Stannous chloride used in traditional dyeing processes to help colors bond to yarn or cloth. It acts as a mordant, creating a chemical bridge between the dye and the fabric. Dyers relied on it particularly for producing bright, fast reds, yellows, and cochineal-based pinks on animal fibers like wool and silk.
Heard on the job
We need to prepare a bath of salt of tin before dropping the wool in the cochineal vat.
Insider tip
Dyers usually avoid this historic compound due to its toxicity and heavy metal content, preferring safer alternatives like alum.
Also heard as
- stannous chloride
- tin crystals