Bombay Cutch is extracted from the seeds of areca catechu, a palm tree native to the coastal regions South Asia. One of the three main varieties of cutch (in addition to acacia cutch and gambir), Bombay Cutch can produce warm, rosy shades of brown that develop into chocolate shades when combined with a copper or iron mordant. The color is especially nice on plant fibers like cotton and linen. However, the tannins in Bombay Cutch are highly soluble and are more difficult to precipitate onto fibers than the tannins found in other varieties of cutch. Applying Bombay Cutch can be complex, but also rewarding for dyers who enjoy patient experimentation. Check out our Guide to Bombay Cutch Extract for color recipes and additional information.
Bombay Cutch is extracted from the seeds of areca catechu, a palm tree native to the coastal regions South Asia. One of the three main varieties of cutch (in addition to acacia cutch and gambir), Bombay Cutch can produce warm, rosy shades of brown that develop into chocolate shades when combined with a copper or iron mordant. The color is especially nice on plant fibers like cotton and linen. However, the tannins in Bombay Cutch are highly soluble and are more difficult to precipitate onto fibers than the tannins found in other varieties of cutch. Applying Bombay Cutch can be complex, but also rewarding for dyers who enjoy patient experimentation. Check out our Guide to Bombay Cutch Extract for color recipes and additional information.
