To Learn the Basics Of Suminagashi/Japanese Paper Marbling
“Suminagashi” = “spilled ink” or “floating ink” in Japanese
It is an ancient, traditional art form in Japan where masters float ink on the surface of water to create one-of-a kind prints or monotypes.

MATERIALS

Masa printmaking paper – Economical, japanese printmaking paper (internally sized but works really well!) Colors are more intense if using paper without any sizing
Aitoh Boku-UndoSuminagashi Marbling Kit (6 colors of ink)
MCS Acrylic Box Frame (as water container) - 8x10 – can also use tubs/pans
Paper towels or Cosmos blotter paper – can use newspaper on top of table with paper towel to blot ink
Small round, inexpensive watercolor brush or sumi brush – i.e., size 1or 2 (optional)

PROCESS

Cut paper to size – 5”x7”
Fill acrylic box half way with clean water
Tear off sheets of paper towel or newspaper or blotter paper to blot excess water and ink
For ease of applying the ink – use “float paper” included in the set – 3 is a good number to start with
Tear off and submerge in the water – wait for them to float to the top
Choose color ink and carefully/gently apply a drop to the top of the float paper – caution: ink flows easily out of the bottle! NOTE: Get the tip of the bottle close as possible to the float paper/surface of water
Ink will spread naturally out – if too aggressive applying the ink will sink to the bottom
Apply other colors if desired to the float paper
Create patterns by blowing across the water surface or fanning the surface or using a brush end or similar tool.
OR, use 2 brushes to gently apply the ink to water surface – traditional application – creates concentric circles of alternating colors.
Place paper to be marbled gently on the water surface – can place one end down and lower the paper down carefully. NOTE: Paper must be dry. If wet the ink will not adhere.
When paper is soaked (a few seconds) lift one edge and peel it off the water surface
Place paper face up on paper towel, newspaper or blotter paper
Place another sheet of blotting material on top to soak up excess ink and water. DO NOT RUB THE INK – it can smear
Once the paper is dry you can add more layers of marbling
Can create a resist by brushing on patterns of water
If you lose the float paper, cut up some Yupo, a synthetic paper, works well – it floats!