Griffin Dyeworks & Fiber Arts

Understanding Mordants and Modifiers

Oils

OILS

Description: Viscous natural fatty substances, stays liquid at room temperature. Fish oils or vegetable oils are used by many dyers with red dyes. Cold-pressed olive oil (85% oleic acid) is considered the best, sesame oil (also called benne oil, teel oil or gingili oil) is favored by Middle Eastern dyers. Mineral, resinous, or stearin oils should not be used.
Dye Use: Modifier, Used in carding wool; used in Turkey Red and other red dye processes.
Best On: Cellulose fibers
Safety: Oil can flare if flame reaches it so handle with care.
Disposal: Place in garbage can
Alternative: Some very oily natural soaps
Source: Grocery stores

CODES: c = cup; gal = gallon; lb = pound (weight); tbsp = Tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon / [AF] Anglo-French; [Ar] Arabic; [AS] Anglo-Saxon; [Dan] Danish; [Du] Dutch; [Fr] French; [Ger] German; [Gk] Greek; [It] Italian; [L] Classical Latin; [LL] Late Latin; [ME] Middle English; [ML] Modern Latin; [OE] Old English; [OF] Old French; [ON] Old Norse; [OS] Old Saxon; [Port] Portuguese; [Sp] Spanish; [Sw] Swedish / CE = Common Era; BCE = Before Common Era

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