Tanninis used to assist the mordants of cellulose fibres and fabrics. Alum does not bond with cellulose fibres as well as it does with protein fibres. However, tannin bonds well with cellulose. and once treated with tannin, alum will combine with the tannin-fibre complex. Many dyestuffs contain tannin (black oak, pomegranate, cutch, fustic, etc) and do not need an additional tannin.

This is a blend of tannins mainly composed of quebracho and sumac. It will leave a very light red-brown colour on cloth. Use at 10-20% WOF as part of the mordanting procedure.

Tannins can be clear or they can add colour to the fibre, and this is an important consideration when selecting a tannin.

Clear Tannins: Gallic – Gallnut, Tara, some Sumacs

Yellow Tannins: Ellegic Myrobalan, Pomegranate,

Red-Brown Tannins: Catechic Cutch, Quebracho, Tea leaves, and some Sumacs.

SeeMaiwa’s Guide to Natural Dyes.

Currently the largest sizes of natural dyes are priced at wholesale rates. Our rates reflect a growing discount as the size increases. See all sizeshere.