{"title":"Dye Assists \u0026 Modifiers","description":"\u003cp\u003eDye assists help you prepare fibers, adjust the dye bath and fine-tune color. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/soda-ash-sodium-carbonate\"\u003eSoda ash\u003c\/a\u003e scours cotton and linen and raises the pH of indigo vats. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/cream-of-tartar\"\u003eCream of tartar\u003c\/a\u003e is added to alum baths for wool and silk to keep colors bright and fibers soft. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/calcium-carbonate\"\u003eCalcium carbonate\u003c\/a\u003e (chalk) brightens madder reds in soft water. \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/gum-arabic-powder\"\u003eGum arabic\u003c\/a\u003e thickens natural dye pastes and inks, and \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/fructose-indigo-vat\"\u003efructose\u003c\/a\u003e is the reducing sugar for a fruit indigo vat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModifiers and color shifts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging the pH of a dye bath changes color: alkaline baths push many dyes warmer, acidic baths make them cooler or brighter. Combine assists with \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/alum-iron-mordants\"\u003ealum and iron\u003c\/a\u003e to widen your palette from a single dye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinting, painting and ink making\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix gum arabic with \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/natural-dye-extracts\"\u003edye extracts\u003c\/a\u003e to make pastes for block printing and painting. Gum arabic is also the classic binder for ink making with \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/natural-tannins\"\u003eoak galls\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor scouring plant fibers before mordanting and for raising the pH of indigo vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy add cream of tartar to alum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps alum bond evenly to wool and silk, keeps colors brighter and the fiber softer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does calcium carbonate do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChalk adds calcium to soft water and helps madder give deeper, truer reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/natural-indigo\"\u003eNatural Indigo\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/collections\/mordants-and-assists\"\u003eAll Mordants \u0026amp; Assists\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For scouring plant fibers before mordanting and for raising the pH of indigo vats.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Why add cream of tartar to alum?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It helps alum bond evenly to wool and silk, keeps colors brighter and the fiber softer.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does calcium carbonate do?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Chalk adds calcium to soft water and helps madder give deeper, truer reds.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cream-of-tartar","title":"Cream of Tartar","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is a traditional \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edyeing assistant\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e used together with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ealum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e when mordanting—especially on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ewool and silk\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It helps the mordant bath stay gently acidic, supports \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003emore even uptake\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, can help keep protein fibres feeling \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003esofter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and is often used to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebrighten \/ clarify\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e certain shades (especially some reds).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCream of tartar works best with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eprotein fibres\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (wool \u0026amp; silk) and is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eseldom used with cellulose fibres\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (cotton\/linen). It is typically used alongside alum:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/products\/aluminium-potassium-sulphate-mordant-modifiers\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eAlum (Aluminium Potassium Sulphate)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse rate (starting point):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 5–6% WOF (Weight Of Fibre).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor protein fibres, a practical mordanting starting point is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e10–15% alum (WOF)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, then add \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e5–6% cream of tartar (WOF)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e after alum is fully dissolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQuick use:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Dissolve alum completely in hot water, add cream of tartar and stir until dissolved, then add fibres and heat gently (avoid boiling). Allow fibres to cool in the bath for more even uptake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNew to cream of tartar?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/blogs\/news\/cream-of-tartar-natural-dyeing-guide\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eSee our step-by-step guide (dosage + best pairings).\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNotes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cream of tartar is an \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eassistant\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, not a stand-alone mordant. Results vary with fibre type, water chemistry, dye material, and process. Avoid inhaling fine powder; store sealed in a cool, dry place. SDS is available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":39304937865373,"sku":"CREAMofTARTAR","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":45855127240938,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 kg (2.2 lb)","offer_id":45855127273706,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/files\/themazi-cream-of-tartar-dyeing-assistant-with-alum-pouch-bowl.jpg?v=1771421754"},{"product_id":"gum-arabic-powder","title":"Gum Arabic Powder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gum Arabic\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powder \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGum Arabic; It is obtained from different acacia tree species, mainly Arabian and Senegal Acacia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGum Arabic is a thickener and binder for many natural dyes, paints and pigments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr","offer_id":39305258565789,"sku":"GUMARABIC50","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 gr","offer_id":43590017384682,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_c664ba5e-6ae0-45d1-ac27-997ef00b2ab7.jpg?v=1684439382"},{"product_id":"calcium-carbonate","title":"Calcium Carbonate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcium Carbonate\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powder\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCalcium Carbonate; It is a chemical compound found in ancient rocks and seashells. It is generally used in the production of marble, chalk, limestone, paint and ceramics.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"tabs-description\" class=\"tab-pane show active\" role=\"tabpanel\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium\u003cspan\u003e Carbonate is a dye additive used adjust the PH of the dye bath and modify the color of natural dyes. It is particularly useful in deepening the colors of natural dyes such as Madder and Weld. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalcium carbonate can also be used to fix natural dyes mordanted with aluminum acetate or ferrous sulphate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr","offer_id":39305367421085,"sku":"CALCIUM50","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400gr","offer_id":43590011617514,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_c2e73ca5-870e-499f-82e2-ef864637527a.jpg?v=1684871119"},{"product_id":"soda-ash-sodium-carbonate","title":"Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoda ash (sodium carbonate)\u003c\/strong\u003e is used in natural dyeing as a fixer and scouring agent. In small amounts it can change the pH of a madder dyebath, which makes it redden, and it is used for scouring cellulose fibers. It is also an easy way to raise the pH of an indigo vat: for balancing an indigo vat, plan on 250-500 g (8-16 oz) of soda ash. As a mild base, it adds alkalinity to a dyebath to modify its shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50 g (1.76 oz), 100 g (3.5 oz) and 400 g (14.1 oz).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUse it with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/madder-root-powder\"\u003eMadder root powder\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en-be\/products\/natural-indigo-extract\"\u003enatural indigo extract\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50 g (1.76 oz)","offer_id":46226896847082,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate52","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":46226896879850,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate50","price":8.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":46226896912618,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate51","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_da949faa-a8a0-49a9-af82-da2200cab152.jpg?v=1684439564"},{"product_id":"fructose-indigo-vat","title":"Fructose Powder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFructose Powder is a simple sugar derived from a variety of plants and fruits. Fructose powder is used to make traditional indigo vats. The high alkalinity of fructose increases the absorption and vibrancy of color.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr | 1.76oz","offer_id":39976193851549,"sku":"Fructose50","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 gr","offer_id":43590016303338,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/ScreenShot2021-05-20at12.40.12.png?v=1634314031"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/collections\/themazi-cream-of-tartar-dyeing-assistant-with-alum-pouch-bowl.jpg?v=1792531453","url":"https:\/\/themazi.com\/en-be\/collections\/dye-assists-and-modifiers.oembed","provider":"themazi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}