Mordants & Modifiers

Mordants and modifiers can be used to enhance and preserve the colours created from using natural dyes.  They help the dyes bond to the fabric, improving longevity and transforming shades and tone. Applying mordants and modifiers allows you to create unique colour pallets, while ensuring the colour ‘grabs onto’ the fabric more effectively.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between a modifier and a fixer/mordant?

A modifier is applied to change the colour, shifting the shade or tone. They can create colour variations of a single dye.

A fixer/mordant is applied to help the dye bond to the fabric, improving its durability. It can also enhance the strength of the colour. This helps the colour to last through wash and wear, and without, dyes can appear pale or quickly come out of the fabric.

Both mordants and fixers are useful when naturally dyeing textiles, but they serve different purposes. Each one reacts differently depending on the dye and fabric - natural dyeing is so creative and experimental!

What are the most common fixers/mordants?

  • Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) mordant - brightens colours, one of the most popular mordants.
  • Iron (ferrous sulfate) mordant - darkens / mutes colours.
  • Copper (copper sulfate) mordant - enhances colours.
  • Tannins - essential when dyeing cotton or linen. Tannins allow the mordant to stick. Examples include oak bark, tara pods, sumac.

What are the most common modifiers/assists?

  • Cream of tartar
  • Soda ash
  • Chalk
  • Citric acid
  • Soda ask
  • Vinegar

Precautions 

  • Wear a mask to avoid inhaling, allow ventilation if dyeing indoors
  • Wear gloves when handling mordants
  • Avoid contact with skin and eyes
  • Store safely in child-proof containers, and away from pets and food stuffs
  • Responsibly dispose of solutions
  • Always do a test patch first
  • Scour fabric to remove oil or dirt
  • Only use stainless steel, glass or plastic for dyeing. Aluminium or iron can react with the dye.

Our collection of mordants and modifiers have been chosen for their ease of use and effectiveness. So, whether you’re a beginner or refining tried and tested techniques, our products allow for long-lasting results with broad colour spectrums.

Natural dyeing is about exploration, modifiers allow you to create colour variation in tone and depth. Every time you naturally dye a textile, you have the opportunity to learn and evolve in your craft.