Marigold Mix

Marigold Mix is a high-quality natural dye extract that provides vibrant, sunny hues for various textile applications. Combining extracts from marigold, kamala, and tesu blossoms, this potent mix yields a spectrum of rich, warm tones from golden yellow to bronzy hues, perfect for both cellulose and animal fibers.

Product Details and Packaging

Botanical Origins of Marigold Mix Components

The Marigold Mix contains concentrated extracts from three notable dye plants:

• Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Native to Central America, marigold flowers are widely cultivated for their brilliant pigments and are commonly used in cultural festivals, such as Dia de los Muertos in Mexico and temple ceremonies in India.
• Kamala (Mallotus philippensis): Known for its high tannin content, kamala extract excels on protein fibers, yielding deep golden to orange shades.
• Tesu Blossom (Butea monosperma): Often referred to as the "Flame of the Forest," this flower offers vibrant orange pigments.

Application Techniques for Marigold Mix on Textiles

Marigold Mix produces a versatile color range, predominantly in sunny yellow tones that can vary based on mordant type and fabric. The following characteristics define its dye profile:

• Hue Range: From light, buttery yellows on cellulose fibers to richer golden bronzes on protein fibers.
• Lightfastness: Enhanced when used with appropriate mordants, particularly on cotton and other cellulose-based fabrics.
• Wash fastness: Suitable for multiple wash cycles, although mordant use is essential for maximum retention on cellulose fabrics.

Mordants play a crucial role in natural dyeing by helping fix the color of the fabric and enhancing lightfastness and color stability. For optimal results, Alfa Chemistry recommends a two-step mordanting approach:

A. Tannin Pre-Mordant: For cellulose fibers like cotton, a tannin mordant provides an initial layer that binds to the fiber structure, creating a better substrate for the dye molecules.

B. Alum Mordant: Following tannin application, aluminum sulfate or acetate mordants are recommended, improving both color intensity and durability.

This dual-mordanting technique ensures that the vibrant yellow and gold shades of Marigold Mix are deeply embedded within the fabric, providing resilience against fading and washing.

Sample Palette: Dye Recipes with Marigold Mix

Here are curated recipes that demonstrate the versatility of Marigold Mix when combined with other natural dye extracts and mordants:

• Bright Olive on Cotton: This recipe combines 5% Aluminum Acetate mordant, 5% pomegranate extract, 2% Marigold Mix, and 1% logwood purple to achieve a subtle, gray-green tone.
• Creamy Beige on Silk: Utilizing a 15% Aluminum sulfate mordant paired with 4% Quebracho Moreno, this combination provides a refined, beige hue suitable for delicate silk fabric.

Each of these recipes emphasizes the adaptability of Marigold Mix, providing distinct shades ideal for a range of textile projects.

It is important to note that our products are for research use only and are not for clinical use.