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Mordant Preparation Guide

Learn mordant preparation from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.

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Workflow

  1. Select Mordant Type

    30 min

    Choose alum, iron, copper, or soy milk mordant based on fiber and desired color shift.

  2. Calculate Mordant Ratio

    20 min

    Weigh fiber and compute mordant quantity — alum often 15–20% WOF (weight of fiber).

  3. Simmer Mordant Bath

    1 hour

    Simmer fiber in mordant solution 45–60 min, cool in pot, rinse lightly before dye.

  4. Store or Dispose Safely

    30 min

    Label mordant baths, neutralize metal mordants before disposal per local guidelines.

Checklist

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Planning

Preparation

Safety

Execution

Quality

Documentation

Reference Materials

WOFStandard

Weight of fiber (WOF) basis: mordant grams = fiber grams × percentage (e.g. 100 g × 0.15 = 15 g alum).

Alum RecipeFormula

Alum 15–20% WOF + optional cream of tartar 6% WOF for wool brightness.

Mordant EffectsTable

Mordant color shifts on wool.

MordantEffectToxicity
AlumBrightLow
IronDark/sageModerate
CopperGreen shiftHigh

  • Metal Mordants

    Iron and copper toxic — gloves, no food cookware, label dedicated dye pots.

  • Fume Ventilation

    Simmering mordants in enclosed space — use hood or outdoor burner.

  • Child Safety

    Store mordants locked away from children and pets.

Safety Notes

  • Never reuse food pots for metal mordants.
  • Dispose mordant liquor per local hazardous waste guidance for heavy metals.

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