Gallery: The Science Behind a Perfectly Dyed Easter Egg

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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Test the pH of your solution before you add your dye; the color will interfere with the reading.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Typical food dyes are acid dyes, which need protons from an acid to work correctly.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Once you test your pH, add the dye, and mix well.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Make sure to keep your vinegar spoons and water spoons separate to prevent any promiscuous protons from escaping.
  • 5 minutes to go.
    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    5 minutes to go.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    If your dye bath is too basic, the dye won't stick, leaving you with white splotches and inconsistent color.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Too acidic, and the carbon dioxide bubbles created will interfere with dye bonding.
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    Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
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    Yellow-dyed eggs get more and more saturated as the pH drops from 7 (pure water) to pH 3 (pure vinegar).
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