Onion Skin Gold

Free pigment from the papery skins everyone throws away.

Color

Warm orange-gold to russet

Binder

Gum arabic + honey

Boil dry onion skins for a warm gold-orange paint.

▸The papery outer skins are loaded with quercetin — a natural yellow dye.
▸Drop in iron-vinegar and the gold shifts to olive-green.
▸One of the most lightfast plant colors you can make at home.

Steps

01
Simmer skins in water 30–45 minutes until the liquid is deep amber.
02
Strain and reduce on low heat to a thick syrup.
03
Stir in gum arabic and honey.
04
Spoon into a pan and let dry, or use wet.

Materials

— Two big handfuls of dry yellow or red onion skins
— 500 ml water
— 1 tsp gum arabic + drop of honey
— Optional: a few drops of iron-vinegar (shifts to olive-green)

Safety

High Risk

Involves caustics, acids, or open flame. Full PPE and trained supervision recommended.

Hazards identified

Acidic / corrosive etchant
Airborne dust — respiratory irritant

Quick checklist

☐Wear goggles, apron, and acid-resistant gloves
☐Always pour acid into water, not the reverse
☐Neutralize and dispose per local hazardous-waste rules
☐Wear an N95 / FFP2 mask when handling dry powders
☐Mix in a tray to contain dust; wipe surfaces wet
☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Surprisingly lightfast for a kitchen pigment. Red-onion skins lean rosier; yellow leans gold.