Mary Ostler

Did a bit more experimenting with dyes for milk paint.  I have no problem with getting  Blacks, Oranges, or Yellows but am having an ace of a time getting a decent red for my rope bed.

Saffron, Brazil Wood, Turmeric, Red Oxide, Carbon Black, Red Saw Dust in Isopropanol,Red Ainiline Dye, and a Black Ainiline Dye were the selections I made today.

results from left to right.  50/50 Saffron & Turmeric, Carbon Black, Carbon black (2x), Red Saw Dust in isopropanol, Water with saffron coloring, Vinegar and nails solution (Seafoam green), Brazil Wood, Brazil Wood (x2), Turmeric, Red Oxide, Red Oxide (x2), Red Ainiline Dye, 50/50 Red Ainiline Dye/ Red Oxide, Black Ainiline Dye.

Results.

 Brazil Wood solution looks orange till you add fresh water to the steeped liquid. It then turns bright red, but then reacts to the lime and turns a disturbing shade of pink.

Red Ainiline Dye, and Red Oxide produce a nice muted medium red. The Oxide on its own is too flesh browny red, and the Ainiline dye is hinting at a magenta.

Carbon Black works great as a dye stuff, but the black ainiline dye never left the grey shade (reaction to the lime?) I think I will try making a liquid dye of the ainiline black to see if it produces the same result as the powder.

Turmeric Orange rocks. Muted orange color in most lights, but when placed out in bright direct sunlight it glows!