Select Mordant Type
30 minChoose alum, iron, copper, or soy milk mordant based on fiber and desired color shift.
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Learn mordant preparation from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
Choose alum, iron, copper, or soy milk mordant based on fiber and desired color shift.
Weigh fiber and compute mordant quantity — alum often 15–20% WOF (weight of fiber).
Simmer fiber in mordant solution 45–60 min, cool in pot, rinse lightly before dye.
Label mordant baths, neutralize metal mordants before disposal per local guidelines.
Weight of fiber (WOF) basis: mordant grams = fiber grams × percentage (e.g. 100 g × 0.15 = 15 g alum).
Iron and copper toxic — gloves, no food cookware, label dedicated dye pots.
Simmering mordants in enclosed space — use hood or outdoor burner.
Store mordants locked away from children and pets.