Batik
The art of decorating cloth in this way, using wax and
dye, has been
practiced for centuries. In
Java, Indonesia, batik is part of an ancient tradition, and some of the finest
batik cloth in the world is still made there. The word batik originates from
the Javanese tik
and means to dot.
Websites
to visit for more images:
http://www.globalmamas.org/Info/12-BatikPreparation.aspx
Materials for Batik
Tools
•Any tool that can
efficiently transfer hot wax from a container to the fabric will serve to
produce a design on cloth when it is dyed. At the simplest level, a lighted
candle can be used to distribute drops of melted wax on the fabric. A variety
of objects such as bent wire or the rim of a tin can, can be dipped in melted
wax and pressed onto the cloth to make a design. However the serious artist
uses the brush, some cheap paintbrushes
for covering large sections (don't waste good ones on this); a tjanting, or several, with
which to apply the wax
are also used. Each of
your tools needs a ridge on it to prevent it from sliding down into the
scalding hot melted wax. If they do not already have a ridge of some sort, you
can make one by wrapping many layers of tape at just one place on the handle of
the tool.
Wax
& Wax pot
•The selection of
waxes is important to the quality of the finished batik. Paraffin and beeswax
are the two waxes most commonly used in batik and are usually combined in
different proportions.
•Any generic batik
pots will be suitable.
Dye
•Make sure you have all the
chemicals and supplies you need for dyeing: Procion MX dyes, urea, sodium carbonate (soda ash), thin rubber
or plastic gloves, measuring cups and spoons, squirt bottles to put the dye
solution into for application, dust mask for measuring out dyes, and a bucket
for pre-soaking the fabric in sodium carbonate solution. Be sure to pre-wash
all clothing to remove invisible finishes that can prevent the dye from getting
to the fabric. (In place of the Procion MX dye, you can substitute any type of fiber reactive dye that can use
temperatures below the softening point of wax, such as Cibacron F/Sabracron F or Drimarene K dye; Dylon Cold Water Dye is an
example of the latter, but avoid Dylon Multi Purpose dye, which is a hot water dye.)
Fabric
•Because of its ready
availability the best fabric for most batiks is cotton. The weave of the cloth should not be too
close, and the fabric should be translucent when held in front of a light.
Iron: Any generic iron will be suitable.
Newspaper/newsprint: To remove the wax
from the fabric
Hairdryer: To dry the wax and
fabric.
Getting Started
Watch a demo on u-tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N1866PT5G4
Steps:
1) Draw
or trace the design (10-15 mins depending on complexity of design)
The technique of
batik is a demanding one. In general, the final design must be conceived before
the picture is begun. The design
is created in stages, each of which encompasses the whole picture. You can draw
on the design using a pencil or place a template underneath the fabric to trace
over.
2) Apply
the wax (5- 10 mins)
Using the tjanting tools and brushes
apply the hot wax to the parts of the design that you wish not to dye.
3)Dry
the wax (Will vary, but using the hairdryer 5-10mins)
Either using hairdryer (on a cool setting) or naturally
allow the fabric to fully dry before applying the desired colour of dye.
4) Dye/
paint the fabric ( Will vary, but approximately 10-15 mins)
•Either fully immerse
the fabric in the desired colour or brush on the paint using brushes, making sure the
dye is fully absorbed through the fibres.
5)Dry
the fabric (Will vary, but using the hairdryer
5-10mins)
Either using hairdryer or naturally allow the fabric to
fully dry before attempting to remove the wax
6) Remove
the wax (5- 10 mins, depending on how much wax has been used)
•When the fabric, now
almost wholly waxed, has dried it is placed between sheets of absorbent paper
and a hot iron applied. As the sheets of paper absorb the wax they are replaced
by fresh sheets until the wax is removed. At this point the final design is
seen clearly for the first time.
7) Repeat
the whole process?
• For traditional,
multiple-step batik, air-dry, and repeat the waxing and dyeing steps as
desired, starting with the lightest colors and progressing toward the darker
ones, first spending some time to plot the appropriate order for the colors and
how each color will mix with the previous ones.
Health
and safety
1)Beware of dangerous overheating of the wax pot; wax can burn, causing
a dangerous house fire, or
just smoke that can cause
lung damage to prevent
this turn the wax pot off once you have completed using it at the end.
2) Whilst applying the wax, be wary of spilling wax on your
hands.
3)Limit the use of the wax pot to three people at any time
to prevent any accidents, due to overcrowding.
4)Whilst using the iron, again be wary of burning yourself
on the hot melted wax.
