Sodium Alginate Thickener

Sodium Alginate is a pure type of dried, ground kelp (seaweed) - it's commonly used to thicken food. It is the most economical thickener for Dyes of all types and it works as a thickener for other liquids as well. Use whenever you want to use dyes more like a paint. You can then brush the dyes on and they will stay put. Also use for stamping, stenciling or silk screening the dyes. Dyes are more work than Paint to use in these methods, but the reward is, they leave absolutely no feel on the fabric the way paints can. You can also add a pinch to your dye mix for tie-dye to make the dye stay put rather than bleeding through the fabric. This is used to get more control over the tie-dye patterns, for crisper lines, etc.

Sprinkle the thickener into the chemical water or liquid dye slowly, mixing continuously. (You can also use a blender - add the alginate very gradually through the top with the blender going). Let sit for an hour or so, as it will continue to thicken before use. Refrigerate to store. Don't over-thicken, thinner is better. For paint-like consistencies, use ~1 - 4 tsp / quart water, depending on how thick you need it. For tie-dye use ~1/8 -1/2 tsp per 8 oz bottle of dye to slow or stop bleeding. Experiment, because each situation can be unique.

We have two kinds: High viscosity, low solids for cotton (HV), and Low viscosity, high solids for silk (LV). The silk one allows you to draw finer lines but requires you to use more. You can use them interchangeably. Specify which one you prefer.

**Important - we have just gotten over a world wide shortage of Alginate Kelp. But the brand we used to carry is no longer available anywhere. The product we now have to carry is different from the old kind, particularly the HV, slightly finer, lighter in color, and you may have to use a little more, depending on your use. We will be doing some experiments, and will post on this page if we find any radical difference. But this is it, the only one that anyone can get any more.

Not recommended for thickening Paints.