What is the difference between a mordant and a fixative?

As nouns the difference between mordant and fixative is that mordant is any substance used to facilitate the fixing of a dye to a fibre; usually a metallic compound which reacts with the dye using chelation while fixative is a substance that fixes, protects, or preserves.

What can I use as a natural dye mordant?

Alum Acetate
Alum Acetate Aluminum acetate is the recommended mordant when printing with natural dyes.

What can I use for mordant?

Alum is one of the most popular mordants used in natural dyeing, as you can dye and mordant all at the same time. Just add your alum to the dye bath, mix well, then add yarn or fibre. If you can’t find alum locally (or just can’t be bothered), you can easily order some via Amazon.

What is mordant printing?

Mordant printing is an ancient dye technique first used in the Indus delta several thousand years ago. It was brought to the west in the 18th century by french textile producers who used the technique for multiple colour printing on cotton fabrics. It is a complex and time consuming process with several steps.

What can I use as a dye fixative?

Thoroughly clean a large mixing bowl or cleaning bucket, and then fill it with one gallon of fresh, clean water. Add one-fourth cup table salt and one cup vinegar. The vinegar and salt work together to naturally lock the color into the fabric.

How much alum do I need for eco printing?

Place two teaspoons of alum acetate in 4 cups of water. The water needs to be hot enough so that the alum acetate dissolves well. The second pot will contain the ferrous sulfate and will be used as a dip for the flowers and leaves. The iron will change the color print of the leaves and flowers by darkening the print.

Do you need dye fixative?

It’s important to use fiber reactive dyes, such as the dyes in good tie-dyeing kits, if you want to tie-dye; if you use fiber reactive dyes, you will not need to use a product like Rit Dye Fixative, because the dyes are permanent without it, when applied according to the instructions.

Is vinegar a dye fixative?

For wool or nylon, the acid in vinegar acts as a mordant in the dye bath to help the fibers absorb dye. But neither is a dye fixative for already dyed fabric or fibers.

How do you make a mordant solution?

Add 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar to the jar, filling the jar to cover the iron objects. Put the lid on the jar and seal tight. The water will turn to a rusty-orange color in 1 to 2 weeks. You can let your iron mordant liquor sit for as long as you like.