![]() ![]() ![]() If using a plastic container you can supply heat with an immersion heater. This gives you more flexibility in terms of the container you select for your vat. Heat may be used to start a vat, or later to revive it, but indigo vats do not require maintained heat. Here is some useful information for all vats. We have included detailed instructions for each type of vat with each recipe. Hazardous substances such as lye should be in a locked cabinet. Store dyes and chemicals separately and away from foods. Clearly label all containers and substances. Keep pots and utensils used for dyeing completely separate from items used for cooking. When mixing powders and water always add the powder to the water. The casual use of lye in the home studio is not recommended. Lye should be treated as a hazardous substance. Some of these recipes suggest the use of lye which is very caustic and can cause burns to exposed skin. Gloves are recommended for dyeing as the indigo vat is highly alkaline. Wear a mask when working with powders such as calx, lye, or indigo. The following guidelines will help ensure that dyeing is a fun, enjoyable activity. Soda ash is less caustic than lye and is a good alternative but it takes longer. Lye is a strong base and should be treated with caution. Soda ash or lye are alternatives to calx. Maiwa sells a high grade calx, perfect for making a vat. Do not confuse it with “quick lime” (calcium oxide) which is much more corrosive, or chalk (calcium carbonate) which is too mild a base for an indigo vat. A recommended base for an indigo vat is calx (calcium hydroxide) also known as lime, pickling lime, or hydrated lime. The reduction of indigo requires a basic (alkaline) solution. Chemically speaking, a base is the opposite of an acid. In order for the reducing agent to act on the indigo, a basic environment is required. When the indigo is reduced it dissolves and the dye bath is a greeny-yellow colour. If we can see the indigo (the dye bath is blue inside) then the indigo is not dissolved and the dye bath cannot be used to for dyeing. You can see the fish (which remains distinct) you cannot see the salt (which has dissolved). What is the difference between a suspension and a solution? A fish is suspended in the ocean. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |