Gum Arabic is used as a binder medium for a variety of applications. Use with water and Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments (or other dry pigments) to make your own transparent watercolors, washes, stamping and calligraphy inks. For use on paper, wood or any surface that will not be washed. Gum Arabic produces a glossy, easy to brush or stamp on paint that easily mixes and cleans up with water