{"product_id":"natural-lac-dye","title":"NATURAL LAC DYE","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Lac Dye Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKerria lacca · Thailand · Concentrated Insect-Derived Dye\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate wine reds, burgundies, violets and warm reddish-browns with this concentrated natural lac dye from Thailand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac produces softer, more wine-like reds than the bright crimson commonly associated with cochineal. Its colour responds to mordants, pH, fibre and dye concentration, offering shades from violet and burgundy through red to warm brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac has a long history as a textile dye across Asia and is particularly associated with the deep crimson and burgundy shades found in traditional Himalayan textiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thailand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDye source:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lac insect\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccepted species name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eKerria lacca\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlder synonym:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCoccus lacca\u003c\/em\u003e Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Concentrated lac dye powder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain colourants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Laccaic acids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColours:\u003c\/strong\u003e Violet, burgundy, wine red, crimson and reddish-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited to:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wool and silk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCellulose fibres:\u003c\/strong\u003e Possible with suitable preparation and mordanting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMordant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optional at lower concentrations; alum recommended for stronger dye applications or improved consistency\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColourfastness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good to excellent when suitably prepared, dyed and finished\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimal origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Insect-derived and not vegan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Lac Dye and Lac Dye Extract\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Lac Dye\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLac Dye Extract\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are the same product. They are listed in two different shop categories for convenience—one under natural dyes and one under extracts - but both listings contain the same concentrated lac dye powder from Thailand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is lac dye?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac dye is obtained from scale insects that live on the branches of suitable host trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring cultivation, branches carrying young insects are attached to host trees. The insects colonise the branches and produce a protective resinous secretion. The harvested material is known as stick lac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStick lac is crushed, washed and processed to separate the red laccaic-acid colourants from the resin. The remaining resin can be refined into seed lac and shellac, while the separated colour is prepared as lac dye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis product is the concentrated dye powder - not shellac varnish or raw stick lac.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much to use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a medium to strong shade on wool, begin with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3–5g lac dye per 100g dry fibre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is equivalent to \u003cstrong\u003e3–5% WOF - weight of dry fibre\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmaller amounts can produce softer pink, mauve and rose shades. The final result depends on the fibre, mordant, water chemistry, pH, dye quantity, temperature and length of time in the bath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor applications above approximately 5% WOF, or when greater consistency is desired, mordant wool with approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10–15% alum WOF\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample first when working towards a particular colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBasic guide for wool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scour the wool thoroughly and wet it before dyeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMordant (if required):\u003c\/strong\u003e Lac can colour wool without a separate mordant at lower concentrations. For applications above approximately 5% WOF, or if preferred, mordant with 10–15% alum WOF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDissolve:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix the lac dye powder thoroughly with warm water, breaking up any lumps, and add it to the dye pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDye:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add the thoroughly wetted wool. Heat the bath gradually and bring it to a gentle simmer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHold:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain gentle heat for approximately one hour. Move the fibre carefully to encourage even colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Turn off the heat and leave the wool in the cooling dye bath overnight for greater depth, if suitable for your project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRinse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove the fibre and rinse thoroughly until the water is reasonably clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wash gently using a fibre-appropriate cleanser and allow to air-dry away from strong, direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtein and cellulose fibres require different preparation. When dyeing cotton, linen or hemp, use an appropriate tannin and mordanting method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDyeing cotton, linen or other cellulose fibres? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/appleoakfibreworks.com\/blogs\/news\/tagged\/how-to-mordant-linen\"\u003eFind suitable mordanting methods here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips from the dye pot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTip\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpect mature reds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLac produces wine, burgundy and violet-red shades rather than the brighter red commonly associated with cochineal.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsider mordanting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAt lower concentrations, lac can colour wool without a separate mordant. Alum can improve consistency and influence the final shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjust pH carefully\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChanges in pH can move the colour through violet, burgundy and warmer reds. Make gradual adjustments and test first.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse gentle heat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat the bath gradually and allow enough room for the fibre to move freely.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteep for depth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeaving the fibre in the cooling bath overnight can help deepen the shade.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReuse the bath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe remaining dye bath may colour additional fibre, creating successively paler exhaust shades.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecord the fibre, mordant, pH, dye percentage, temperature and processing time.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColourfastness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac can produce good to excellent colourfastness on wool and silk when the fibre is suitably prepared and the dye is properly applied and finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance varies according to the fibre, mordant, depth of shade, pH, dyeing method and aftercare. Cellulose fibres generally require more careful preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample and test finished work when colourfastness is particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn insect-derived dye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac dye is obtained from lac insects and is therefore an animal-derived colourant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt is not suitable for vegan projects.\u003c\/strong\u003e Customers wishing to avoid insect-derived materials should choose a plant- or mineral-derived dye instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage and safe handling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor textile dyeing and craft use only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or medicinal preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid creating or breathing fine powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevent contact with eyes, mouth and open wounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling fine powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLac dye may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow the safety instructions for all mordants, acids and modifiers used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse dedicated dyeing utensils and containers—never food-preparation equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor textile dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour chosen net weight of concentrated lac dye powder supplied in a pouch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMordants, vinegar and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe pack as sustainably as we can while protecting your dye materials. Pouch types may vary according to pack size and the availability of our preferred lower-impact options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay jars are not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn with us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/the-natural-dyers-academy.mn.co\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Natural Dyers \u0026amp; Growers Academy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to share your results, ask questions and explore natural colour alongside fellow natural dyers and dye-plant growers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AppleOak FibreWorks","offers":[{"title":"5g","offer_id":53621627126096,"sku":null,"price":10.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"10g","offer_id":18701027803193,"sku":"451404","price":15.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"25g","offer_id":18701011451961,"sku":"451404","price":28.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"50g","offer_id":18701011484729,"sku":"451404","price":51.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"75g","offer_id":53621769339216,"sku":"451404","price":74.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":18701011550265,"sku":"451404","price":97.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g","offer_id":49856085688656,"sku":"451404","price":233.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g","offer_id":49856085721424,"sku":"451404","price":460.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":49856085754192,"sku":"Greening","price":820.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0098\/2918\/7641\/files\/Lac.jpg?v=1789564022","url":"https:\/\/appleoakfibreworks.com\/products\/natural-lac-dye","provider":"AppleOak FibreWorks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}