How to Make Homemade pH Paper Test Strips

Edited by Flickety, Benn, Maluniu, Kene and 24 others

If you are really keen on making everything yourself and you've got some leftovers about the place from gardening or science experiments, you can make your own pH test papers. This article outlines a variety of different types to try.

Basic Outline
1. 1 Follow this basic outline for preparing the paper for each suggested pH paper test strip type that you intend to make. 2. 2 Use only distilled water when preparing the pH paper test strips. 3. 3 Use only acid-free "art" paper. There are a number of good inexpensive brands available. 4. 4 Obtain an earthenware plate or dish. Fill with the chosen concoction that has been prepared using distilled water. 5. 5 Immerse the paper into the dish carefully. Ensure that you wet the paper uniformly. 6. 6 Allow to dry. It must dry in a place that has no acidic, ammonia or other vapors that might affect the paper and its ability to work.

7. 7 Store paper that has been made in bottles, jars or cases. 8. 8 Select the concoction of choice from the following suggestions.

Turmeric Paper Test Strips

1. 1

Boil 1 ounce of coarsely powdered turmeric root in half a pint of water for half an hour. Boil 1 ounce of coarsely powdered turmeric root in half a pint of water for half an hour. 2. 2 Strain. 3. 3 Dip paper in the liquid and dry it. 4. 4 Note that the paper will be turned brown by alkalis, and also by boracic acid and borates.