QUEBRACHO BARK DYE

Quebracho Bark Natural Dye and Coloured Tannin

Schinopsis lorentzii · Cut or Ground · Condensed Tannin-Rich Bark

Quebracho bark produces soft pink-beige, warm tan, taupe, earthy brown and iron-grey shades.

Quebracho Colorado, Schinopsis lorentzii, is a dense South American hardwood traditionally valued for its condensed tannins. These tannins give the material a strong affinity with natural fibres and make it useful both as a natural dye and as a coloured tannin treatment for cellulose.

Choose cut bark for slower decoctions and easy straining or ground bark for greater contact with the extraction water and quicker tannin release.

For a faster-dissolving, standardised and considerably more concentrated product, choose our powdered Quebracho extract.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Schinopsis lorentzii

• Common name: Quebracho Colorado

• Plant part: Bark

• Available forms: Cut or ground

• Material: Raw botanical dye material—not an extract

• Main components: Condensed tannins, also known as proanthocyanidins

• Tannin type: Predominantly profisetinidins formed from catechin and fisetinidol units

• Natural colours: Pink-beige, warm tan, taupe and earthy brown

• With iron: Grey, charcoal-grey, grey-brown and deeper brown

• Fibres: Wool, silk, cotton and linen

• Suggested quantity: Approximately 30–50% WOF as a starting point

• Mordant: Recommended when used as a dye; may also be used as a coloured tannin treatment

• Colourfastness: Variable; poor to medium untreated, with improved results possible through suitable mordanting

• Suitable for vegan projects: Yes

Choosing a form

Cut Quebracho bark

• Coarse pieces suitable for soaking and slow extraction

• Easy to contain and strain

• May be extracted more than once

• Useful for longer, traditional decoctions

Ground Quebracho bark

• Greater surface contact with the extraction water

• Releases colour and tannin more readily

• Produces more sediment

• Best contained inside a fine cloth or dye bag

• Requires additional care to prevent airborne dust

How much to use

As a starting point, use:

30–50g Quebracho bark per 100g dry fibre

Equivalent to 30–50% WOF - weight of dry fibre.

Use the lower quantity for pale beige and tan shades. Increase the quantity or repeat the extraction for deeper colour or a stronger tannin treatment.

Because this is raw bark rather than a standardised extract, tannin and colour strength may vary. Deeper results may require up to 100% WOF.

The separate powdered extract is considerably more concentrated and should be used at a lower percentage.

Basic dyeing guide

1. Prepare: Scour the fibre thoroughly. Mordant using a suitable method where required, then wet the fibre.

2. Soak: Cover the Quebracho bark with water and leave it to soak overnight.

3. Extract: Heat the bark and soaking liquid at approximately 85–90°C for one hour. Cut bark may benefit from a longer or repeated extraction.

4. Strain: Strain the liquid through a cloth. Ground bark is best contained inside a fine dye bag.

5. Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 80–85°C for one hour.

6. Deepen: Allow the fibre to cool in the bath. Leave it overnight where a deeper result is desired.

7. Finish: Remove the fibre, rinse thoroughly and wash gently.

Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find a suitable mordanting method here.

A coloured tannin for cellulose

Quebracho bark may be used as a tannin-rich preparation for cotton, linen and other cellulose fibres before an appropriate mordant or another dye is applied.

Unlike pale tannins, Quebracho contributes its own pink-beige, tan or brown colour. This underlying colour can influence subsequent dye layers.

Raw bark is not standardised like a commercial extract. Sample before using it as the tannin stage of an important project.

The powdered Quebracho extract is better suited where a measured, concentrated and readily soluble tannin source is required.

Colour shifts with iron

Iron reacts strongly with Quebracho tannins, shifting pink-beige and brown shades towards grey, charcoal-grey, grey-brown and deeper earthy tones.

Use iron sparingly. Approximately 1–3% WOF is generally sufficient when testing these shifts.

We prefer iron acetate where possible because it is gentler on fibres than ferrous sulphate. Excessive iron may make protein fibres feel harsh and contribute to fibre damage over time.

Iron can improve the fastness of some Quebracho shades, but performance still depends on the fibre, mordanting method and overall process.

Iron and other modifiers are sold separately.

Inks and surface colour

Concentrated Quebracho liquid can be explored for ink making, paper colouring and surface-design work.

Its condensed tannins react readily with iron to produce darker greys and browns. A suitable binder or complete ink recipe is required for durable surface application.

Filter ground-bark liquids carefully where a smooth finish is required.

Tips from the dye pot

Colourfastness

Quebracho’s colourfastness varies according to the fibre, mordant, depth of shade and application method.

Untreated shades may have poor to medium lightfastness. Suitable mordanting - particularly careful use of iron - can improve lightfastness and wash resistance, but every method should be sampled and tested.

Rubbing fastness is often better than resistance to fading.

Storage and safe handling

• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only.

• Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.

• Avoid creating or breathing dust, particularly when handling ground bark.

• Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.

• Quebracho is highly astringent and may irritate the skin, eyes or respiratory system in susceptible individuals.

• Wear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.

• Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.

• Use iron sparingly; excessive iron can damage fibres.

• Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers - never food-preparation equipment.

• Keep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.

• For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.

What you receive

Your chosen net weight of cut or ground Quebracho bark, supplied in a pouch.

Select the required form and pack size from the available options.

Powdered Quebracho extract, mordants, iron and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.

Packaging

We 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.

Display jars and other 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 dye-plant growers.

Mordanting is recommended.