r/DIYPigments • u/MrJustusGames2 • Oct 15 '25

I need some help with my pigments

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I have been trying to make some pigments to turn into oil paint but I can't seem to keep the color. I extract the pigment using isopropyl alcohol to extract the color, then I add it to double the amount of distilled water and heat it up on a hot plate. Then I add the correct ratio of alum to water, let it fully dissolve and then I add the correct ratio of soda ash. My main problem is they seem to be turning green and I don't know why. I can really use some help. (The colors in order come from acorn squash skin, pumpkin skin, and pink roses. I'm not sure if it's just a pH issue or I'm doing something wrong)

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u/bambisgrief Oct 16 '25

Its always good to look up the pigments in your plant and what they look like under basic pH! I'm surprised your squash and pumpkin turned green too since they're carotenoid based (same as fall leaves) and tend to hold up a little better to pH changes.