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Aluminium Lactate Mordant

$10.90

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Aluminium lactate is an easy-to-use mordant suitable for both cellulose and protein fibres. It works beautifully on cotton, linen, hemp, Tencel, and viscose, and can also be used cold on protein fibres, especially wool. In this process, the aluminium component is combined with lactic acid derived from renewable food sources, making it a sustainable alternative.

Compared to aluminium acetate, aluminium lactate offers a gentler process and produces clear, bright colours, particularly enhancing yellow and red dyes. Certified compliant with GOTS 6.0, it is an excellent choice for dyers working with ecological and organic standards.

Historical / Context Note
While alum (potassium aluminium sulfate) has been the traditional mordant for centuries, modern alternatives such as aluminium lactate were developed to meet the needs of cellulose fibres and to align with ecological certifications. Its ease of use and ability to give clear shades make it a strong contender for dyers looking to avoid the harsher effects of other mordants.

Advantages

Works cold and warm on cellulose and protein fibres
Produces clear, bright shades, especially with yellows and reds
More sustainable than acetate mordants
Certified GOTS 6.0 compliant
Gentle on fibres; measure the dry powder with appropriate precautions

Tech Specs

Appearance: very fine white powder
CAS: 18917-91-4
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₅AlO₉
Molecular Weight: 294.22
HS code: 2918199090
Safety: wear a mask when working with the dry powder

Source
Made with renewable food-based lactic acid.

Safety & handling

For textile dyeing and craft use only. Not for food, cosmetic, medical or household-cleaning use.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Powder and solutions may cause irritation.
Do not release concentrated product or spent mordant baths into drains, soil or waterways.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid creating or breathing dust. Measure carefully in a well-ventilated work area and use suitable respiratory protection for fine particulates when dust cannot be avoided.
Wear suitable protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product. Use dedicated tools and containers that will never be used for food.
Store tightly closed, dry, clearly labelled and away from food, drink and incompatible materials.
Eyes: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if easy to do and continue rinsing. Seek urgent medical advice for persistent irritation, pain or impaired vision.
Swallowed or inhaled: Move to fresh air after inhalation. If swallowed, rinse the mouth and contact a poison centre or medical professional; do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

Important: Follow the package label and the current Safety Data Sheet for the exact product. Formal hazard classification can depend on chemical form, hydration, purity and composition. For the latest safety documentation, contact info@naturaldyestore.com.

Seller and safety contact: Natural Dye Store, Derech HaMaccabim 58, Rishon LeZion, Israel · info@naturaldyestore.com

Single-Step Mordanting (Cellulose):

Use 5–10% WOF aluminium lactate.
Dissolve in hand-warm water and top up with room-temperature water.
Add pre-wetted fabrics.
Leave in mordant bath for at least 1.5 hours.
Rinse well before dyeing.

Two-Step Mordanting (for softer, mellow colours):

Tannin bath: use 10% WOF tara or oak gall tannin.
Mordant bath: follow with 5–10% WOF aluminium lactate.

Optional “dunging”: Some dyers treat fibres with wheat bran or calcium carbonate after mordanting to adjust pH and soften hand, but results vary. Many dyers prefer simply to rinse thoroughly.

For external use only. Not edible.
Keep away from children and pets.
Wear gloves and mask when handling powders.
Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use.

Naturally derived and carefully processed from trusted sources to ensure safe use in dyeing and textile applications.

This product complies with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).

Packed and distributed by The Natural Dye Store, eHouse Rishon, Derech HaMaccabim 58, 7535998 Rishon LeZion, Israel. Contact: Suzanne Tamar Dekel, info@naturaldyestore.com, +972 52-541-0033.