend until fully dispersed.