Lac Resin Extract

Shepherd Textiles Lac Resin Extract is a powerful natural dye produced by a scale insect called kerria lacca. As it feasts on tree sap, the lac insect leaves behind a sticky resin tinted with a natural red pigment. This resin has been valued for centuries as shellac, a natural varnish used to protect furniture and fine instruments. However, the red pigment can be extracted from shellac to produce an intense dye perfect for coloring yarn, fabric, and other textiles. Lac naturally produces wine-colored reds, from deep burgundies to luscious strawberry shades. It is also highly responsive to modifiers, and experimenting with different mordants and PH levels can result in a range of beautiful pinks, purples, and reds. Alum is the standard mordant for red colors, while an iron mordant will give dark purples and steel grays. Use at 5% weight-of-fabric (WOF) for medium red shades, or 10% for very dark reds. Our Lac Resin Extract is produced in India from locally harvested stick-lac, and it is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for use on fibers that will be labeled “organic.”

Before using, lease read our Guide to Dyeing with Lac Resin Extract for color recipes, background, and safety information.

Product of India.