Alum (Aluminium Potassium Sulphate) - 250gm

Aluminium potassium sulphate is a mordant used in natural dyeing to ensure dyes are colourfast. Without a mordant, many natural dyes would fade or wash out. Aluminium is a neutral mordant meaning that it does not alter the colour of natural dyes. It can, however, deepen their shades. 

Plant fibres (cotton, linen, hemp etc): Scour or thoroughly wash fibres to remove any waxes, gums or oils. First mordant with tannin (see myrobalan in our store), then follow with aluminium potassium sulphate at 10-15% weight of fibre (i.e. 10-15gm per 100gm fibre). 

Protein fibres (silk, wool): Scour or thoroughly wash fibres to remove any waxes, gums or oils. Use aluminium potassium sulphate at 10-15% weight of fibre (i.e. 10-15gm per 100gm fibre). 

Instructions: Measure and place aluminium potassium sulphate in a vessel with enough hot water (90°C [195°F]) to dissolve the granules. Fill a pot with room temperature water and pour in the dissolved mordant. Immerse your scoured, pre-wetted fibres in the mordant solution. Bring the water up to 90°C (195°F). Leave the heat on a simmer for around 60 minutes. Remove the fibres and rinse in cold water. Either dye immediately or dry and storefor later use. 

Safety: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not inhale or ingest. Do not use cooking utensils with mordants. Work in a well ventilated space and use eye protection, gloves and a dust mask. Keep out of reach of children and pets.