However, dyed paper will generally fade over time as the chemical elements continue to react to sunlight and oxygen. Dyes require a mordant to set the color. Natural dyes can be made by macerating plant materials, soaking overnight, boiling, straining, then adding fiber to the colored liquid. Dyes are also available commercially. Pigments are the colorant of choice for most papermakers.
Synthetic pigments have similar properties.
Professional pigments available from papermaking suppliers come with suggested formulas for the amount of pigment and retention agent to use based on the quantity of dry pulp. When properly pigmented, the pulp should be colored, and the water should remain clear. A little pulp placed on a blotter should not bleed color into the blotter. It is important to note that fiber can become saturated with pigment, in which case adding additional pigment or retention aid will only result in extra particles floating around with no place to attach. As in other aspects of hand papermaking, experimentation and detailed recording of results in your own studio, while tedious, is crucial.