Professional Dye Grade

Chemical name: Potassium bitartrate (potassium hydrogen tartrate)
Formula: KC₄H₅O₆

Potassium bitartrate is the naturally occurring potassium acid salt of tartaric acid, traditionally recovered as a byproduct of winemaking. In culinary contexts it is known as cream of tartar.

In the dye studio, it plays a far more technical role.

Use in Natural Dyeing

Cream of tartar is employed primarily as a pH modifier and auxiliary in protein fiber dyeing.

It is used to:

• Lower pH in hard water conditions
• Acidify dye baths to access specific tonal shifts
• Assist in alum mordanting systems
• Improve alum dissolution and prevent precipitation
• Soften wool during mordanting

When used in combination with alum (typically around 6% WOF in alum mordant systems), cream of tartar helps prevent undissolved alum from settling at the base of the vessel and promotes a more even mordant distribution.

In certain historical dye recipes, controlled acidification is essential to achieve precise tonal results otherwise unattainable in neutral water conditions.

Typical Usage Rates

In alum mordant baths for wool:
• 6% WOF alongside alum (standard historical practice)

Adjust according to fiber type, water hardness, and recipe requirements.

Important

Cream of tartar is not the same as tartaric acid.
They are chemically distinct materials and should not be used interchangeably.

Suitable For

• Wool
• Silk
• Protein fibers
• Structured historical dye systems
• Controlled pH adjustment in natural dye processes