Did you know carrageenan is also known as "Irish Moss", even though it is made from a special type of seaweed? Did you also know there are 3 types of carrageenan out there? Well, pull up a chair... There is Kappa, Iota, and Lambda. And although they are all "Irish Moss" they are in fact, 3 different strains and therefore yield different results when it comes to marbling and "size." We've learned to get the best results, you want to use a Lambda carrageenan (which is what we carry). Here's why: Lambda carrageenan is soluble at cooler temperatures whereas Kappa and Iota need a heat and cool process. Lambda, acts as a thickener whereas Kappa and Iota mix more gelatinous. We have also found that with Lambda, you will get less color blending, more crisp edges, and it allows the paint to stick better to the fabric. So there you have it. When you want your marbling to stick, stick with us and stick with Lambda carrageenan. Even though carrageenan is a fan favorite for making a "size" that marbling paints float on, marblers use either this, or Methocel, which is a sawdust by-product. The main advantage of Carrageenan is that most folks find it easier to float their paint on it than on Methocel, making it easy for artists and better for beginners. The main advantages of Methocel are that it is less expensive and it keeps longer, especially when you have a sizing pan so big it cannot be refrigerated when not in use, and it is hot and humid out. Try both, see which works better for you in your situation with your skill level. Mixing Directions: Mix 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water. Best to do it in batches in a blender for the most even consistency. If you use a blender, allow all of the bubbles to settle before using. For a square yard 36" x 36" you will need to fill a 38" x 38" tray with about 7 gallons of size.
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