Describes an effort to color paper pulp (for hand papermaking purposes) using a system that would yield a full palette of lightfast colorants compatible with alkaline papermaking. Problem was approached with help of the paper research division of a major chemical firm. Dozens of colorants were tested; results showed that pigments were more light-fast than dyes. The 11 pigments selected include: Pigment Red 101, Pigment Red 112, Pigment Yellow 42, Pigment Yellow 83, Pigment Brown 6, Pigment Black 7, Pigment Yellow 74 (LF), Pigment Violet 23, Pigment Blue 15, Pigment Green 7, Pigment Red (Quinacridone). Investigation also studied methods for adhering the pigments that would be effective in an alkaline system. The retention agent selected is a cationic fixative, a synthetic polymer (polyamine) of high molecular weight, neutral in pH, manufactured by the Sandox Co. The exact formula is proprietary.