African Red Sandalwood Natural Dye
Pterocarpus species · Cut Red Heartwood · Collected in the Congo Region
African Red Sandalwood is a traditional red dye wood producing delicate rose, dusty pink, rosewood, muted red and red-brown shades.
The material is collected in the Congo region of Central Africa and is supplied as cut heartwood. It is sold under the traditional trade name Red Sandalwood, although it is not a true sandalwood from the botanical genus Santalum.
African red dye woods belong to the group historically known as insoluble redwoods. Their red colourants are only sparingly soluble in plain water, which explains why a simple water extraction generally produces soft, gentle colours rather than brilliant red.
The wood can be extracted several times before it is exhausted, making it an economical material for layered dyeing, sampling and softer colour work.
At a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical identity | Pterocarpus species |
| Trade names | African Red Sandalwood, African padauk, barwood, redwood |
| Plant part | Red heartwood |
| Form | Cut wood chips |
| Material | Raw botanical dye material—not an extract |
| Collection region | Congo region, Central Africa |
| Colours | Dusty pink, rose, rosewood, muted red and red-brown |
| With iron | Burgundy, deeper muted red, plum-brown and dark red-brown |
| Fibres | Particularly suitable for wool and silk; may also be explored on cellulose |
| Recommended amount | 75–100% WOF |
| Colourfastness | Medium when suitably prepared, dyed and cared for |
Understanding the name
“Red Sandalwood” is a trade name used for several unrelated red dye woods.
True sandalwoods belong to the botanical genus Santalum. Indian Red Sandalwood, also called Red Sanders, is Pterocarpus santalinus and is native to southern India.
The present material is collected in Central Africa and belongs to the African Pterocarpus redwoods. African padauk species have historically been traded as red dye woods, barwood and African Red Sandalwood.
As several related species may enter regional trade under these names, the material is listed as Pterocarpus species rather than assigning an unverified species name.
African redwoods in textile dyeing
African redwoods have a long history as sources of pink, red, brick-red and red-brown colour.
The heartwood was used in African textile traditions and was also exported for European and North American wool and printed-cotton industries. Depending on the wood, extraction and mordant, it could produce rosewood shades, brick reds, red-browns and grounds for darker colours.
These woods contain red phenolic colourants associated with the santalin family. The colourants are not readily soluble in plain water, so extraction method, concentration and pH have a considerable influence on the result.
A simple water extraction produces the softer pinks and rosewood tones described in this listing.
Understanding the possible colours
African Red Sandalwood may produce:
-
Pale dusty pink
-
Rose pink
-
Rosewood
-
Muted terracotta-red
-
Soft brick red
-
Red-brown
-
Burgundy or plum-brown with iron
-
Darker red-brown with repeated dyeing
The final result depends on:
-
The particular species and batch of wood
-
Quantity used
-
Length of soaking and extraction
-
Fibre preparation
-
Mordant
-
Water chemistry
-
Dye-bath pH
-
Temperature
-
Repeated dyeing
-
Iron and other modifiers
The dry wood is considerably darker than the colour normally achieved on fibre. Deep crimson or brilliant scarlet should not be expected from a simple water extraction.
How much to use
For soft pink and rosewood tones, begin with:
75g African Red Sandalwood per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 75% WOF - weight of dry fibre.
For a fuller rose, muted red or red-brown, use:
100g African Red Sandalwood per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 100% WOF.
The wood can often be extracted more than once. Retain the used chips for a second or third paler dye bath.
These quantities are starting points. The final result depends on the batch, fibre, extraction, mordant, water chemistry and dyeing method.
Suggested dyeing method
-
Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a method appropriate for the fibre type. Wet it thoroughly before dyeing.
-
Soak: Cover the cut wood with water and leave overnight.
-
Extract: Heat gently at approximately 85–90°C for one to two hours. Avoid allowing the bath to boil dry.
-
Rest: Leave the wood to cool in the extraction liquid for several hours or overnight if time permits.
-
Strain: Strain the liquid through a cloth and retain the wood for another extraction.
-
Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 80–85°C for one hour.
-
Deepen: Allow the fibre to cool in the bath. Leave it overnight or repeat the dyeing process for greater depth.
-
Finish: Rinse thoroughly and wash gently with a pH-neutral soap.
The result may range from dusty pink and rose to soft red, rosewood or red-brown.
Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find our cellulose mordanting guide here.
Improving the extraction
African Red Sandalwood belongs to the insoluble-redwood group. Its red colourants are difficult to extract fully using water alone.
For a stronger extraction, experienced dyers may experiment with a mildly alkaline extraction. This should be tested on a small sample first.
-
Extract the wood separately from the fibre.
-
Add only a small, measured amount of soda ash to the extraction water.
-
Heat the wood gently and observe the colour of the liquid.
-
Strain the wood thoroughly.
-
Check and adjust the dye bath before adding wool or silk.
-
Do not expose protein fibres to a strongly alkaline bath.
Increasing alkalinity may release more colour, but it can also change the shade towards orange-red, brown or purple-red. Results will depend strongly on the water and the specific batch of wood.
A concentrated water extraction remains the gentler starting method for soft pink and rosewood tones.
Tips from the dye pot
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Soak the wood overnight | A long soak helps water penetrate the dense heartwood. |
| Keep the bath concentrated | Too much water can produce a weak result even at 100% WOF. |
| Extract for long enough | One to two hours followed by cooling in the bath gives the wood time to release colour. |
| Reuse the chips | The wood may produce several successively paler baths. |
| Combine extractions | Two separately prepared extractions can be combined for a stronger bath. |
| Build the shade | Repeated dyeing may produce better depth than one prolonged immersion. |
| Use alum for clearer shades | Alum generally supports clearer pink, rose and soft red tones. |
| Use iron sparingly | Iron can deepen the colour but may quickly shift it towards burgundy, brown or grey. |
| Protect protein fibres | Avoid strongly alkaline conditions when dyeing wool or silk. |
| Expect gentle colour | Brilliant scarlet should not be expected from a straightforward water extraction. |
| Keep notes | Record the batch, fibre, WOF, soak, extraction, mordant, pH and modifiers. |
Working with iron
Iron can deepen soft rosewood colours towards burgundy, plum-brown and darker red-brown.
Begin with approximately:
1-3g iron per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 1-3% WOF.
Dissolve the iron thoroughly and use it as a brief afterbath or directly in the dye bath. Watch the fibre carefully and remove it when the desired shade has been reached.
Too much iron may:
-
Dull the pink and red colour
-
Shift the shade towards grey-brown
-
Make wool and silk feel harsh
-
Weaken natural fibres over time
Iron deepens and mutes the colour; it should not be described as guaranteeing a brighter or more intense clear red.
Overdyeing and layering
African Red Sandalwood can be layered with other natural dyes to create additional variations.
Possible combinations include:
-
Madder for warmer, fuller red tones
-
Logwood for plum, wine and dark burgundy
-
Cochineal or lac for clearer pink-red depth
-
Fustic or weld for warm terracotta and orange-red
-
Indigo for violet-brown, muted purple and deep neutral shades
-
Tannin-rich dyes for more subdued, complex colours
Each dye should be properly extracted and applied in a suitable sequence. Sample first, as overdyeing can produce unexpected results.
Colourfastness
African Red Sandalwood generally produces medium colourfastness when the fibre is suitably prepared and the dye is properly extracted, applied and finished.
Performance depends on:
-
The species and quality of the wood
-
Fibre preparation
-
Mordant
-
Depth of shade
-
Extraction method
-
Water chemistry
-
pH
-
Modifiers
-
Exposure to light
-
Washing and aftercare
Pale pinks will usually show fading sooner than deeper rosewood or red-brown shades.
Protect finished textiles from prolonged direct sunlight and wash them gently with a pH-neutral detergent.
Always sample and conduct your own light and wash tests when the finished textile requires predictable performance.
Natural variation
This is a natural botanical material. Colour, chip size, scent and dye strength may vary between batches according to the species, tree, heartwood, growing conditions, drying, storage and processing.
The cut material may contain a mixture of fine chips, splinters and larger pieces.
A mild natural woody scent may be present, but this material should not be expected to have the fragrance of aromatic Santalum sandalwood.
The photographed colour is representative only. Your final result will depend on the fibre and dyeing method.
Sourcing note
Our supplier describes this wood as responsibly harvested from forests in the Congo region.
This statement refers to the supplier’s sourcing information and should not be interpreted as an independent organic, FSC or other third-party certification unless such certification is specifically shown with the product.
Storage and safe handling
-
Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
-
For textile dyeing, paper and craft use only.
-
Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.
-
Avoid creating or breathing wood dust.
-
Work in a well-ventilated area when measuring or processing the material.
-
Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.
-
Wear suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material, hot dye baths, mordants and modifiers.
-
Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.
-
Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers—never food-preparation equipment.
-
The dye may stain work surfaces, utensils and clothing.
-
Keep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.
What you receive
Your chosen net weight of cut African Red Sandalwood heartwood, supplied in a pouch.
Mordants, modifiers and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.
Display jars, dyed textiles and photographic props are not included.
Learn with us
Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your results and explore natural colour alongside fellow dyers and growers.
