Topic: Fabric dye

[trojanrabbit]

Quick update:
I checked on the tannic acid question and for reasons I shaln't bore you with, you really do need the tannic acid. If you ask a pharmacist they should either have both or be able to get them in easily.

Tannic acid - relatively small molecule which will bind to the cotton. It has similar bits on it to wool, which the alum can then treat to stick on the dye.

Alum -  Aluminium sulphate.  A salt which can open out parts of the structure in wool (and similar) to give fixing points for dyes.

Mordant - any treatment to make fibres accept a dye.


 ;D Have fun!
Pete

[Val]

Right, I've been googling the dye..or rather drink and it seems it is very acidic thats why it will dye wool, it says not synthetics or cotton but I don't see why it won't dye cotton even if its not as absorbent as wool.Will I still need to buy the tannic acid if its acidic itself? This is getting really complicated isn't it?...well it is for me ::)

[trojanrabbit]

Yup, still need the tannic acid (also sometimes called tannin, but is a different type to that in your tea). As I say, this puts bits onto the fibre to make it more chemically similar to wool.

Don't worry, we were never all meant to understand everything. Personally the more I learn, the more I know the extent of my ignorance.  :)

[Val]

Right thanks, I'll try and get it at the chemist, hope he knows what I mean, some chemists look at you rather oddly if you ask for anything out of the ordinary. I've been phoning round, I don't think the chemists here have heard of it, never mind sell it, even had to spell it twice , so Frank had a phone instead ;D ;D he kept repeating it over and over, so it wasn't just me.Where else would I buy it? I can get it over the internet but its American sites,I'd much rather stay local.....Wish I hadn't started this now.... :'(