Logwood Extract
Source: Haematoxylum campechianum L.
Logwood extract is a non-oxidised plant extract derived from the wood of the logwood tree. Known for its strong colouring power, it is used as a natural dye.
Key Molecules:
- Haematoxylin (non-oxidised)
- Haematein (oxidised)
- Tannins
Uses:
- Dyeing and Textile Printing: Produces purple, grey, black, or navy shades on protein fibres and leather, depending on mordant and fibre type.
- Deep Blacks: For black shades, combine with gallotannins (sumach/oak gallnut) and mordant with iron. We would use Indigo as well.
- Other Uses: Natural inks, corrosion protection.
Plant Background:
Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) is a small to medium-sized tree native to the Bay of Campeche in the southeastern part of Mexico. It thrives in tropical climates and is primarily found in Central America, the West Indies, and parts of South America. The tree has a distinctive red wood, which is where it gets its name, and the wood itself is highly valued for its potent dyeing properties.
Historically, logwood was highly prized as a dye material and became one of the first commercially exploited resources of the New World. Following its introduction to Europe in the early 16th century, logwood was used to produce vibrant purple, blue, and black dyes. During the 17th century, England imposed a law that prohibited its use for a time to protect the domestic dyeing industry, but by the 18th century, it became widely used in Europe and other parts of the world for dyeing textiles, especially for black clothing, which was particularly fashionable in the 19th century.
The logwood tree has small, yellowish flowers and dense, dark green leaves, with the heartwood containing the dyeing agents. It can grow up to 20 metres in height and is a resilient plant, well-suited to tropical environments. While it is native to Central America, the logwood tree has been introduced and is now found in various tropical regions around the world, including the Caribbean and parts of Asia.
Logwood Dye Recipe
Ingredients:
- Logwood Extract (5-25% WOF)
- 1 litre of water (adjust for fabric volume)
- Mordanted fabric (cellulose/protein/leather)
- Optional: Gallotannins (sumac/oak gallnut) and ferrous salts for black shades
Instructions:
- Mordant fabric with alum (light shades) or iron (dark shades).
- Dissolve Logwood Extract in warm water.
- Heat dye bath, then add fabric.
- Simmer for 45-60 minutes or longer for deeper shades.
- For black shades, use gallo tannins and iron.
- Rinse fabric and dry in the shade.
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