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Traditional pysankarstvo does not require the use of many industrial chemicals. In earlier times, dyes were made from natural substances (plants and beetles), with perhaps a bit of alum to make them bind to the egg better. Vinegar was used to acidify the dyes so they would bind to the eggs, and perhaps to etch the eggs sometimes.
Pysanka makers today have many chemicals available to them to aid in their art. A partial list follows.
DyeingWhite vinegar (acetic acid) - Has several uses: 1) added to the dye to acidify it 2) used as a weak solution (one tablespoon of vinegar) to a cup of water to clean off eggs/acidify the shell 3) used full strength to etch eggsAniline Dyes (acid dyes) - most popular dyes for making pysanky, these are acid dyes used also for dyeing wool, silk and nylon fabrics.
Simple Green (Sunshine Makers Inc.) - Sprayed on full strength to remove dye - scrub lightly with a soft toothbrush
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite NaClO) - used in making white/bleached pysanky to remove dyes and return the egg to white final color
Wax RemovalNaptha (Sunnyside and others) - (1) use on a Q-tip or micro-applicator to remove wax when you make a mistake. This product melts the wax right off, so can only be used in a self-contained area. Use sparingly and only in emergencies. If you do not get off all the wax, you will end up with a blob. (2) Use to clean kistkas. First heat them and tap out most of the wax, then use an eyedropper to drop in some Naptha and let it run through onto a folded paper towel or napkin.
Mineral Spirits, Low Odor (Recochem Inc. and others) - (1) Use this to clean off the egg after you have removed the wax and before you varnish it. This product removes any trace of wax left on the egg and allows the varnish to adhere well. (2) To clean many kistkas at once, soak them in a small jar of mineral spirits (3) Dip a paintbrush in a small jar of mineral spirits and use it to wipe off MSA varnish drips. (4) Mineral Spirits are a solvent for MSA varnish, so if the varnishing process is flawed, soak the egg in a fresh container of mineral spirits to dissolve the varnish, and try again.
VarnishingMinwax Fast-drying Polyurethane, Clear Gloss - Good varnish, but does not have UVLS protection. Yellows over time (a very long time). Cannot be easily removed once applied.
DL Permatex Hand Cleaner - great to remove varnish from your fingers, although it is safer and cleaner to wear non-latex gloves.
Golden Hard MSA with UVLS - This is a specialty museum-grade varnish that costs $80 per gallon. It works best when you blow out the egg, then use a special egg dipper to dip it into the varnish. Let it drain off, them invert it and place it on a wire holder through the hole. This varnish is 100% removeable with mineral spirits, dries hard and clear and shiny, and provides UVLS protection.
EtchingThe Works Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner - (Lime-O-Sol Company). Use for etching - mix ½ and ½ with water. WHile etching is not technically a part of making pysanky, some artists like to combine the two forms of egg decoration CAUTION - this product is VERY CAUSTIC!
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What countries are famous for pysanky?
Pysanky are, by definition, Ukrainian Easter eggs, so Ukraine is famous for pysanky. Pysanky are also made in the diaspora (by emigrants), particularly in the USA, Canada and Brazil.
What are pysanky eggs used for?
Almost all bird eggs are suitable for pysanky. Non-white eggs, such as Rhea or Emu, require special techniques, but can still be used for pysanky. Chicken, Duck and Goose eggs are most commmonly used. They require no special preparation, only simple cleaning to remove dirt. Ostrich eggs have a heavy glossy outer coat with amny irregularities. They are usually sanded to a smooth finish before using. Rhea and Emu shells come in shades of dark green to light green. The light green shades can be dyed without removing the outer shell. To use the dark green shells one would have to remove the top layer by etching or sanding. Finch eggshells can be used, but they are fragile to the touch. Pigeon eggs tend to be oily and do not dye well. Parakeet shells are the best if you want to make tiny pysanky.
Which country did the Pysanky eggs originate?
Maine i dont know where did it come from :))
What kind of egg shell is used for writing Ukrainian pysanky?
Most pysanky are written on chicken eggs, as those are the most readily available ones. Pysanky can be written on just about any type of bird egg, although some work better than others. Goose eggs are popular, as they have thick shells and take the dye well. Duck eggs are lovely and translucent, but can be difficult to dye. Ostrich eggs need preparation to dye, and many hours of work, as they are quite large. Turkey and quail eggs need to have the outer coat, with its brown spots, before they can be used. Pysanky have been written on more exotic eggs, too-swan, emu, parakeet, etc. The eggs of smaller birds are often much more fragile and do not dye well.
What does Pysanky mean?
The word "Pysankа" is Ukrainian, and comes from the word "pysaty (писати)," which means "to write." Pysanky (plural) are eggs that have been written rather than just dyed. They are created by a process of wax-resist (aka batik). Pysanky are quite beautiful and and can be quite intricately decorated. They have a rich and ancient history associated with spring (and, in more recent times, Easter). Traditional pysanka designs have been passed along for many generations, and possibly thousands of years. Many pysankary (pysanka artists) both in Ukraine and the world over create wax resist that depart from the traditional colors and patterns, but are often still referred to by that word "pysanka." To see a list of Pysanka FAQs, check out the WikiAnswer "Pysanky Egg Art" section, which is categorized under Hobbies and Collectibles/Arts and Crafts. To see examples of pysanky, and to learn how to make them, see the list of "Related Links" in the following section.
What colors would you use on a pysanka?
As with symbols, colors have true symbolism only in traditional Ukrainian folk pysanky, those designs created over the centuries and used for talismanic purposes. Modern pysanky, their colors and symbols, have only the meanings that we personally assign to them. Symbols and colors have to be considered within the whole of the design of the egg, not as individual components. Different localities may have assigned them different meanings--this should be taken into consideration as well. That being said, some generally accepted meanings for the colors used on pysanky are given below. ColorsYellow: Light, wisdom, spirituality, recognition and reward. Green: Spring, hope, growth, victory of life over death, bountifulness. Orange: Endurance, strength, attraction, everlasting sun. Red: Divine love and passion of Christ, spiritual awakening, happiness in life. Blue: Good health, trust. Pink: Success. Black: Death, remembrance, absolute constancy, fear of ignorance. White: Purity Brown: The earth Purple: Patience and trust
What a is bottle used for?
used to utilize chemicals
What country has the strongest tradition of Pysanky egg coloring in Easter?
"Pysanka" is a Ukrainian word, so the creation of pysanky is most common in Ukraine. Other countries, especially Slavic ones, also have traditions of wax resist egg decoration, but give it different names.
Can blueberries paint an egg?
Blueberries, or an extract of blueberries, can used to color eggs, but the color does not last. It quickly fades and turns a gray color. It is not a commonly used natural dye for making pysanky, but might be useful for ordinary Easter eggs.
What chemicals are used to damage the ozone layer?
The chemicals used to damage the ozone are CFC's. they react with ozone to deplete it.
What chemicals are in organic pesticides?
No synthetic chemicals are used in organic gardening/farming.
What are some alternatives that can be used to replace nuclear chemicals?
What do you mean by nuclear chemicals?
