Ferrous sulfate
€2.90
Out of stock
Iron sulfate is a well-known mordant for natural plant dyeing. It can be used as a mordant (2 - 5 % WOF) or post-dyeing color modifier. Usually, it shifts naturally dyed colors to deeper, darker shades, turns yellow shades to olive green, red to purple, beige to brown or grey, brown to dark brown, or even black. The addition of iron increases the light and wash fastness of dyes. It is mostly used with cellulose fibers and should be used with care on protein fibers such as wool because too much iron can make it harsh. The best way to avoid this would be to use only 1 - 2 % WOF and not let fibers soak in iron sulfate solution for a long time.
Name: ferrous sulfate
Other names: iron, iron (II) sulfate, ferrous (II) sulfate heptahydrate, green copperas, green vitriol
Formula: FeSO4·7H2O
Form: green powder or small clumps, some brownish coloration can occur
Safety: safe to use but do not ingest, additionally, wear protective gloves and face mask while handling the powder
Purpose: mordant and color modifier after natural dyeing. Additionally, can be used as an indigo-reducing agent in Indigo-Ferrous vats.
Additional information:
Reuse the mordant for as long as possible by adding around 3/4 of the mordant for every new batch of fibers.
Many plants benefit from a bit of iron, so if you have a garden, you can find information on which plants appreciate iron and reuse mordanting baths for gardening purposes.
Never use natural dyeing supplies for cooking food.