Natural Sandarac Resin Grains – 100 g | For Fine Art Varnishes, Lute Making, Calligraphy, and Incense

Sandarac Resin is a prized natural plant resin extracted from the bark of the Tetraclinis articulata (arar tree). It appears as translucent, light-yellow teardrops or brittle, glassy fragments. Known since antiquity for its exceptional transparency, hardness, and crystalline luster, it is a classic raw material in traditional craftsmanship, widely used in wood restoration, lutherie, fine arts, calligraphy, and natural fumigation.

Fields of Application

Wood Restoration, Cabinetry, and Lutherie

• Glossy and protective varnishes: Soluble in alcohol (or isopropyl alcohol), it produces a clear, brilliant, and hard varnish. It is often combined with shellac to increase its surface hardness and scratch resistance.
• Lutherie and musical instruments: A fundamental component in historical varnish recipes for bowed and plucked instruments, providing transparency and light refraction without muffling the soundboard.
• Finishing and fixative for gilding: Ideal for protecting gold, silver, or imitation leaf from oxidation without altering their color.

Calligraphy, Paper, and Ancient Writing Techniques

• Paper and parchment treatment: Finely powdered and rubbed onto paper or parchment before writing, it seals the fibers, preventing the ink from spreading or feathering.
• Precise erasures: Historically applied over abrasions or scrapings on parchment and paper to allow for rewriting with crisp, clean strokes.

Fine Arts, Drawing, and Painting

• Drawing fixative: Dissolved in high-proof alcohol, it serves as an excellent transparent fixative for charcoal, red chalk, graphite, and pastel drawings.
• Medium and retouching varnishes: Used in final varnishes for oil and tempera painting to add optical depth and protection.

Natural Incense and Environmental Fumigation

• Olfactory profile: Placed on glowing charcoal or wire-mesh burners, it releases a warm, dry, balsamic, and slightly fruity resinous aroma, similar to juniper and cedar.
• Purification and meditation: Traditionally used to purify environments, promote relaxation, and create a serene and focused atmosphere.

Main Characteristics

• 100% Natural: Selected grains and fragments, free from synthetic additives, chemical binders, or artificial fragrances.
• High solubility: Easily crushes into powder and dissolves rapidly in alcohol without leaving cloudy deposits.
• Hard and crystalline film: Creates a thin, brilliant protective film that preserves the visual purity of the underlying support.

Instructions for Use

• For varnishes and solutions: Pulverize the grains in a mortar and dissolve in the chosen solvent (isopropyl alcohol or 94°/99° ethyl alcohol). Shake periodically and filter the solution before applying with a soft brush or pad.
• For calligraphy (background preparation): Crush a small amount into a very fine powder, place it in a small gauze/cotton pouch, and gently dab it onto the paper before inking.
• For fumigation: Place a few grains on a glowing charcoal tablet in an appropriate heat-resistant burner.