{"product_id":"aluminium-lactate-mordant-for-natural-botanical-dyeing","title":"Aluminium Lactate – Mordant for Natural \u0026 Botanical Dyeing","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an aluminium-based mordant used to prepare fibres and fabrics for dyeing with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural and botanical dyes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Particularly effective on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecotton, linen, hemp and other cellulose fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it helps natural dyes bond more effectively with the fibre, improving colour uptake and helping to produce clear, bright and vibrant colours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate is becoming increasingly popular with natural dyers as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emore environmentally considerate alternative to some conventional aluminium mordants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate, Potassium Aluminium Sulphate (traditional Alum) and Aluminium Acetate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is particularly useful for cellulose fibres, which can be more difficult to mordant effectively than protein fibres such as wool and silk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAluminium-based mordant for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural and botanical dyes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eParticularly suitable for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecotton, linen, hemp and other cellulose fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelps improve natural dye uptake and fixation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelps produce clear, bright and vibrant colours\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA more environmentally considerate alternative to some conventional aluminium mordants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAlternative to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate, Potassium Aluminium Sulphate and Aluminium Acetate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for suitable dyeing applications\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly useful for cellulose and plant-based fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEffective at relatively low WOF percentages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCan be used as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esingle-step mordant on cellulose fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMay reduce the need for multiple mordanting and rinsing stages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan also be combined with a tannin pre-treatment where desired\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for natural dyeing, botanical dyeing and eco printing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUseful for both beginners and experienced natural dyers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Use Aluminium Lactate?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMordants help form a link between natural colourants and textile fibres, improving the ability of many natural dyes to attach to the fibre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional aluminium mordants such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate and Potassium Aluminium Sulphate (traditional Alum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are widely used in natural dyeing, particularly for wool and silk. Cellulose fibres such as cotton, linen and hemp, however, can be more difficult to mordant effectively and may require additional preparation when using conventional Alum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate provides an excellent alternative for cellulose fibres.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It can be used directly on properly scoured cellulose fibres without necessarily requiring the separate tannin pre-treatment commonly used with traditional Alum mordanting methods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tannin treatment can still be used before Aluminium Lactate if desired and may influence colour depth, shade and fixation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA More Environmentally Considerate Mordant Option\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate is of particular interest to natural and botanical dyers looking for a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emore environmentally considerate mordanting option\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lactate component can be produced from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elactic acid derived through fermentation of renewable raw materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, providing an interesting alternative to mordants such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate, Potassium Aluminium Sulphate and Aluminium Acetate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate is also effective at relatively low concentrations and can be used directly on cellulose fibres. Compared with traditional processes that may require separate tannin and Alum treatments, this can potentially mean \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efewer processing stages, fewer rinses and reduced water use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese characteristics make Aluminium Lactate particularly appealing to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural dyers, botanical dyers and eco printers looking to consider the environmental impact of their dyeing and mordanting processes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Amount – 5–10% WOF\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor most natural dyeing applications on cellulose fibres, we recommend starting with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–10% Aluminium Lactate WOF (Weight of Fibre)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a straightforward general-purpose mordant, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10% WOF is a good starting point\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a guide:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100g dry fibre:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e use 5–10g Aluminium Lactate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e500g dry fibre:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e use 25–50g Aluminium Lactate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1kg dry fibre:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e use 50–100g Aluminium Lactate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWOF = Weight of Fibre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e For example, 10% WOF means using 10g of Aluminium Lactate for every 100g of dry fibre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe optimum amount can vary according to the fibre, natural dye and dyeing method, so small test samples are always recommended when developing a new recipe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBasic Mordanting Method for Cellulose Fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. Scour the fibre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThoroughly scour cotton, linen, hemp or other cellulose fibres before mordanting. Good scouring removes oils, waxes and manufacturing residues that may interfere with even mordant and dye uptake.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. Weigh the dry fibre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalculate the required amount of Aluminium Lactate according to the dry weight of the fabric or fibre. For a general starting recipe, use approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10% WOF\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. Dissolve the Aluminium Lactate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDissolve the required Aluminium Lactate thoroughly in warm water before adding it to the mordant bath.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. Add the fibre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-wet the scoured fibre and place it into the mordant bath, ensuring there is sufficient water for the material to move freely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow the fibre to remain in the mordant bath for approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1½–2 hours\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, moving it periodically to encourage even treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5. Rinse and dye\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove the fibre, rinse and proceed with your chosen natural or botanical dye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptional Tannin Pre-Treatment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the advantages of Aluminium Lactate is that it can be used directly on cellulose fibres, providing a convenient alternative to traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate or Potassium Aluminium Sulphate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e mordanting processes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor dyers wishing to use a tannin-and-aluminium mordanting system, the scoured fibre can first be treated with a suitable tannin such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTara or Gallnut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, followed by the Aluminium Lactate mordant bath.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA useful starting point for experimentation is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10% WOF tannin followed by 5–10% WOF Aluminium Lactate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTannin pre-treatment is optional when using Aluminium Lactate, and results will vary depending on the fibre, tannin and natural dye selected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCotton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLinen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHemp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther cellulose and plant-based fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural dyeing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical dyeing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEco printing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTextile art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural dye workshops\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperimental and sample dyeing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAluminium Lactate vs Traditional Alums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional aluminium mordants including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate and Potassium Aluminium Sulphate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are widely used in natural dyeing. Potassium Aluminium Sulphate is particularly well established as a general-purpose mordant for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewool and silk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecotton, linen, hemp and other cellulose fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Aluminium Lactate offers an alternative that can simplify the mordanting process and provide good natural dye uptake without necessarily requiring a separate tannin stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes Aluminium Lactate particularly useful for natural dyers who regularly work with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elinen, cotton and other plant fibres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or who are looking for an alternative to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlum Sulphate, Potassium Aluminium Sulphate or Aluminium Acetate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural dyeing involves many variables. Fibre type, scouring, mordant concentration, tannins, dye material, water quality, pH, temperature and dyeing time can all affect the final colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend keeping notes of mordant percentages and dyeing recipes and carrying out a small test before treating a large or valuable piece of fabric.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor dyeing and textile use only. Do not ingest. Avoid breathing powder or dust and avoid contact with eyes. Use appropriate protective equipment when handling powdered mordants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kraftkolour","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":50567526744312,"sku":null,"price":20.4,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g","offer_id":50567526777080,"sku":null,"price":45.65,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g","offer_id":50567526809848,"sku":null,"price":79.46,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":50567526842616,"sku":null,"price":135.1,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/7349\/9384\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep21_2026_04_42_50PM.png?v=1789972998","url":"https:\/\/kraftkolour.net.au\/products\/aluminium-lactate-mordant-for-natural-botanical-dyeing","provider":"KRAFTKOLOUR","version":"1.0","type":"link"}