Potassium Alum

Potassium Aluminum Sulfate is recommended by some teachers and authors of natural dyeing classes and books, and preferred by some natural dyers, to mordant fabric for natural dyes over our regular Alum (Aluminum Sulfate). We have had so many requests to carry it over the years, that we finally brought some in, even though it is more expensive. Some experts say it gives brighter stronger colors for natural dying. Directions for use are the same - Use 1.75 tsp per lb. of fiber for natural dyeing mordant baths. We also carry Aluminum Acetate for those who prefer it. Some say that Aluminum Acetate is the safest of the Aluminum salts to work with on a regular basis. And of course, all three of the Aluminum salts are safer to work with than any of the other metallic salts that are recommended as mordants.

Like our other regular Alum, it can also be used to pre-treat fabric or paper before marbling to ensure that designs transfer clearly.

For Fabric Marbling
Dissolve 2 tsp. Alum in one gallon of warm water. Immerse fabric in solution until wet, wring out (do not rinse) and let air dry. Fabric will be ready to marble when dry, and it may be ironed before marbling.

For Paper Marbling
Dissolve 2 tsp. of Alum in 1 quart of water. Spray or sponge on the solution to lightly coat the paper. Let dry completely before marbling.