Sappan Wood (Asian Brazilwood) Natural Dye Powder
Sappan Wood Powder is a traditional natural dye produced from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan (also known as Biancaea sappan). It produces a beautiful range of coral pinks, vibrant reds, burgundy and purples, depending on the fibre, mordant and dyeing conditions.
Why is Sappan Wood also called Brazilwood?
Sappan Wood is often referred to as Asian Brazilwood or Eastern Brazilwood because it contains the same natural red colourant, brazilin, as the original Brazilwood tree from South America. Today, the true Brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) is an endangered species and is no longer used commercially as a textile dye, so most “Brazilwood” sold for natural dyeing is actually sustainably grown Sappan Wood.
Key Features & Colour Potential
- Versatile Colour Palette: Produces shades ranging from soft coral pinks and crimson reds to rich burgundy and purple. Modify crimson with an after-treatment of iron to shift the colour to purples, copper for burgundy, and tin for a brilliant scarlet.
- Highly pH Sensitive: Colour can be modified by adjusting the pH of the dye bath. Acidic conditions tend to produce warmer coral and orange-red shades, while alkaline conditions encourage deeper burgundy and purple tones.
- Finely Ground Powder: Dissolves and extracts readily for consistent dyeing results.
- Recommended Usage: Use at approximately 2–10% Weight of Fibre (WOF), depending on the depth of shade required.
Important Natural Dyeing Tips
Most natural fibres can be dyed using natural dyes. Some natural dyes can be used without a mordant, while others benefit from mordanting to improve colourfastness and help achieve particular shades.
Wool and silk are commonly mordanted with alum, while cellulose fibres such as cotton and linen can be mordanted using aluminium lactate. Another method is to prepare cellulose fibres with a tannin solution followed by an alum mordant. This age-old technique can sometimes affect the final colour of the natural dye through the colour absorbed during the tannin soak – a side effect that may be desirable.
Another use of mordants is to modify the colour using an after-treatment of iron, copper or tin mordant; these will each shift the original natural dye colour. Whether you’re dyeing wool, silk, cotton or linen, natural dyes offer a wonderfully varied range of colours and effects, and many factors can affect the results.
You can find answers to the following questions in our Blog post A Practical Guide to Natural Dyeing – How to Get the Best from Natural Dyes:
- Why do I need a mordant and how do mordants work?
- What is the method for mordanting protein fibres?
- What is the method for mordanting cellulose fibres?
- How much natural dye should I use?
- What colours will I get from my natural dyes?
- How do I modify or shift colours from natural dyes?
Safety & Handling
Sappan Wood Powder is a natural plant dye. As with all fine powders, avoid inhaling dust and minimise contact with the eyes and skin. We recommend wearing a suitable dust mask when handling the dry powder, using dedicated dyeing equipment, and keeping the product out of reach of children.
