Batik is a method of making designs on fabric by using wax resist.When the fabric is painted with wax, it is placed in a dye bath where only the areas with no wax are colored.Fine detail lines are created by using cracks in the wax to create complex designs.Even if you aren't a master, you can use a few materials and a creative spirit to get some great effects.
Step 1: You should pre wash your fabrics.
To remove chemicals that can affect dyes, use hot water to wash fabrics in a detergent.
Step 2: Base colors are the best for dyeing fabrics.
The base colors will show under the wax resist.
Step 3: You can melt batik wax.
The wax needs to be melted in either an electric wax pot or a double boiler.Caution is used with hot wax.It could start to emit fumes or even catch fire if it is not kept cool.It is not a good idea to heat wax on the stove top.Wax pots and double boilers heat the wax slowly.
Step 4: You can stretch your fabric with a hoop.
The hoop will allow you to apply wax with greater precision.If you want to apply designs to large swaths of fabric without stretching it on a hoop, you can lay newsprint or cardboard on your work surface.A protective surface is recommended because the wax will penetrate through the fabric.
Step 5: Apply the wax with your tools.
Some experimentation is recommended before using various tools.A single-spouted tjanting tool can be used to draw thin lines.It is a standard tool that can be used in many different ways.A double-spouted tjanting tool can be used to fill larger areas.Large areas can be covered with brushes.They can be used in a variety of ways.Use stamps to apply shapes.It is possible to make stamps that can take the heat of the wax.Try carving a potato into a shape, or using the end of a stalks to stamp out half circles.
Step 6: Wax temperature should be regulated.
The wax should be hot enough to penetrate through the fabric, but not so hot that it will spread when applied.If the wax has penetrated to the other side of the fabric, it will be clear.
Step 7: Prepare to tub-dye your fabric.
It is recommended that you start with the lightest colors first and then move to the darker colors after that.You can wash your fabric in Synthrapol.The package has instructions for dissolving your dye.Reds are harder to dissolving than other dyes.The amount of non-iodized salt should be added.Add 1 1/2 cups of salt to a pound of dry fabric.3 cups of salt is enough for a pound of fabric.Put in your damp fabric.For 20 minutes, stir gently but frequently.It's a good idea to mix up your soda ash.The dye is bonded to the fiber with soda ash.Dissolve the ash in warm water and add it into the tub slowly, being careful not to dump it directly onto the fabric, which could cause discoloration.Add 1/6 cups of salt for each pound of dry fabric.1/3 cups of salt is enough for a pound of fabric.For another 30 minutes, stir gently, but frequently.If you have excess dye, wash it out.Run water over your fabric.Then wash it with hot water.The excess dye may need to be removed with some darker colors.Allow the fabric to dry.
Step 8: Add more layers of color and design by applying wax again.
Follow the steps for tub dyeing with every layer you add.Remember to tub dye your colors.
Step 9: Remove the wax.
You can either boil the wax or remove it when you are done dyeing.A pot large enough to hold water and a few drops of Synthrapol should be filled.Once the water starts to boil, add in your fabric and weigh it down with a rock to keep the wax from re-bonding with the fabric.The wax will leave the fabric after a few minutes.After the wax appears to be out of the fabric, allow the pot to cool completely, and then peel the layer from the top.The wax needs to be iron out.Run the iron over the sandwiched fabric after placing it between two sheets of absorbent paper.Use care to make sure the wax is removed.Changing out the papers can help with wax removal.
Step 10: Make sure to wash and dry your fabric.
One last time, wash your fabric with Synthrapol to make sure all of the dyes have been released.You can dry your fabric in the dryer or on a line.All batiked!
Step 11: You can spread the plastic on your work surface.
Lay your fabric over the plastic wrap.
Step 12: You can create designs using the resist medium.
The single or double-spouted tjanting tool can be used to create thin lines for designs.Paint brushes can be used to cover larger areas.The dry time depends on how thick the medium was applied.To create a repeat pattern, use stamps dipped in the medium.You can use a stencil by placing it down on the fabric and using a foam brush to spread the medium around it.
Step 13: Put your liquid dye into a container.
To mix up the dye, follow the instructions on the package.Changing the water-to-dye ratio can make a liquid dye softer or more vivid.
Step 14: The dye should be applied.
Dyes can be sprayed, painted, or dribbled.Try to mix two or more colors together.
Step 15: The fabric should be covered with plastic wrap.
To seal the edges of the fabric, cover it with plastic wrap.
Step 16: Put your fabric in a bag.
To protect against spills, place paper towels on the bottom of the microwave oven.If you need to fold the fabric, place it in the microwave oven and cook it on high for 2 minutes.
Step 17: The fabric is in the microwave.
Carefully remove the fabric from the microwave oven.The fabric will be hot.Before removing the plastic, allow the fabric to cool for a few minutes.
Step 18: Make sure you wash and dry your fabric.
Under the cool water, rinse your fabric.After removing the initial dye, wash the fabric in warm water with a mild detergent and rinse.It's time to dry your fabric.
Step 19: You should wash your silk.
Liquid dish soap can be added to a tub or bucket of water.You should wash and dry your fabric.Press your fabric with an iron set to the "silk" setting.After ironing, you can sketch out a design instead of painting it freehand.
Step 20: You need to stretch the silk.
Safety pins are connected to rubber bands around the edges of silk.Attach push pins to the frame by laying silk over it.The rubber bands are used to create a trampoline.The rubber bands should be small and long enough to not tear the fabric.If your frame is larger than the piece of silk, you can link two rubber bands together.The goal is to create a taut surface.The surface should be taut, but not too tight.
Step 21: Your frame needs to be adjusted.
Place the cups under the frame to remove it from the work surface.
Step 22: Apply your resist.
A paint brush can be used to apply the resist.Before moving on to color, allow the resist to dry completely.The rubber based resists, or guttae, are similar in consistency to rubber cement and can be used for drawing fine lines in silk painting.The finished fabric is dry- cleaned after the color has been set.The fumes it produces is the downside of this resist.When applying rubber based gutta, it is recommended that you use a respirator in a well-ventilated area.Watersoluble resists can be washed away in warm water.Silk paints are heat set with heat and work well with these resists.Fine details are harder to achieve than other guttae, and this resist is not as free-flowing.
Step 23: You should apply your color.
Use a brush to apply your paint or dye.Allow the color to move towards the resist.It may be possible to paint directly on the resist.Silk paints can be used to color the surface of the fabric, but they don't penetrate into the fiber.These colors can be used on a wide variety of fabrics and are set with a dry iron Silk dyes color fabric by forming a bond with the fibers in the fabric.If you don't want to diminish the natural luster of silk, these are a great choice.The colors are easy to clean.
Step 24: Allow your silk to be painted for 24 hours.
If you decide to use silk paints, heat-set the color by applying the iron for a few minutes on the back side of the fabric.After ironing, hang to dry, and iron again while still slightly damp.If you used silk dyes, rinse the fabric until the water runs clear.The silk can be washed with a couple of drops of detergent or dish soap.Hang to dry after rinsing with cool water.When the silk is almost dry, apply a dry iron heated to the "silk" setting.