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Ingredient
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Mini Vat
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Water (120º F)
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3 gallons
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Unflavored Gelatin powder
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1 tsp.
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TNA Detergent
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1 tsp.
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Clear Household Ammonia
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2 Tbs.
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Thiourea Dioxide
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1 tsp.
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Put warm water into a dye pot, use non-reactive metal, (stainless steel or unchipped enamel). Add
ingredients in order listed above, making certain each item is thoroughly mixed before adding the next. Add the reduced Stock Solution carefully by lowering the container into the Dye Vat and sliding
the liquid out at an angle. Stir gently. After 30 to 60 minutes the vat should be a clear greenish-yellow with a shiny, dark blue metallic surface. The vat is now ready to use.
Maintain the temperature of 120º F and add the thoroughly wet-out wool. Wool that has not been wet
-out will carry large quantities of air which will quickly oxidize the reduced Indigo and destroy the vat. Click
TNA Detergent for catalogue location.
Soak the wool in the dye vat for 30 minutes with gentle, intermittent stirring, making sure all the wool
stays below the surface of the vat. After 30 minutes, remove the wool, squeeze excess liquid back
into the vat while holding the wool close to the surface, this avoids introducing air into the vat. Let wool oxidize (turn blue) for approximately 15 minutes.
After the final dip and the fiber is fully oxidized: Gently wash in a warm bath of Ivory flakes or Ivory
Bar Soap and rinse until water is clear. Soak for 10 minutes in room temperature water, add 2 Tbs. of White Distilled Vinegar per gallon of water. Extract water and hang to dry.
