What can I use instead of alum for dyeing?
Aluminium acetate
Aluminium acetate is an easier and quicker alternative to the alum/tannin process. It is important not to put too much fibre in the mordanting pan.
Which is used as mordant in aluminium?
Aluminium based mordants for every fiber. Aluminium is the most used mineral salt for mordanting fibers. We know it as alum (potassium aluminium sulfate) for protein fibers and aluminium acetate is the version used for cellulose fibers (see this blog about mordanting).
Is aluminium sulphate a mordant?
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative for mordanting, consider Aluminum Sulfate. This mordant contains the same active ingredient (alum) with a different refining process as Aluminum Potassium Sulfate.
Is baking soda a mordant?
Preparing the Fabric Fixing requires a mordant or fixer; alum, lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are common mordants. Different mordants create different effects.
Can you mordant cotton with aluminum sulfate?
If aluminum sulfate is certified as iron-free, it is suitable for use as an alum mordant. However, aluminum acetate is the best alum mordant for cotton and linen, according to Jim Liles in his book, The Art and Craft of Natural Dyeing: Traditional Recipes for Modern Use .
What is potassium alum?
Potassium Alum is an inorganic salt. In the United States, Potassium Alum may be used as an active ingredient in OTC drug products. When used as an active drug ingredient, the established name for Potassium Alum is Alum, Potassium.
What is the best mordant?
Alum Acetate
Alum Acetate Aluminum acetate is the recommended mordant when printing with natural dyes. It is more expensive and sometimes hard to find.
What is the best mordant for cotton?
Aluminum Acetate
Which mordant to use?
| Fiber content | Recommended Mordant |
|---|---|
| Silk | Aluminum Potassium Sulfate Aluminum Sulfate |
| Cotton, linen, Tencel, bamboo and other plant fibers | Aluminum Acetate with wheat bran or with calcium carbonate afterbath |
Is vinegar a good mordant?
Vinegar is not a mordant. Mordants act as connectors between a dye and a textile fiber; if they wash out, they can have no further effect. Vinegar and acetic acid are used to lower the pH of a dyebath, and are easily removed by washing.
Why is vinegar a mordant?
Vinegar is a Mordant This one is very common but it’s false. Vinegar doesn’t bind to the fabric as mordants do. Certain dyes and fibers work best in an acidic environment. Vinegar, like acetic acid, is a pH modifier that’s used to help open up certain fibers to prepare them for mordanting and dyeing.
Is aluminium sulphate the same as potassium aluminium sulphate?
Potash alum and aluminum sulfate may be used interchangeably as a mordant on both cellulose and protein fibers. Potash alum is slightly more expensive. Some dyers claim that potash alum gives clearer colors, but I have not noticed any difference between the two.