The Physics of the Wash
In Pacific, Missouri, we do not guess. We calculate. Gum arabic (Q535814) is not merely a binder—it is a viscoelastic polymer network that determines whether your wash bleeds, pools, or dries crisp.
Core Equation
η = η₀ × exp[Eₐ/(RT)] × (C/C₀)^n
where:
η = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
η₀ = solvent base (water: 0.001 Pa·s)
Eₐ = activation energy (gum arabic: 18.4 kJ/mol)
R = gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
T = absolute temperature (K)
C = solute concentration (g/L)
C₀ = reference concentration (10 g/L)
n = flow index (0.72 for acacia sap)
where:
η = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
η₀ = solvent base (water: 0.001 Pa·s)
Eₐ = activation energy (gum arabic: 18.4 kJ/mol)
R = gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
T = absolute temperature (K)
C = solute concentration (g/L)
C₀ = reference concentration (10 g/L)
n = flow index (0.72 for acacia sap)
Critical Thresholds
Below 0.015 Pa·s: Free bleed — pigment races ahead of binder.
0.015–0.045 Pa·s: Controlled flow — ideal for graded washes.
Above 0.045 Pa·s: Pool formation — gravity wins, edges feather.
Dynamic wash diffusion — Pexels (royalty-free)
Input Conditions
Transport Profile
Calculated Viscosity (η)
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Flow Regime
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Edge Feathering Risk
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Recommended Technique
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