SUMAC INK | Botanical Ink-Recipe & Process
This time of the year, it’s relatively hard to find natural elements for ink-making, but luckily, sumac stays with us all year round! I collected mine from Downsview Park in Toronto, but sumac is abundant almost everywhere. When foraging, always remember to leave the area as untouched as possible to respect nature and wildlife.
Sumac ink has a beautiful range of tones, from browny pink to peachy pink, depending on the paper you use. It's a simple and rewarding process.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups fresh sumac berries
Enough white vinegar to cover the berries (acts as a base and intensifies color)
2 tsp alum (mordant, enhances vibrancy)
1 tsp gum arabic (binder, thickener, controls ink flow)
10 drops wintergreen oil (prevents mold)
DIRECTIONS
Harvest the berries – Use your hands to remove them from the plant.
Pre-soak (optional, but recommended) – Combine sumac, vinegar, and alum, and let sit overnight to extract deeper color.
Simmer the berries – Heat the mixture uncovered, stirring occasionally. Dip a paper strip to test the color as it develops.
Let it rest – Turn off the heat and leave overnight for enhanced pigment extraction (optional).
Extract the ink – Wearing gloves, squeeze out excess liquid from the berries.
Strain – Pour through a fine mesh strainer.
Filter – Line a funnel with a coffee filter and strain again to remove any remaining debris. Repeat if needed.
Stabilize – Whisk in gum arabic until dissolved.
Preserve – Add wintergreen oil to prevent mold.
Store – Pour into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
TIPS & NOTES
Ventilation is key – Keep the area well-ventilated while simmering.
Consider your usage – If using for fountain pens, filter multiple times to remove particles. For painting, leaving some fine particles can create a unique grainy texture.
Shake before use – Natural ink settles, so mix well before each use.
Sumac ink is a simple, beautiful way to bring nature into your art. Give it a try, and let me know how your results turn out!
