Lac Extract

Lac extract, derived from Laccifer lacca-a scale insect found widely across India, Southeast Asia, Nepal, and China-has been utilized for centuries as a potent natural dye. The extract's vibrant red hues range from rich crimsons to deep burgundy purples and are prized for their resilience on protein-based fibers, such as silk and wool. Alfa Chemistry supplies premium-quality lac extract suitable for diverse textile applications, from vibrant fashion textiles to traditional crafts, offering a sustainable and historically significant option for dyers worldwide.

Product Details and Packaging

Chemical Composition and Color Properties

The active component in lac extract, laccaic acid, interacts well with alum mordants to achieve a broad color spectrum ranging from pinks to purples, and deep burgundy reds. When applied to protein fibers, the dye demonstrates excellent lightfastness and washfastness, delivering lasting shades without significant fading over time. While it yields similar hues to cochineal, lac dye is noted for its unique warmth and muted softness, making it ideal for achieving earthy tones with superior wash stability.

Mordanting Techniques for Optimal Color Yield

To achieve the most vibrant and resilient colors, alum mordanting is recommended for lac dye on protein fibers. For wool and silk:

For cellulose fibers like cotton, mordanting becomes slightly more complex due to lac's reduced adherence to these materials:

Dye Application Techniques for Various Shade Depths

Lac dye is highly potent, requiring only small quantities to achieve medium to dark shades. A standard recipe involves:

• Dissolution: Dissolve 5-10% WOF of lac extract in water.
• Simmering: Simmer the fiber in the dyebath for about 45 minutes to allow even penetration.
• Overnight Steeping: For richer hues, leave the fabric in the dyebath overnight. This extended immersion encourages maximum dye absorption and enhances color depth and richness.

Adjusting Color with pH Modifiers and Iron Additives

Lac extract's color profile is sensitive to pH, offering customization options for achieving various shades. Cream of tartar at 6% WOF yields a clear red hue, while an alkaline environment, created with soda ash, shifts the color towards plum purples. For deeper tones, adding iron (ferrous sulfate) at 1-2% WOF produces blackened purples with increased depth. These techniques give dyers flexibility to produce a range of hues from a single dye source.

Applications and Advantages of Textile Dyeing

Lac extract offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for textile manufacturers and artisans seeking rich, lasting colors. With a minimal requirement per weight of fiber, lac dye is efficient, environmentally friendly, and compatible with both modern and traditional dyeing methods. Its resilience to washing and light exposure on protein fibers makes it particularly suitable for high-end textile applications and artisan projects, where color longevity and natural origin are essential.

It is important to note that our products are for research use only and are not for clinical use.