This versatile powder mixes into ink with the addition of water and gum arabic. Or you can add directly to ink to give that ink pearlescence and shine. Pearl Ex creates a metallic effect without being a real metal - it will never tarnish or fade.The different particle sizes produce different effects, from a smooth pearly luster, to a highly metallic sheen.
I sell these in little glass containers with 4 teaspoons of Pearl EX powder.
Basic Recipe to mix the Pearl EX power into a calligraphy ink:
Mix 4 parts of pigment with one part gum Arabic (liquid or powder) in a container, add distilled water slowly as you stir until you get the consistency of ink you like (I prefer mine cream like).
Example:
4 teaspoon Pearl Ex pigment
1 teaspoon gum Arabic (liquid or powder)
4 teaspoon distilled water
Thinner consistency Pearl Ex ink will lie flatter on the paper when dry; a thicker consistency ink (try ½ teaspoon of water) will stand up a bit on the paper when dry, creating a raised effect. Recipe courtesy of Joi Hunt of Bien Fait Calligraphy.