Pearl Ex Brilliant Gold Problems

[JanisTX]

Does Pearl Ex "get old"??  I'm in the midst of a huge wedding project & today, I cannot get the Pearl Ex to flow.  I've mixed it per the recipe (4 parts Pearl Ex, 4 parts distilled water, to 1 part gum Arabic) & it just will not flow. I've made 3 different batches. Usually, when I have this happen, if I add about 10 drops of distilled water, the ink flows nicely.  However, I've added a huge amount of water (about 5 drops at a time) & still it will not flow.  I've added more Pearl Ex and more gum Arabic & nothing changes.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I've been at this 1 1/2 hours & I am extremely frustrated!  My friend, Google, doesn't have any suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Janis

[Erica McPhee]

Hi Janis,
This is the first I have heard of this. Did you try a different nib? Is it just gumming up or too thick?

@joi Have you ever encountered this? 

[MaureenV]

Hi Janis.

Are you using powdered or liquid Gum Arabic?

Perhaps switching from the one you are using to the other kind might tell you if your PearlEx is at fault?

Maureen

[JanisTX]

I am using the liquid gum Arabic.  I finally got the ink to flow & you will not BELIEVE what made it start flowing!  I added 5 eye droppers of distilled water & it took off just fine!  I was SO frustrated!  Thank you for your help!

Janis