Roman Shoes by Crispianus

[Crispianus]

Thanks for the tests. This is actually intresting. Is the PH 4 imediatelly after mixing with iron or takes a while to increase.

That was after 6 weeks, at that point I'd filtered the mixture to remove the excess remaining metallic iron left, so theoretically the reaction should have stopped, immediatly after mixing it would be PH2 the same as the base vinegar.. so theres a big drop in acidity, looking at ways to reduce it further preferably to a PH7(neutral) but I think its fine to use as it is, Tannic acid and Veg tanned leather must be about a PH6.5? normally so slightly acidic.

You can buy Ferric Sulphate in crystal form as well, its a pale green colour hence the name "Green Vitriol" its available from some natural dye suppliers, dissolve it in water to whatever strength you require, I think the crystal form is much more stable to keep.. This was used by tanners to dye leather black at least into the 19th century before crome tanning took over..

Its used by conservators and archeologists for testing leather for the presence of tannic acid...