"A common binder that is very useful for all paints.
Crush one lot of gum arabic very well and cleanly, strain that through a hair sieve. Prepare a pinch of cherry gum as well and a pinch of rock candy; put everything in clean plate, pour clear spring water over it. Let it stand until it dissolves. Then strain it through a cloth and put it on a warm ember, then you get a very good binding agent."