Copper mordant for use to colour protein fibres (wool, hair and silks) with natural dyes.
Copper mordant links chemically with the fibre and creates attachment points which bond with the colourant from natural dyes creating light and wash fast colours. It alters the colour obtained from dye plants (depending on the plant used) adding shades of light green through to khaki, olive and bronze. We encourage experimentation and recommend careful record keeping to help reproduce colours in future dye sessions.
It helps to soak the wool in warm water and squeeze out excess before adding to the mordant bath. For every 250g of the dry wool or silk, use 5g of copper sulphate in 5 litres of water. Add 10g of Cream of Tartar to help soften the fibre and brighten the colours. Gradually heat the mordant bath to around 80°C for 30 minutes and allow to cool slowly. Remove the wool and squeeze to remove excess liquor.
After mordanting, the wool can be simmered with any of the natural dyes. It may help to place the dyestuff in a mesh bag before adding to the dyebath. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes and turn off the heat. Allow the wool to cool slowly in the dyebath before removing it. Gently rinse out excess dye in clean water.
Please note that there are hazards associated with the use of this product. Follow the advice on the label at all times.
