Natural pigments are best preserved by storing them correctly to prevent degradation from light, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Here's a breakdown of best practices:
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Storage Containers: Pigment powder is best kept in glass jars because plastic can stain and potentially react with the pigment over time. You can reuse glass jars from your kitchen recycling or find unique options at vintage shops.
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Organizing Your Pigments: Sort pigments by color and source location for easy identification and access.
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Protection from Light: Store pigments in a dark location, as light exposure can cause fading and alter the pigment's color.
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Controlling Moisture: Keep pigments in a dry environment. Moisture can cause clumping, mold growth, or other forms of deterioration. Consider using desiccants in the storage container to absorb any excess moisture.
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Temperature Stability: Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool, stable environment is ideal for long-term preservation.
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Airtight Seal: Ensure that the storage container has an airtight seal to prevent oxidation and exposure to environmental contaminants.
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Labeling: Clearly label each container with the pigment's name, source, and date of collection (if applicable).
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Avoid Mixing Pigments: To maintain purity and prevent unintended chemical reactions, store each pigment in its own separate container. Mixing different pigments for storage is not advisable.
