Making Iron Gall Ink

Making Iron Gall Ink

Due to their high tannic concentration and permanency, iron gall ink was one of the most widely used inks until the 20th century. Find oak galls in your local forest.

What you have: oak galls, gum arabic (see recipe)

What you’ll need: iron sulfate, a jar, water (or white wine), cheesecloth

Process: Wrap galls in a cotton cloth and break up with a hammer

Put oak gall pieces into a 12oz jar and fill with water. Let ferment and steep for at least 10 days, until it is the color of tea. Strain with cheesecloth to remove solids. 

In a clean jar, add 1T of Iron Sulfate to oak gall liquid. It will immediately turn black. 

Add gum arabic, about 20%, depending on use with pen or brush. This will add body and improve fluidity. You can add a whole clove or 1t of vinegar to ward off mold.

*Once you use the ink, you will see it quickly turn blacker as it oxidizes.