Dye: Myrobalan (light) + Iron (light)
Color: Soft mineral grey
Color Fastness: Good fastness on both plant and protein fibers due to balanced tannin-iron complex
A. Cotton Dyeing Procedure (Circular Grey)
Step 1: Light Mordanting with Myrobalan
- Material: 100 g cotton
- Mordant: Myrobalan powder 7% owf (7 g)
- Water: 2 L (M:L 1:20)
- pH: Neutral (~6-7)
- Temperature: 60°C
- Time: 45 minutes
Process:
- Soak cotton in mild myrobalan bath to lightly impregnate tannins, avoiding dark brown.
Step 2: Light Iron Mordant Dip
- Iron mordant: Ferrous sulfate 2% owf (2 g)
- Temperature: Room temp (~25°C)
- Time: 15-20 minutes
Process:
- Dip cotton gently in diluted iron mordant to develop soft grey tone.
Step 3: Final rinse and dry
- Rinse cotton in cold water to remove unbound mordant.
- Dry in shade.
B. Silk Dyeing Procedure (Circular Grey)
Step 1: Myrobalan Mordant
- 100 g silk
- Myrobalan 6% owf (6 g)
- 2 L water
- 50°C, 40 minutes
Step 2: Iron Mordant Dip
- Ferrous sulfate 2% owf (2 g)
- Room temp, 15 minutes
Step 3: Rinse & Shade Dry
C. Wool Dyeing Procedure (Circular Grey)
Step 1: Myrobalan Mordant
- 100 g wool
- Myrobalan 6% owf (6 g)
- 2 L water
- 50°C, 40 minutes
Step 2: Iron Mordant Dip
- Ferrous sulfate 2% owf (2 g)
- Room temp, 20 minutes
Step 3: Rinse & Shade Dry
Explanation & Reasoning:
- Reduced myrobalan concentration and iron percentage results in a delicate grey tone rather than brown or black.
- Temperature control during mordanting is essential to prevent over-extraction of tannins, keeping color soft.
- Mild iron mordanting yields light mineral grey through formation of light iron tannate complexes.
- Rinsing removes unbound mordants to prevent fabric damage and color bleeding.