In 1927, George Washington Carver invented a process for producing paints and stains from soybeans, and was issued three separate patents for his work.

Carver, an educator, scientist, business leader, and renown agriculturist, received a B.S. from the Iowa Agricultural College in 1894, a M.S. in 1896 and was a member of the faculty of Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

Carver developed 118 products, including a rubber substitute and over 500 dyes and pigments, from 28 different plants.