Madder Rich Extract 225g (8 oz)

Madder is one of the oldest known dyestuffs. It is used to produce turkey reds, mulberry, orange-red, and terracotta. In combination with other dyes madder can give crimson, purple, rust, browns, and near blacks. 

Madder is cultivated throughout India, south east Asia, Turkey, Europe, south China, parts of Africa, Australia and Japan. Madder is a complex dyestuff containing many colourants. By manipulating mordanting, pH, and temperature a range of shades can be obtained. There are many historic recipes including one from Turkey which brings out the purpurin from madder resulting in a purple.

Mordanting: Use alum mordant at 15% WOF for protein fibres. For cellulose, first mordant with tannin at 8% WOF, then either 1) use alum at 15% with soda ash at 2% or 2) use aluminum acetate at 8%.  For deep brick reds on cellulose choose the aluminum acetate at 8%.

Dyeing with the extract: Use at 3-8% WOF for a medium depth of shade. To achieve reds and avoid browns keep the dyebath under 180°F (82°C).