Shades of Black-Making my surcoat

[RandallMoffett]

I am nearing the end of my mid 14th century harness (the rest of my gear for camp and whatnot is still in the works). One of my last steps for my harness is my surcoat. Since my LH persona is a knight in the Moffett/Moffatt family I decided to go with the earliest coat of arms I can find for them (from 1511 sadly but the earlier ones are lacking any detail, so the closest I will likely get).

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/heraldics/p ... f-arms.jpg

So my colors are Argent(White-or silver) and Sable (black). I am hoping to dye some medium/heavy weight linen black and was curious what people on the AA have tried as far as period techniques to get black.

I have found several sites online with info but am hoping to get some first hand experience as several places indicate it a hard color to master.

Thanks everyone!

RPM

[James B.]

I have not hand dyed black for cloth myself but I have seen black linen in a wood cuts exhibit; it was over 500 years old and still pure black.

[RandallMoffett]

Wow that is awesome! Do you know where the black fabric was from James?

I have tried dying with Madder, woad and turmeric recently to good results. I have heard walnut shells and iron flecks work well for black. I had thought of trying it out but wondered how black this turned out.

RPM

[James B.]

I will have to look in my book from the display tonight and see if I can dig up the info. I was really shocked when I saw it.

However it might have been is such great shape do to lack of exposure to the sun and no washing. It might have also been painted black instead of dyed; let me see what I can dig up.

[Thomas Powers]

linen doesn't do well in acidic environments you may want to factor that into your dying.

Wool does do well with acids.

Thomas

[RandallMoffett]

Thomas,

I had not thought of that so thanks for the heads up.

James,

If you could that would be cool but no worries if not.

Thanks again!

RPM