Tannins, abundant in plants like teas, in bark and leaves and wines are polyphenolic compounds which offer a natural alternative to synthetic mordants, replacing synthetic mordants (alum or chromium salts) with fabrics to stabilize dyes. Tannins contain multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups that form hydrogen bonds with polar groups, the -OH in cellulose or -NH in protein fibers like silk or wool). These bonds create temporary but stabilizing interactions between tannins and fabric fibers, enhancing dye adhesion, enhance color depth and longevity in natural dyeing. This enables sustainable textile practices by working with plant-based chemistry, rather than chemical based mordants which release heavy metals into waterways.
I conducted an experiment to observe how different dyes retain their color when exposed to sunlight for 48 hours compared to being kept indoors in a darker environment.
For my tannins of choice, I worked with 10% wof of the Pomegranate, 10% Avocado Skins,
the excess tannin water from Maple and Oak leaves boiled, rusty nails
and 4 tablespoons of vinegar for rust.
and as for my color dye exploration I chose 15% cochineal with Creme de Tar until red and 7% tin, indigo,
goldenrod picked from the side oft the road and 20% logwood.
