indigo dye

Description

Natural Indigo is perhaps the oldest dye known to man. The oldest historic texts speak of it, for example, in the colors chosen for the Tabernacle of the Arc of the Covenant. The oldest fragments of cloth are dyed with it. It is known to all cultures of the world.
Natural Indigo is one of the fastest dyes known to man. It was the original dye of “Levi’s” blue jeans, a trademark colour for durability. It is the only natural blue dye of permanence.

The dyeing process for Natural Indigo is different from that of other dyes. Most Natural Dyes are affixed using a metallic salt (a mordant), in a two-step process. Natural Indigo is fermented, then dyed in a process that affixes the Indigo as it oxidizes in the air.

Indigo dyeing is practiced today in Japan, Southern China, Tibet, India, Indonesia, Indo China, Africa, especially Nigeria, Southern Mexico and Guatemala, and it has recently been reintroduced to Turkey. Traditional fermentation methods are used. However, many of these cultures now use synthetic Indigo, manufactured from coal tar or petroleum.

Crystal Indigo is a partially fermented indigo vat, frozen and dehydrated during a critical period of the refining process. This is real indigo, captured at a crucial point in the indigo fermentation, dye release oxidation and refining process. It contains plant impurities. It is a natural plant product of Indigofera Tinctoria, and it contains natural indigo dye..

It is recommended that when you dye your cords you should wear latex gloves or some sort of protection on your hands to protect your skin as it will leave a stain on your skin which will last four to seven days. Indigo does not penetrate the skin deeply as does henna. Purified Indigo blue dye is regarded as safe for contact with skin. Purified Indigo is permitted by the FDA for inclusion in cosmetics and soaps. Most people come into contact with indigo every day when wearing jeans, and at some time have found brand new dark blue clothing briefly stains their skin. Indigo we offer is made from indigo plant, but has not been purified, and is alkaline like strong soap or wood ash. Batches may vary, so safety cannot be determined.
This is not a cosmetic for everyday use. Please DO NOT paint indigo onto broken skin, or let it come in contact near your mouth or eyes or mucous membranes. If your skin is easily irritated by alkalines such as wood ash, harsh soap, or chalk, do not allow the indigo to come in contact with your skin. Indigo is a natural dye, and is not an Azo dye nor a coal tar derivative such as synthetic indigo. If you are allergic to blue food dye, or have ever had an allergic reaction to indigo dyed clothing, do not allow your skin to come in contact with the indigo.

The resulting shade of blue you can get on your cords depends on how strong your dye vat ( ratio: water/indigo) is and how long you leave the fibre being dyed in the vat.. shades vary according these conditions. to the left is a chart of the many shades of blue that are possible to achieve depending on the conditions of your vat and the length of time the fibre are left in the vat. If your shades come out too light of blue, you may choose to re-dye doing a second dip in the vat you have prepared after some air drying according the the instructions given in your indigo package..Dye vats are not storable and must be used with in only a few hours of preparation and it is recommended that you dye your material or cords as soon as you prepare the vat..

Indigo can also be used as a paint on fabric