We get mordant questions all the time at Botanical Colors so why not create Mordant Monday??? Got mordanting questions? Email [email protected]
YOU ASKED: I received some organic bamboo pillowcases that I would like to bundle dye. Per their website they are crafted from 100% viscose from organically-grown bamboo. Does viscose take color? If so, what is the best mordant to use to get the most vibrant and long-lasting bundle dyeing color?
KATHY ANSWERED: Natural dyes work well with viscose, which is the name typically used for fibers extruded from cellulose material, such as bamboo and wood products using a chemical process. It’s sometimes referred to as “rayon” and can contain a number of difference cellulose bases. If you are planning to bundle dye, I’d recommend using either tannin and alum or aluminum acetate with calcium carbonate for your mordant and allow the bundle to stay in contact with the dyes for as long as possible.
You might also like to read:
How to Mordant with Tannin and Alum
MORDANT MONDAY: Using Alum Sulfate For Plant & Protein Fibers?
Shop: