alderpigment

Alderpigment is a natural organic pigment derived from alder trees, particularly the species Alnus glutinosa and related species. It is produced by extracting tannin-rich compounds from alder wood or bark, followed by purification and milling into a pigment powder. The term encompasses several shade variants that result from different extraction conditions and substrate.

The pigment's composition consists mainly of tannins and other phenolics characteristic of alder, including hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids. These constituents impart a warm, earthy color, typically ranging from pale amber to deep brown, with occasional greenish or reddish undertones when mixed with binders or metals.

Alderpigment is generally insoluble in water but dispersible in oil or acrylic media, providing opaque to transparent properties depending on particle size and vehicle. It shows moderate lightfastness and stability under standard painting conditions, but can fade or shift when exposed to strong UV light or alkaline environments. It is non-toxic and used in traditional dyeing, varnish and painting practice, and it is favored by artists and restorers seeking natural pigment options that align with environmentally conscious manufacturing.

Historically, alder-derived pigments have appeared in European craft traditions where alder wood and bark were readily available. Modern production is limited and often oriented toward natural pigment suppliers, with quality controlled for pigment particle size and color consistency.