Oak Gall Powder | Tannin (Natural Mordant) – White

A tannin-rich natural mordant for cotton, linen and other cellulose fibers. White Oak Gall Powder helps mordants bind more effectively to the fiber, producing clearer, stronger and more even results in natural dyeing without adding a strong color of its own.

Best for: Cotton, linen & other cellulose fibers
Use: Approx. 10% WOF — 10 g per 100 g of fiber
Botanical name: Quercus infectoria

How oak gallnut powder is produced:

Here at themazi, we collect the gallnuts from our oak forests in summer. The gallnuts are made by a type of wasp and act as protection for the wasp larvae until they hatch, so we harvest at the right time of year to allow the life cycle of the wasp to be complete. To make doubly sure all the insects have left the galls, once picked, the gallnuts are left outside for at least two months before grinding and packaging.

Historical use of oak gallnut:

Oak gall is known to have been used since Roman times to make ink and was the main constituent of ink for many centuries.

How to use oak gallnut powder:

Oak galls are high in tannin and are usually used to treat cellulose fibers before the use of an aluminum-based mordant.

Ensure your fiber/fabric has been properly scoured before use.

Use 10 g oak gallnut powder for each 100 g of fiber. Put the weighed powder into a non-reactive vessel, and pour over boiling water. Stir to release the tannin from the powder. Add enough hot water so that the fiber/fabric can be completely covered with room to stir easily. Wet the fiber/fabric and add it to the tannin bath. Cover and leave to stand overnight, stirring occasionally. To keep the tannin bath warm for as long as possible, you can cover with a lid and wrap with a towel.

An alternative method is to leave the tannin bath overnight without adding the fiber/fabric, then strain off the powder particles, reheat the tannin liquid and then add the fiber/fabric, leaving overnight again.

Full step-by-step guide: Aleppo Oak Galls – Tannin Guide →