Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Powder
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a pH neutral, archival quality cellulose adhesive supplied as a fine powder. It is widely used for making silk paper (also known as silk fusion), as an acid free adhesive for paper and bookbinding, as a surface size for handmade paper, as the size for marbling, and for papier mâché techniques.
Mix 10g of CMC powder with 500ml of water to prepare an adhesive solution for silk paper. For marbling, use approximately 25g of CMC powder to 4 litres of water.
Making Silk Paper (Silk Fusion)
- Spread the fibres in two or three thin layers, with each layer perpendicular to the previous one, between two sheets of nylon mesh.
- Thoroughly dampen the fibres with the CMC solution and work it into the fibres using a sponge. Remove any excess solution with a clean, dry sponge.
- Peel away the top sheet of mesh, or leave it in place for a more textured paper.
- Place the paper on a cake cooling rack to dry, then carefully peel away the remaining sheet of mesh.
Using Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) for Handmade Paper Sizing
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is an excellent vegan alternative to Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) for sizing handmade paper. Although it does not provide the same level of water resistance as AKD or traditional gelatin sizing, it offers many advantages for artists, printmakers and paper crafters.
Benefits of CMC as a paper size:
- Vegan.
- Non-toxic.
- Acid free and pH neutral.
- Archival quality.
- Easy to prepare.
- Won’t yellow with age.
- Strengthens the paper surface.
CMC performs very well for printmaking, collage, paper sculpture, book arts, botanical printing, and drawing with graphite or coloured pencils. It provides a stronger, more durable paper surface while maintaining the natural character of handmade paper.
For wet media such as watercolour, ink washes and fountain pens, CMC may not produce the same crisp results as AKD or gelatine sizing because it is less water resistant.
How to Use CMC for Paper Sizing
Dissolve 5–10g of CMC powder in 1 litre of water (approximately a 0.5–1% solution). Sprinkle the powder slowly into vigorously stirred water while continuing to stir. Allow the solution to hydrate for several hours or overnight until fully dissolved.
Apply a thin, even coat to the paper by brush, sponge or immersion. Allow the sheets to dry completely before use. Apply a second coat if additional surface strength is required.
