Several members have asked me how to use gum arabic. Apart from mixing it with the watercolour to give added brilliance of colour, is there anything else it can be used for e.g. as a size before painting?

According to the 'Collins Dictionary of Art Terms & Techniques', Gum Arabic is used in solution as the medium in watercolours and gum tempura, and as a binder in ceramics to help the glaze adhere to the clay body when a solution of gum arabic is heated to the boiling point its character changes. It becomes dark, acquires a pronounced odour, and will not function properly in the recipes calling for a hot water solution; however, it may be used as a paper adhesive". Gum Arabic is used predominantly as a binder for watercolour pigment. Mixed with water the gum can also be used as a painting medium to enrich the colours and make the paint less fluid. Gum Water, the term given to diluted Gum Arabic is also an aid to lifting out techniques; paint mixed with it is easier to remove when dry. Also any suggestions from panel please. And a word of advice from E John Robinson "Over use of gum arabic as a medium in watercolour can dilute the basic brilliance of the colour".