Total Materials
$4
Size
1.9 oz
Paint
2.0 oz
Sheets
20
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Inputs
Result
Tray = 0.94 gal. Carrageenan: 0.94 oz. Paint: 15 drops × 20 × 4 = 1,200 drops / 600 = 2.0 oz. Alum: ~1.5 oz for 20 sheets.
Inputs
Result
Tray = 24 × 18 × 2 / 231 = 3.74 gal. MC: 3.74 × 0.5 = 1.87 oz. Paint: 8 drops × 50 × 3 = 1,200 drops / 600 = 2.0 oz at $2/oz. Alum: ~2.3 oz.
Use 1 oz of carrageenan powder per gallon of water. An 18" × 12" × 2" tray holds about 0.94 gallons, needing ~0.94 oz of carrageenan ($1.41). Mix 12–24 hours before use and refrigerate for best consistency.
Acrylic gouache thinned to cream consistency is the most accessible option. Suminagashi ink is traditional for delicate Japanese-style patterns. Oil-based marbling paint creates the sharpest patterns but requires more cleanup.
| Paint Type | Drops/Sheet | Cost/oz | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | 15 | $0.60 | Beginners, bold colors |
| Suminagashi | 8 | $2.00 | Japanese-style |
| Oil-Based | 12 | $1.20 | Professional, sharp |
Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) mordants the paper so paint transfers from the size surface to the paper. Without alum treatment, paint floats off the paper when you lift it. Mix 1.5 oz alum per gallon of water, brush onto paper, and let dry completely.
A single batch of carrageenan size can marble 20–30 sheets before it thins out and needs refreshing. Skim the surface with newspaper strips between prints to remove excess paint. Replace the size when patterns start to blur.
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026
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