A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
Our Natural Dyes come in 3 size variations ; 250g, 500g & 1kg.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect.
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Our Natural Dyes come in 3 size variations ; 250g, 500g & 1kg.

Lac - Laccifer Lacca Natural Dye Extract

$93.50
$93.50
$187.00
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GOTS CERTIFIED

A tiny insect, Laccifer lacca, is a species of scale insect. It secretes a resin known as lac tubes onto the branches of trees, mostly acacia, soapberry and figs throughout India, Thailand, Burma and other South east Asian countries. It is also this resin that is used to make shellac used for wood finishes.

The insects diverse body colours create the hues from crimsons through to burgundy reds to deep purples with modifiers.

Dye is to be extracted from resin prior to being used in a dye bath, for this reason we supply Lac extract to make it a lot easier for you.

Lac creates excellent results on protein fibres having good results with both light and wash fast properties using 5 - 8% WOF. On cellulose it is good but not as higher grade light and wash fast properties, a higher percentage of dye may be required.

Shelf life of 2yrs and should be stored at 10-30degrees C.

Natural dye fades. Yes it does. Celebrate it.

The expectation of 100% guarantee in our modern world has far reaching ramifications silently building in the background of our lives. That nothing is permanent or perfect is a breathtaking and empowering realisation. The best way to describe colour fading is that it is the exquisite journey of natural dye. It is not a blatant fade as with chemical dyes. Instead it goes on a slow journey - breaking down the hues and shades that nature has built with her pigments. The wonderful thing not many realise is that if mordanted correctly at the beginning of the dyeing process the garment can be re-dyed multiple times over its lifetime without having to re-mordant. 

Here are some tips on how to reduce this happening:

•Launder with a neutral PH detergent, or as close to neutral as possible 

•Rinse clothing thoroughly after washing to remove any excess detergent 

•Never hang item to dry in direct sunlight, dry in shade


•Clothing really doesn’t need washing after each wear. After wearing if given a good shake and hung up it will be fine for quite a few wears. Often hanging out on a hanger in the shade can be enough to freshen your garment. 

•Definitely no bleach, wool wash or stain remover please!


•It is advisable to wash separately for the first couple of washes just in case there is a colour run off. When we wash items we wash until a clear water run off occurs but occasionally residual colour can run in first washes.


•Avoid soaking in water for long period of time

Mordanting

Protein fibres use alum mordant at 15% WOF

Cellulose fibres pre mordant with tannin at 8% WOF then mordant with alum acetate for best results at 8% WOF or if not available 15% of alum WOF.

 

Dyeing

On protein fibres you can achieve a medium depth of shade with as little as 8-15% WOF. For cellulose fibre 10-20%.

Dissolve Lac in warm water then add to dye bath. Slowly bring to boil then simmer for 45mins.

For a more saturated and richer colour allow fibres to sit in dye bath overnight.

PH experiments with Lac are interesting. 5% Cream of Tartar enriches pigment potential. Creating an alkaline balance can create purples.

 

Please view our Natural Dyes Instruction Guide for more information.

Online purchases made on FabricofHumanity.com over $150 will receive free shipping within Australia. Shipping on purchases under $150 will be calculated o weight and will be calculated at cart checkout. International purchases will be charged on weight and destination and will be calculated at cart checkout. We ship using Australia Post and Sendle as trusted national and international shipping agents, who have a carbon-neutral shipping service (& Sendle is B Corp registered) and do offer tracking. International orders may be subject to taxes and duties and these costs are the responsibility of you, the customer. We recommend checking with your local authorities to understand possible charges before placing your order. It is important to note that depending on which country you are shipping to, Natural Dyes and Khadi & handloom textiles are considered to be unique to region and therefore can obtain duty free clearance in most circumstances - but still important to check locally. Parcels of international customers who decline to pay taxes and duties, will be returned to Fabric of Humanity and the order value will be refunded less the original shipping fee. If we currently do not ship to your country please let us know by sending us an email to hello@fabricofhumanity.com.

POSITIVE IMPACT

Fabric of Humanity is a social enterprise creating sustainable employment and positive impact with natural dyes and textiles. When you make a purchase you are not just a customer. You become a custodian and take a vital place within our story.