pH Indicator Strips

$23.50

In stock

Description

We use pH Indicator Strips to measure the pH of an indigo vat. In other words, they help us determine if we need more alkali or acid to balance the vat. We also use pH strips with other dyes to measure the pH of the dyebath.

These are extremely useful tools to quickly check your indigo vat or to determine the pH of your water supply. Natural dyes colors may be shifted by adjusting the pH of the dye bath. Therefore, our pH strips come in handy when deciding on increasing or decreasing pH.

(50 strips per package)

From our Feedback Friday series:

How do you know if the indigo vat is over reduced? I think I put waaay to much fructose in mine the last time I was trying to balance it.

An over-reduced indigo vat will be very yellow with no hint of a greenish or brown tint in it. You can stir or aerate the vat with a whisk and it will acquire a slight greenish tint which indicates it is more balanced.

Should I buy ph strips for my indigo vat? Can I buy through you? I have natural dyed in the past, but this is my first time doing an indigo vat outside of college so thanks for making it a possibility!!

For me, pH strips are an indispensable tool. They immediately tell me if my vat condition requires more alkali or reducing agent. We provide handy instructions that help you read pH strips, even with indigo vats.

I have not been able to get my indigo vat to reduce. It was a great stock; I put it into the vat, and have not gotten it to move past blue. I completed every single step recommended, and I still have an under reduced vat! Help! I even tried with a second vat. Same results.

If the vat is under-reduced and your pH is at the correct level, which is between 10 and 11 for cellulose, then add more reducing agent. Sometimes you need to add a lot of fructose to jump start a vat. I’ve found that using a combination of fructose and henna also works very well. The fructose dissolves very quickly and doesn’t leave a residue and the henna seems to have a much longer staying power in the vat. I’ve also had super stubborn vats that absolutely refuse to reduce, and when I walk away from them for a few hours and then come back, I find that they have quietly balanced by themselves.

Learn more:

How to check pH

What is pH?

Additional information

Weight 30 g
Dimensions 4 × 3 × .5 in

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