NATURAL COLOUR & FIBRE. GROWN HERE.
NATURAL COLOUR & FIBRE. GROWN HERE.
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Gallnut Extract [quercus infectoria]
$21.00 - $40.00
In natural dyeing, gallnut extract is prized above all as a tannin mordant for cellulose fibres such as linen, cotton, and hemp. Because alum doesn't bind readily to cellulose on its own, a tannin pre-treatment is essential — the tannin bonds to the fibre first, and alum then bonds to the tannin, creating a stable base for dyeing. On its own, gallnut imparts only a very pale, warm beige — but combined with iron, it produces soft greys through to deep charcoal and black, making it a key building block in natural in natural grey/black palettes.
Typical use rate: 5–8% WOF (weight of fibre) for mordanting; can be increased toward 15-20% for deeper iron-black effects.
Safety notes:
- For dye/craft use only — not intended for human or animal consumption.
- Wear a dust mask when handling the dry powder to avoid inhalation, and gloves are recommended to avoid staining.
- Low toxicity but standard studio hygiene applies — avoid ingestion, keep away from food preparation areas, and wash hands after handling.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Typical use rate: 5–8% WOF (weight of fibre) for mordanting; can be increased toward 15-20% for deeper iron-black effects.
Safety notes:
- For dye/craft use only — not intended for human or animal consumption.
- Wear a dust mask when handling the dry powder to avoid inhalation, and gloves are recommended to avoid staining.
- Low toxicity but standard studio hygiene applies — avoid ingestion, keep away from food preparation areas, and wash hands after handling.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
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Gallnut extract is derived from oak galls (Quercus infectoria) — abnormal growths formed on young oak branches when gall wasps lay their eggs, triggering the tree to excrete a tannin-rich substance that hardens around the larvae. These galls are harvested, dried, and processed into a concentrated tannin extract, one of the richest and purest natural sources of tannin available.
Please remember to keep your dyeing tools and equipment separate from those used for cooking. This ensures that any leftover dyes, chemicals, or residues from the dyeing process don’t contaminate your food, keeping both your culinary and crafting experiences safe and enjoyable.
