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To Stain or Color Alabaster

This is effected by mixing with the water used for working the gypsum, any of the ordinary pigments or colored solutions that are not decomposed by contact with sulphate or carbonate of lime. A little sienna in very fine powder, or ground with water, imparts a good color for busts, medallions, &c. For rough and architectural purposes, the colors are commonly added to a solution of clear size, which is then made into a paste with plaster. In this manner colored stucco of great hardness and durability is produced.

Objects formed from the solid alabaster may be stained in the same way, and with the same materials, as marble. (See Nos. 2036, &c.)