What Is Gum Arabic? The History and Role of This Essential Watercolour Ingredient

When it comes to watercolour painting, the ingredients behind the paint are just as important as the pigments themselves. One of the oldest and most essential ingredients in traditional watercolour formulations is gum Arabic—a natural binder that has been used by artists for centuries.

But what exactly is gum Arabic? Where does it come from? And why is it still used in professional-grade watercolours today?

Let’s explore the rich history and vital role of gum Arabic in watercolour painting.

What Is Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic is a natural, water-soluble resin harvested from the sap of the Acacia tree—most commonly Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. These trees are native to arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Sudan, which remains one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality gum Arabic.

This versatile resin is valued not only in art, but also in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its adhesive, thickening, and emulsifying properties. In watercolour paint, gum Arabic serves one primary function: it binds the pigment to the paper.

A Brief History of Gum Arabic in Art

The use of gum Arabic in art dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian artists used it in their pigments for wall paintings and illuminated manuscripts. It has also been found in medieval illustrated texts and early Islamic art.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, gum Arabic had become the go-to binder for European watercolour artists. As exploration and trade routes expanded, so did access to this prized resin, and it became a staple in artists’ studios from the Renaissance to the modern era.

Today, gum Arabic remains the traditional binder of choice for watercolour paints, valued for its performance, versatility, and natural origin.

The Role of Gum Arabic in Watercolour Paint

In professional watercolour paint, gum Arabic plays a crucial role in ensuring the paint behaves as artists expect. Here's how it works:

• Pigment Binder: Gum Arabic binds pigment particles together and helps them adhere to the painting surface. Without it, pigment would lift off the paper or flake away when dry.
• Transparency and Luminosity: Unlike synthetic binders, gum Arabic enhances the natural transparency of watercolour pigments, allowing light to pass through the paint and reflect off the paper—giving watercolours their characteristic glow.
• Flow and Control: It regulates the flow of water and pigment on paper, helping artists achieve smooth washes or crisp edges depending on technique.
• Layering and Glazing: Gum Arabic enables clean layering and glazing by allowing the paint to dry to a reworkable but stable finish. Artists can apply multiple transparent layers without disturbing the underlying washes.

How Jackman’s Uses Gum Arabic

At Jackman’s Art Materials, we take pride in using only the finest materials to craft our professional watercolours. That includes:

• Hand-picked, selected gum Arabic for the highest purity and consistency.
• Distilled water to dissolve the gum Arabic—ensuring no impurities interfere with paint performance.
• Pharmaceutical-grade vegetable glycerin for optimal moisture retention and rewetting.
• Finely milled artist pigments chosen for vibrancy, lightfastness, and character.

This careful formulation process results in colours that are smooth, transparent, and highly responsive—ideal for professionals and passionate hobbyists alike.

Final Thoughts

Gum Arabic is more than just a binder—it’s the heart of traditional watercolour paint. Its ability to enhance pigment performance, create luminous washes, and deliver precise control has made it a staple in artists’ studios for centuries.

At Jackman’s, our commitment to craftsmanship means using only hand-picked gum Arabic dissolved in distilled water, paired with the finest pigments and humectants. The result? Watercolours that are beautifully balanced, consistent, and full of life.

Explore our handmade watercolours and experience the richness of traditional materials—reimagined for the modern artist.

Crafted with care. Rooted in tradition. Designed for performance.