Potash Alum | Aluminium Potassium Sulphate

Potash Alum | Aluminium Potassium Sulphate

Potash Alum | Aluminium Potassium Sulphate

Potash Alum — the traditional mordant of natural dyeing and marbling — prepares fibres and papers to receive pigment evenly and permanently. When dissolved in hot water, it forms a clear mordant bath that gently opens fibre pores, allowing dye molecules to bond securely.

In marbling, alum acts as a critical preparatory step: it coats the surface with a microscopically thin mineral film that “grabs” floating paint on contact. Without it, colour tends to smear or wash away. Easy to dissolve and stable in storage, Potash Alum remains a studio essential for both beginners and professional dyers.

Benefits

  • Time-tested mordant delivering bright, wash-fast results.

  • Essential pre-treatment for marbling and botanical dyeing.

  • Reliable solubility and purity ensure repeatable outcomes.

  • Non-synthetic, biodegradable, and safe for studio use.

Perfect For:

  • Marbling surface preparation for silk, cotton, or paper.

  • Natural dye mordanting prior to plant-based colour baths.

  • Eco-printing, pigment sizing, and craft dye education.

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  • Chemical name: Aluminium Potassium Sulphate · 12 H₂O.
  • Dissolves completely in hot water for clear mordant solution.
  • Use 10–15 g per litre for marbling; soak fabric/paper, air-dry before printing.
  • For natural dyeing: 15–20 % OWF (on weight of fibre).
  • Compatible with cotton, silk, wool, and linen.
  • Store sealed, dry, and away from humidity.

  • Always dissolve in non-reactive containers (stainless or enamel).
  • Wear gloves and mix slowly to prevent clumping.
  • Pre-wash fabrics to remove sizing before alum bath.
  • Dry treated material completely before dipping into marbling tray.

Resources

Natural Dyes and Mordanting Instructions

Online orders are sent using Australia Post during business hours Monday to Friday. Orders are usually sent 1-2 days after your order is placed or when a pre-ordered item arrives. We email shipping confirmation with tracking information when your order is dispatched.

Shipping : Australia

Shipping is calculated at checkout according to the weight of the order, and your address location.

Most orders will have the option of:

  • Australia Post Standard Shipping (estimated delivery in 3-5 days)
  • Australia Post Express Shipping (estimated delivery in 2-3 days)

Kraftkolour cannot guarantee expected delivery times.

Kraftkolour may use other carriers from time to time for bulky or heavy shipments.

Shipping : International

We currently ship outside Australia to many countries using Australia Post’s International Express service. Rates will be automatically calculated at checkout.

Click & Collect : Thomastown

When ordering online you can choose 'Click & Collect' for order collection at our premises at 2/99 Heyington Ave, Thomastown, Victoria. We will email you confirming when your order is ready to collect.

Orders can be collected 10am 4pm Monday to Friday and we would appreciate it if you could collect your order within a week.

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