Calcium carbonate is a mildly alkaline calcium salt that is abundant in nature. Also known as “chalk” and “lime,” calcium carbonate is the form of calcium usually present in hard water. Calcium carbonate is valuable to dyers because it both adds calcium to the dyebath and helps moderate the pH. When dissolved, it will push the dyebath towards a mildly alkaline pH of 8, which is ideal for dyes like logwood and weld. It can help to counteract the acidity of the aluminum sulfate and cream of tartar that are used to mordant wool and prevent them from acidifying the dyebath. Calcium carbonate is also the standard fixing agent used to fix aluminum acetate to cotton during the “chalking” step. Sold in jars of 100 grams.
Calcium carbonate is a mildly alkaline calcium salt that is abundant in nature. Also known as “chalk” and “lime,” calcium carbonate is the form of calcium usually present in hard water. Calcium carbonate is valuable to dyers because it both adds calcium to the dyebath and helps moderate the pH. When dissolved, it will push the dyebath towards a mildly alkaline pH of 8, which is ideal for dyes like logwood and weld. It can help to counteract the acidity of the aluminum sulfate and cream of tartar that are used to mordant wool and prevent them from acidifying the dyebath. Calcium carbonate is also the standard fixing agent used to fix aluminum acetate to cotton during the “chalking” step. Sold in jars of 100 grams.
