There is a slight difference between plant pigments and mineral and earth pigments. Plant pigments are dyes. That is, they are manufactured from parts of plants or from plant resins. Dyes are dissolved into the binder, whereas pigments are actually suspended in the binder. Plant dyes, also known as lakes, are not as permanent as other pigments. They are mainly used in coloring fabrics. Plant resins can be used to color clear varnishes.

Dragons blood, also know as Cinnabar, is a powdered form of a ruby red resin. It is often used to color varnishes.

Gamboge is a yellow resin with a transparent color which fades in bright light.

Sanderswood chips are derived from the sandalwood tree. It can produce colors ranging from yellow-red to deep crimson depending on the acidity of the mordant.

Fustic chips come from a small tropical tree and creates a dye yellow in color.

Barberry bark when boiled in water creates a good, strong and fairly permanent yellow stain.

Logwood chips are used to dye cloth and also create a red wood stain. It is made from the inner core of a tree originally found in South and Central America.

Charcoal is made from charred willow and beech tree twigs.

Indigo is obtained from the tinctoria plant. It produces a deep violet-blue dye which is mainly used to color fabrics. The leaves of the plant are soaked in water until they ferment. On drying, the extract turns indigo, which is then washed, boiled and dried.

Tumeric is extracted from the root of a spice plant. It produces a fairly permanent, strong yellow color used in varnishes, oils, and wax, as well as a dye.

Indian yellow is made from the urine of cows fed on mango leaves.

Madder can be found in root or powder form and is one of the best red plant dyes. Madder Red (warm crimson) and Rose Madder (intense pink) are not very permanent.

Alkanet is a plant which can be used to create a good red oil for rubbing discolored mahogany or rosewood.