Product; Tannic acid from mangrove bark (Ceriops tagal)
CAS number; 1401-55-4
Active Dye Components;
Condensed tannins 
Plobatannins
Ellagic acid
 
Colours: russets, sienna brown, deep reds with copper mordant, purplish blacks with ferrous sulfate, slightly alkaline water will give deeper reds. Botanical print examples in pictures with ceriops tagal blanket by Caroline Nixon
 
Packed in a 100 or 200 gram resealable bag.
Keep stored in original bag well away from moisture!
Our mangrove tannin comes from a Sustainable Forest Management and Cultivation project in Bali, Indonesia. In the areas where mangroves grow, the tannin rich bark is traditionally used to strengthen fishing lines, ropes and nets and the wood is used for timber. 
 
Read the full blog here.
 
Mangrove trees are a very important part of the rainforest ecosystem and selective harvesting ensures a delicate balance between the economical needs of the local communities and the mangroves. Our dye extract is a byproduct made from the bark of the Ceriops tagal that is grown and cut in controlled plantations. The bark is boiled for several hours, dried and ground into a powder.
 
Ceriops tannin extract is a precious dye stuff that loves cellulose fibers and the dye bath can be used until it it completely finished.  By repeating the dye baths (a bit like an indigo vat) you can build layers of colour. In many ways the magrove dye behaves and looks like persimmon tannin (kakishibu).
 
Ceriops tagal bark contains between 20-40% tannins, this is an extract so it is much stronger.
 
Instructions for use;
 
Prepare a dye vat with 100 grams of Ceriops tagal, by dissolving it in HOT water in a non reactive pot. Stir well untill fully disolved. Top up with cold water in a plastic bucket with a well closing lid. 
Total water for a medium strong vat: 15 liters on 100 grams of Ceriops tagal extract.
You can use the dye immediately, but I find it gets better as it matures a few days, and ideally up to 30 days.
 
You can mordant your fabrics prior to dyeing with alum, symplocos or copper. You do not need a mordant to dye, but it will change the shade and final outcome. I recommend experimenting. Using a post mordant with ferrous sulphate will create a  tannin-iron black. Do not use iron as a mordant as it will contaminate your vat which is impossible to turn back.
 
To dye:
You can use the Ceriops dye at room temperature.
Work your pre-wetted textiles in the Ceriops vat for five minutes. Wring (above the vat, returning all the dye to the vat) and dry for 10 minutes. Repeat 3 to 6 times until you reach the desired shade. Keep in mind that the dry result is always one or two shades lighter than the wet fabric.
 
Close the Ceriops vat after use and return to storage.
 
Like Kakishibu, Ceriops will darken under the influence of sunlight and UV radiation. Avoid drying in the direct sunlight to make sure your dye  results are even.
 
 
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certification is an international certification with audits carried out by a third party and it is strict and transparent in its reporting.