Formulate Non-Toxic Acrylic Medium
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I have an existing art-grade acrylic medium that I would like to replicate—or even improve—using readily available, naturally derived ingredients. I know that Gum Arabic is the binder and is extremely important to keep in the formulation as it allows for pigments added to move on a molecular level that other acrylic binders can’t because the chemical structure in plastic binders is too large for movement. Gum Arabic is a key ingredient in this formula.
The end product must be plant based with naturally archival ingredients. Permanent and water-resistant. Non-yellowing finish that dries crystal-clear. Highly flexible, durable, and non-cracking when dry. In short, I’m looking to be able to make the product in my own art studio with the same satisfactory results I achieve from the purchased medium.
You’ll reverse-engineer the reference sample and provide a detailed, small-batch recipe I can scale up later. I will need someone within the USA to work on this as the product sample received from me cannot be frozen and will be carefully packaged and shipped priority to avoid over exposure to cold.
A background in polymer chemistry, paint or coating formulation, or conservation science is ideal because light-fastness and long-term stability are critical.
Deliverables:
• Full ingredient list with percentages by weight, (recommended suppliers is a plus but not a deal breaker).
• Step-by-step manufacturing process, including mixing order, temperatures, pH targets and curing times
• Guidance on viscosity, solids content and how to adjust flow or gloss if I decide to modify the sheen
• Basic safety and handling notes, plus any ASTM or artist-grade standards your formulation meets
If you have already formulated similar mediums—or can demonstrate prototypes that allow pigments to move on a molecular level, please feel free to share that information.
The end product must be plant based with naturally archival ingredients. Permanent and water-resistant. Non-yellowing finish that dries crystal-clear. Highly flexible, durable, and non-cracking when dry. In short, I’m looking to be able to make the product in my own art studio with the same satisfactory results I achieve from the purchased medium.
You’ll reverse-engineer the reference sample and provide a detailed, small-batch recipe I can scale up later. I will need someone within the USA to work on this as the product sample received from me cannot be frozen and will be carefully packaged and shipped priority to avoid over exposure to cold.
A background in polymer chemistry, paint or coating formulation, or conservation science is ideal because light-fastness and long-term stability are critical.
Deliverables:
• Full ingredient list with percentages by weight, (recommended suppliers is a plus but not a deal breaker).
• Step-by-step manufacturing process, including mixing order, temperatures, pH targets and curing times
• Guidance on viscosity, solids content and how to adjust flow or gloss if I decide to modify the sheen
• Basic safety and handling notes, plus any ASTM or artist-grade standards your formulation meets
If you have already formulated similar mediums—or can demonstrate prototypes that allow pigments to move on a molecular level, please feel free to share that information.
Related categories:
Chemical Engineering
Research and Development
Reverse Engineering
Product Development
Sustainability