Lac Extract

Product Name	: Lac Extract
Catalog	: BBC-DP-2017
Botanical Name	: Kerria lacca
Parts Used	: Stick lac
Typical Uses	: Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food Coloring, Perfume Industry, and Painting

Lac extract is a scarlet pigment present in the live, pre-emergent insects (Kerria lacca) which develop in a resinous cocoon, known as "stick lac". Lac dye must be extracted from the stick lac before used. The main coloring component is carminic acid. Lac extract yields crimsons to burgundy reds to deep purples, and it can be used for dyeing wool and silk. Besides, Lac extract can be used in cosmetic industry and medicinal drug. The colors are similar to those from cochineal but warmer, softer, and more muted.

Dyeing Processes

Pre mordant: Pre-treat the material with alum 10% of fabric weight at 80°C for 60 mins. Note that lac extract has reduced light and wash fastness on cellulose fibers.
Dyeing: To get satisfying colors, use Lac extract at 5-10% of fabric weight, and the pH of dye bath needs to be maintained at pH 5 (vinegar, lime or soda ash are used to adjust the pH). Dissolve extract in water and simmer with fiber for at 90°C for 60-80 mins.
Post treatment: Conduct soaping of the dyed material with non-ionic detergent (0.5gpl) for 20-30 mins.
Hot wash and then cold wash.

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