Tannin & Iron Ink

This general recipe can be used to make ink from any tannin source.

Some plant materials high in tannin:

• Oak galls

• Alder catkins

• Black walnuts

• Pine cones

• Redwood cones

• Acorns

• Pomegranate peel

Making Tannin Ink

• Cover plant matter with water, simmer, soak, set, and repeat for several hours. Some tannin sources, like cones and nuts, require a longer extraction time. I extract color from these sources over several days, reheating 2-3 times per day.

• Once satisfied with your extraction, strain and filter the liquid

• Reduce the volume of the liquid by simmering. Test the color's strength repeatedly and remove it from the heat once you're satisfied.

Modify Color with Iron

• Iron, ferrous sulfate, will react with the tannin in your ink and shift the color to a dark brown or black if enough tannin is present.

• Stir in a small amount of ferrous sulfate to your warm tannin solution (1/2 tsp per 100 mL is a good starting place). The color should instantly shift.

• Add approximately 1 tbsp of ink binder per 50 mL of ink.

• Avoid adding more ferrous sulfate than necessary because it will crystallize and can cause damage to brushes and paper.

• Rinse brushes and water cups well to avoid contamination or damage.