Waiting 24 Hours Between Mixing and Using Your Indigo Vat

Q: I have a question about the 24 hour waiting period from mixing the ingredients to using the vat. Could you tell me a little bit more about that. Is it necessary? I've used the Jacquard (synthetic) product and was able to use immediately after mixing.

A: In a word, yes. The wait is necessary. There is a big difference between the pre-reduced synthetic indigo and the natural indigo contained in the kit. The synthetic ingredients have already been modified to dissolve in water whereas the indigo in my kit does not dissolve in water. The 24 hour period allows the indigo to a) dissolve and b) become properly reduced (able to transfer onto fabric) and also c) the iron and lime in my kit (the activating ingredients) need time to properly combine. If you dye too soon, you'll get very pale blues and run the risk of staining the fabric brown/sludgy with the iron. If you wait the 24 hours, you'll get great color transfer and no staining.