Blue: The Project
Continued...

Project Blue Experiment I

PURPOSE:
To discover the relationship between varying lengths of application times and the risidual intensity of fixed mixture blue dye on Heidi's skin.

MATERIALS:

• FD&C Blue No. 2 (C₁₆H₈N₂Na₂O₈S₂ )
• Propylene Glycol (C₃H₈O₂)
• Water (H₂O)
• Bowl (ceramic)
• Masking Tape (beige)
• Cosmetic Sponge (Upstate^® Softex^TM Non-Latex, Non-Toxic "Luxury Cosmetic Sponges 2.5" Absorbent Durable Foam, #88258)
• Skin (Heidi)

PARTICIPANTS:

Marilyn Fontenrose -- Acting Chemist
Dr. James Bredt -- Qualified Professional
Heidi Pollock -- Skin

PROCESS AND OBSERVATIONS:

Combine 1/4 teaspoon propylene glycol with 1/4 teaspoon dye and 1/2 cup water in bowl. Stir clockwise.

Divide skin into four (4) separate regions with masking tape. Label as follows: 1) swipe 0, 2) swipe 5, swipe 10, 4) swipe 5 / reswipe 10. Discuss whether or not Label 4) is "confusing." Relabel as "4) swipe 5 / reswipe 5" to resolve issue.

Apply liquid "thoroughly" for approximately 30 seconds. Blow on region to assist drying process (+-2 minutes).

Observe that skin absorbs liquid upon contact. Determine that time lapse applications are meaningless under these conditions. Revise experiment "on the fly" to test density-layer correlation. Relabel project area.

Marilyn ingests "shot" of bourbon.

(Notes Missing)

Reapply third layer at 7:32 pm (EST). Note: Dabbing too vigorously with sponge sends droplets of blue dye everywhere.

Develop random hypothesis: Propylene glycol prevents the dye areas from drying! Note: Insufficient knowledge or evidence to support this.

Observe that areas receiving repeated layering do not appear appreciably darker than single swipe region. Result: Despair (Heidi's) sets it. Phone Dr. Bredt. Leave message.

Marilyn washes hands. With soap. Blue dye on her fingers fades noticeably. However, the subsequent drying of her hands does not leave visible blue marks on the white towel. Note: Relief.

CONCLUSIONS:

• A single application of dye solution is "fine."
• Propylene Glycol is stupid.
• When Marilyn says "color" she means "hue" but when Heidi says "color" she means "intensity."
• The sponge looks really cool dyed blue.

December 10, 1998

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