Ever wondered how ink in the old days was made? There weren’t enough technological advances when people used to write on papyrus. Instead of using modern-day inks with a lot of stabilizers, solvents, and pigments, they had only carbon-based soot.
What is soot you ask? It is the carbon that is collected on any lamp top or glass. There is a chemical reaction that causes that. And this in return, turns into what is known as Lamp Black.
Lamp black has been used for a very long time for various uses. Writing, tattooing, coloring, and another form of art. And it is even used in some cultures for its spiritual value.
But how to make a lamp black? Good thing you asked. Because we are going to guide you through the simple process of making a lamp black in this article.
How to Make Lamp Black in 2 Simple Ways
The process of making the lamp black is a bit tricky. But it is not impossible.
When a wick of a lamp or candle cannot perform full combustion, the carbon separates from carbon dioxide. Which is stored as soot.
To make the lamp black, you can go with two different methods.
- Using an old-school candle.
- Using an oil lamp.
Method 1: Using an Old School Candle
Modern-day candles can also be used to collect soot. But they are made differently than old-school candles.
You’ll notice that modern candles burn and the wick fades away rather than curling up. Old school candles didn’t do that and produced more soot. Hence more lamp black.
The things you will need is
- A stable surface.
- Few old-school candles.
- Lighter or match.
- A metal spoon.
Step 1: Light the candle and let it burn for a good 5 minutes. This will allow the wick to get burnt enough to have a stable flame.
Step 2: Place the spoon over the wick having just a few centimeter’s distances. The spoon will get hot, so it is better if you wrap the handle with some cloth. A clamp stand is helpful if you have one.
Step 3: Keep on collecting the soot as long as you want and occasionally take a break. After you have collected all the soot from one candle, scrape it off in a container or jar to store it.
Method 2: Using Oil Lamps
The other and more traditional method to make the lamp black is using an oil lamp. It requires a bit of patience and ingredients but the end result is phenomenal.
In the old days, they not only used natural oils but also animal fats to make lamps, which created denser soot.
This is why it is essential that you use thicker oil than lighter ones. Here are the.. 08things you will need.
- A 3-inch plate with 1 or 2-inch depth.
- A candle wick.
- Thick cooking oil.
- Spoon.
- A clamp holder with a stand.
Step 1: Start by pouring some oil on your plate. And put a good amount of wick in the oil and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Don’t light it yet. Make sure the wick is on the edge of the plate and at least half an inch out of it.
Step 2: Place the clamp stand on a table and position the spoon on the lamp’s wick height. The technique is similar to the last one. You need to interfere with the fire.
Step 3: Light the wick on fire and wait a few minutes. When the wick is burnt to black, put on the spoon over it. Using the clamp stand is a handy process. You get a constant collection of soot and won’t burn your hand.
Step 4: Gather the collected lamp black in a glass jar. When the wick gets smaller, just pull it on the edge with a tweezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the uses of lamp black?
Lamp black has many uses and some we don’t even know. They are used as a pigment in cement, inks, crayons, shoe polishes, and even in carbon paper. Back in the day, they used it for writing, coloring, art, and even some time in makeup.
How is lamp black prepared on large scale?
Lamp black is prepared on a large scale using the same method as in small portions. But the size of the wick or combustion material is different. For example, the use of flammable oils and coals.
What is known as lampblack?
The soot or black material that gathers on top of an oil or candle lamp is called lamp black. This occurs when the wick couldn’t perform full combustion and the carbon cannot turn into carbon dioxide. And the carbon then gathers in the place that barricades the flame.
How to make carbon black ink?
To make carbon black ink at home, you have to have a lamp black, an egg yolk (Optional), gum arabic, and honey. Mix all the ingredients except lamp black. When the mixture is ready, add half a tablespoon of lamp black to it and mix. When it is ready, you can store it in a sealed jar for a very long time. When you need to use it, take a small amount of the paste and add water to get your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Though it might look like a lot of time-consuming processes to make the lamp black, the end result is phenomenal. And the best part is you will need a very small amount of it to do your arts and crafts. That is the benefit of a lamp black. Also, the consistency is pure and free from any iron-clad ink on the market.
