Description
Ferrous (Iron) sulfate
Use :
Natural dye – mordanting and nuancing any fibers : iron is the basis of all grey and black shades by reaction with natural tannins. In a general way, it is used to darken colours and make them deeper. It slightly improves light- and wash-fastness from those obtained with aluminum mordants. Recommended use at 1-3 % of the Weight Of Fiber (WOF). A higher % may alter the structure of proteinaceus fibers and make them breakable.
For grey and black shades, we also recommend to use our extracts of logwood, oak gallnut, sumach gallnut, tara, acacia. The best results will be obtained with combinations of these extracts.
Also, combinations of aluminum and iron mordants or a last (very light) iron bath after a aluminum-mordanted-colour will widely increase the number of shades.
Iron gall inks: The iron sulfate is the basis of this historical ink where it is associated with tannins, in particular our very rich gallnut extracts from oak or sumach.
Paintings and wood treatment : ferrous sulfate is used for reactions with tannins (formation of complexes) and its antifungal properties. It gives to wood tipsy finishes or darkens them according to species.
Other uses : Gardens and lawns (antimoss).
