{"title":"Alum \u0026 Iron Mordants","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlum and iron are the two essential metal mordants in natural dyeing and eco printing. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/aluminium-potassium-sulphate-mordant-modifiers\"\u003ePotassium alum\u003c\/a\u003e keeps colors clear and bright on wool, silk, cotton and linen. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/iron-ferrous-sulphate\"\u003eIron (ferrous sulphate)\u003c\/a\u003e is used in small amounts to \"sadden\" colors: yellows turn olive, reds turn plum and tannins turn grey or black. The \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/cellulose-mordant-kit-cotton-linen\"\u003ecellulose mordant studio kit\u003c\/a\u003e bundles the steps for plant fibers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to mordant with alum\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeigh your dry fiber, dissolve alum (typically 10–15% of fiber weight for wool, often with \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/cream-of-tartar\"\u003ecream of tartar\u003c\/a\u003e) in hot water, add the wet fiber and heat gently for about an hour. For cotton and linen, apply a \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/natural-tannins\"\u003etannin\u003c\/a\u003e first, then alum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUsing iron as a modifier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd iron after dyeing in a separate, weak bath, at 1–2% of fiber weight. In eco printing, a light iron blanket or dip makes leaf prints darker and sharper. Too much iron can make wool harsh, so start low and rinse well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use alum and iron together?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Alum is the base mordant, and iron is used afterwards as a modifier to darken and deepen color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs iron safe for wool and silk?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn small amounts, yes. Keep the bath weak and the time short to protect protein fibers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich alum is best for cotton?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium alum works well after a tannin bath. The cellulose mordant kit gives you a tested method for cotton and linen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/mordants-and-assists\"\u003eAll Mordants \u0026amp; Assists\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/dye-assists-and-modifiers\"\u003eDye Assists \u0026amp; Modifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I use alum and iron together?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Alum is the base mordant, and iron is used afterwards as a modifier to darken and deepen color.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is iron safe for wool and silk?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"In small amounts, yes. Keep the bath weak and the time short to protect protein fibers.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which alum is best for cotton?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Potassium alum works well after a tannin bath. The cellulose mordant kit gives you a tested method for cotton and linen.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"iron-ferrous-sulphate","title":"Iron (Ferrous Sulphate)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"wt-mb-xs-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-component=\"listing-page-title-component\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eIron (Ferrous Sulfate) is used alone as a mordant, influencing colours and to increase light fastness when used in combination with other natural dyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-component=\"listing-page-title-component\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"wt-mb-xs-3\" data-buy-box-region=\"price\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"wt-display-flex-xs wt-align-items-center wt-justify-content-space-between\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"wt-display-flex-xs wt-align-items-center wt-justify-content-space-between wt-width-full\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50 gr","offer_id":37076109983901,"sku":"IRON50","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/IMG_6402.jpg?v=1635021433"},{"product_id":"aluminium-potassium-sulphate-mordant-modifiers","title":"Alum Mordant","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlum (potassium aluminium sulphate)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a classic mordant used in natural dyeing to help dyes bond to fibers and improve wash and light fastness. It suits most natural fibers and is especially popular for bright, clear colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein fibers:\u003c\/strong\u003e wool, silk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCellulose fibers:\u003c\/strong\u003e cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo (tannin pre-treatment recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to use (by weight of fiber, WOF)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWool and silk:\u003c\/strong\u003e use 10-15% WOF alum. Dissolve fully in hot water, add to a mordant bath, then add pre-wetted fiber and hold warm for 1-2 hours (or soak longer for convenience).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCotton and linen:\u003c\/strong\u003e first treat with tannin (8-10% WOF), then mordant with alum (15% WOF) and \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/soda-ash-sodium-carbonate\"\u003esoda ash\u003c\/a\u003e (2% WOF) in a warm bath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePowder or crystals\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowder:\u003c\/strong\u003e dissolves faster and is ideal for quick prep or small batches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystals:\u003c\/strong\u003e easy to handle and measure for larger batches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults are the same when measured by weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNotes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults vary with fiber type, dye type and water chemistry. Store dry and tightly closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLearn more\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-prepare-fiber-fabric-for-natural-dyeing\"\u003eHow to prepare fiber and fabric for natural dyeing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/oak-gallnut-powder-green\"\u003eRecommended tannins for cellulose: green oak gall powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"Crystals \/ 100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":44226202075370,"sku":"","price":7.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Crystals \/ 400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":43365180244202,"sku":"","price":18.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Crystals \/ 1 kg (2.2 lb)","offer_id":44226202108138,"sku":"","price":28.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Powder \/ 100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":45856244138218,"sku":null,"price":8.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Powder \/ 400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":45856244170986,"sku":null,"price":19.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Powder \/ 1 kg (2.2 lb)","offer_id":45856244203754,"sku":null,"price":29.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/files\/themazi-alum-potassium-aluminium-sulphate-mordant-dye-assistant.jpg?v=1771528782"},{"product_id":"cellulose-mordant-kit-cotton-linen","title":"Cellulose Mordant Studio Kit","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA complete mordanting kit for cotton, linen and other cellulose fibers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned around our recommended mordanting ratios, this kit contains the materials needed to prepare up to approximately 4 kg (8.8 lb) of cellulose fiber for natural dyeing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINCLUDED:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• 400 g White Oak Gall Powder (Tannin)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• 600 g Alum Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• 100 g Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHY THIS KIT:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Correctly balanced quantities — no guesswork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Suitable for cotton, linen, hemp and other cellulose fibers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Enough materials for up to approximately 4 kg (8.8 lb) of fiber\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Better value than purchasing the components separately\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Ideal for natural dyers, textile studios and small-batch production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHOW IT WORKS:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. Pre-treat the cellulose fiber with White Oak Gall tannin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. Mordant with alum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. Use soda ash as directed in the mordanting process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. Continue with your chosen natural dye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe exact amount of fiber that can be treated may vary depending on the recipe, fiber type and process used.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46226899435754,"sku":null,"price":72.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/files\/THEMAZ_Cellulose_Mordant_Studio_Kit_for_cotton_linen_and_other_cellulose_fibers.webp?v=1788363056"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/collections\/alum-crystals-potassium-aluminium-sulphate-bowl-themazi.jpg?v=1792531451","url":"https:\/\/themazi.com\/en-be\/collections\/alum-iron-mordants.oembed","provider":"themazi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}