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In Chemistry / High School | 2025-07-03

The picture shows a wooden bowl.
The pieces of wood used for this bowl were dyed different colours.

The artist who made the bowl explained why he dissolved the coloured dyes in methanol.

I use different coloured dyes dissolved in methanol.
I use methanol because with dyes dissolved in water the wood needs to be soaked for a longer time.
The bowl dries more quickly if I use methanol instead of water.

(a) The artist uses methanol instead of water.
Give two reasons why.
1.
2.

Asked by katrinajernae1343

Answer (2)

The artist uses methanol instead of water for dyeing wood for the following reasons:

Shorter Soaking Time : Methanol is a solvent that penetrates wood fibers more quickly than water. This means that when dyes are dissolved in methanol, they can be absorbed by the wood in a shorter amount of time as compared to water. As a result, the process of soaking and dyeing the wood is faster, allowing the artist to complete their work more efficiently.

Faster Drying Time : Methanol evaporates more quickly than water. When methanol is used as a solvent for dyes, the wood dries faster after being dyed. This not only speeds up the overall process but also reduces the risk of the wood warping or developing mold, which can happen if it remains wet for too long.


Using methanol helps artists streamline the coloring process and ensures that the wood is dry and stable sooner, both of which are advantageous in creating well-crafted and durable wooden art pieces.

Answered by SophiaElizab | 2025-07-06

The artist uses methanol instead of water because it allows for a shorter soaking time and faster drying time for the wood. This efficiency helps in completing the dyeing process without risking potential issues related to moisture retention. Therefore, methanol is preferred for quicker and more effective dye application.
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Answered by SophiaElizab | 2025-07-26