Mordant - Potassium Carbonate (Potash)

Potassium Carbonate, commonly known as Potash, is a strong alkaline compound used in textile dyeing and surface design. It acts as a pH increaser and dyeing auxiliary, helping to create the alkaline conditions needed for effective dye uptake and colour development. Often used as an alternative to soda ash, potash is stronger and faster acting, making it particularly useful where a more responsive alkali is required. It is widely used with both reactive dyes and in natural dyeing, especially on cellulose fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp and rayon.

By raising the pH of the dye bath, potash helps activate dyes and improves the bonding process between dye and fibre. This leads to clearer, more developed colour and improved fixation, making it a reliable choice for both studio and workshop use. It can also be used more broadly in textile processes where a controlled but effective alkaline environment is needed.

Important:
Potassium Carbonate (Potash) is not the same as Potash Alum (Potassium Aluminium Sulphate) and should not be used as a mordant in place of alum.

Benefits

• Strong, fast-acting alkaline dyeing auxiliary
• Raises pH to support dye activation and fixation
• Improves colour clarity and bonding on cellulose fibres
• Suitable for both natural and fibre-reactive dye processes
• Reliable and widely used in textile studios

Perfect For

• Natural dyeing and fibre-reactive dyeing processes
• Textile surface design and experimental dye work
• Cellulose fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp and rayon
• Studio dye preparation and pH adjustment

Handling
This is a strong alkaline material and should be handled with appropriate care.

• Avoid inhaling dust
• Use gloves and protective equipment where appropriate
• Store in a dry, sealed container
• Keep out of reach of children