Gouache Ink For Envelope Calligraphy?

[Curiouser]

Hello folks,

Not quite fountain pen question, but hoping there will be some calligraphers in the lot!

I'm trying to introduce gouache into my envelope addressing calligraphy but just cannot figure out how folks make it waterproof. I've seen 1 or 2 posts on Google that mentions mixing an acrylic medium in it, but apparently this is not even a good guarantee of waterproofing/resistance. (By the way this is for DIP PEN USE)

 

How does this work? I've seen lots of professional calligraphers advertising gouache for their envelope calligraphy and I cannot think that they are leaving it to chance as far as water damage in transit. What is the general best practice?

 

Thank you so much in advance!

Amy

[DanF]

There are several acrylic "Gouache" formulations being made commercially, my guess is that what they are using. I don't know of any way of making standard gouache waterproof.

 

Dan

[FPFan]

I've heard tell of people using wax rubbed over the address to make it waterproof in that way. You know the end of a candle or the stuff that gets melted and poured on homemade jelly's and jam's. Ususally available at stores that carry home "canning" supplies. I've never tried it myself.

[LucasT]

The only way I know of is to spray it with a fixative.

[ObserveClosely]

Acrylic gouache = "water resistant". Not waterproof. Alas.

[Curiouser]

Thank YOU so much everyone for your answers! Looks like it's either acrylic gouache or fixative. The wax method sounds intriguing too, I imagine a stick wax would be easier? Just rub over the paper?

I found this article online of a special kind of earth-friendly gouache. I like the system of a single opaque base and colorant mixes. Author also demonstrated her calligraphy with it.

 

http://artid.com/members/calligraphy/blog/post/2522-eco-friendly-acrylic-gouache

 

Ordered a set, so we'll see how it turns out!

 

Yea I think it's a bummer it's water resistant and not proof, but I think I can live with that....

Edited August 2, 2012 by rotipom

[fiberdrunk]

You could probably rub MicroGlaze on the writing. It's easier to use than wax and there are no fumes to inhale. You simply rub a little on with your finger. Calligraphy mail order catalogs usually sell it. Amazon has it, too. I've seen it on eBay, too.

 

http://www.judikins.com/graphics/first_graphics/mg_title.gif

Edited August 2, 2012 by fiberdrunk

[SamCapote]

Scribblers Penman Liquid Gouache

 

Microglaze is exquisite. Smear it on, wipe and polish it off with a tissue, leaving no trace of it being used.

[Plume145]

+1 on the microglaze. That is some sweeeet stuff lol. I bought it on a random impulse a few weeks back, kind of regretting it as soon as I placed the order since I thought it would just end up going straight to my glues & finishes tool box, but it was so awesome it earned a permanent place on my desk - which is saying something as I'm pretty picky about what gets to live there since I really hate permanent clutter (I'm very visual when it comes to getting organized, so I need all the space for projects that are in progress).

 

It's really awesome at what it's supposed to do, yet it is also just fun to use. It's a real winner!

 

I only wish they'd make a small size - like a sample or travel size - so I could take it with me in my pencil case! 1 oz may not seem that huge, but when you realize that after like a month of use you're barely a 1/8 of the way down, it suddenly begins to look huge!