How to Dye Eggs Purple With Food Coloring

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup water

  • Small cup or similar container

  • 1 tsp. plain white vinegar

  • Red food coloring

  • Blue food coloring

  • Hard-boiled eggs

  • Spoon

  • Paper towels

Dyeing eggs is a cherished Easter tradition. Children and adults gather around kitchen counters and tabletops to dip hard-boiled eggs into miniature vats of homemade dye. If you're using food coloring to create egg dye, you may learn that colors such as purple are unavailable. However, you and your children may still be able to create purple Easter eggs using your available supply of food coloring.

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Steps for Dyeing Eggs Purple

Step 1

Pour 1 cup water into container.

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Step 2

Add 1 tsp. plain white vinegar to water. The ratio of 1 cup water to 1 tsp. vinegar is not exact. However, if you use substantially more water, you will need to use more vinegar.

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Step 3

Create purple dye by adding drops of red and blue food coloring to vinegar mixture. For best results, 3 drops red coloring should be added for every 1 drop blue coloring. Continue adding drops until the desired hue is reached.

Step 4

Place hard-boiled egg into purple dye using spoon. If a section of the egg is exposed above water, rotate the egg periodically to ensure full coverage. Repeat this step for each egg you intend to dye purple.

Step 5

Use the spoon to remove the egg after it is has reached the desired hue. Carefully pat down with paper towel and let dry.

Tip

Cover the project area with newspaper before step 1. This helps protect tables and countertops against spills. If you want a bluer or redder shape of purple, adjust the ratio of red food coloring to blue food coloring. Eggs that remain in the dye longer will have a darker color.

Warning

Food coloring and egg dye can stain carpets, surfaces and clothing. To avoid unwanted stains, dye eggs away from carpets and other surfaces that are difficult to clean. Wear protective garments over your clothing or choose clothing appropriate for the task.

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