Skip to product information
Tin Mordant - Stannous Chloride - Tin II
$15.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pickup available at eHouse Rishon
Usually ready in 24 hours
Reliable shipping
Flexible returns
Description
Also known as tin mordant, stannous chloride, tin crystals, “muriate of tin” (historic term), Zinnchlorid (German), tinchloride (Dutch), chlorure d'étain (French), בדיל (Hebrew).
Description
Tin has been used by dyers since the 17th century. It is particularly effective at making reds, oranges, and insect dyes such as cochineal appear more brilliant and clear. While alum provides strength and fastness, tin acts as an “assist” to shift colours into a brighter register. Because it can make fibres brittle if overused, it is best applied sparingly and in combination with other mordants.
Historical Note
The discovery of tin as a dye mordant is credited to Cornelis Drebbel (1572–1633), a Dutch alchemist and inventor. Around the 1620s, he found that treating cochineal with tin salts produced a brilliant crimson red far brighter than the scarlets obtained with alum alone. This “secret crimson” became famous in European dye houses, reserved for royal cloth and military uniforms.
By the 18th century, tin mordants were well established in European workshops. Chemist Claude-Louis Berthollet(1748–1822) gave the first systematic explanation of how stannous chloride interacts with dye molecules, describing its role in producing luminous scarlets in his 1791 Éléments de l’art de la teinture.
Active Component
Stannous chloride (SnCl₂·2H₂O).
CI Colour Name
Not classified as a dye (used as a mordant/assist).
Advantages
- Produces clear, bright shades, especially with reds and oranges.
- Enhances the brilliance of cochineal, lac, and kermes.
- Shifts flavonoid yellows towards cleaner, brighter tones.
- Best used in small amounts
Source
Prepared for professional textile use as crystalline stannous chloride.
Safety & handling
For textile dyeing and craft use only. Not for food, cosmetic, medical or household-cleaning use.
- Hazard warning: Treat stannous chloride as a hazardous, corrosive chemical. It may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled and can cause severe skin and eye injury.
- Measure only with suitable chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing and tightly fitting eye protection. Avoid breathing dust and vapour from heated baths.
- Use only in a well-ventilated work area. Do not mix with other chemicals except as directed by a tested textile recipe.
- Do not release concentrated product or spent 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