BATIK PRINT PROCESSES

Batik method is a style of dyeing cloth where paraffin wax or candle wax is used as a resist. Batik is the process of designing fabric using wax as a resist.

Batik design should be done in a well ventilated area so as to avoid choking.

There are different methods involved in batik designs, they are:

i.              Stamping method

ii.            Stenciling method

iii.           Freehand method

Stamping method:- This is done using a prepared stamp to design on fabric.Dip the design in a hot wax and stamp on the fabric with the arrangement you desire.

Stenciling method:- This is done using a cut out artwork to draw on fabric and then traced with wax. This is also a method of transferring a design to a fabric knife. Place the cut stencil with the aid of of foam. Repeat as you desire.  

Freehand method:- This is done by drawing freely with a pen-like foam with wax.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

·         Paraffin wax or candle wax

·         Frying pan or pot or stove

·         Tracing paper

·         Big metal pot(for boiling hot water)

·         Pressing iron(electric iron or charcoal iron)

·         Wooden or glass tables

·         Rubber handgloves

·         Filter mask

·         Carved motif foam

CHEMICALS NEEDED

·         Dye

·         Caustic soda

·         Sodium hydrosulphate

FABRICS THAT CAN BE USED

·         Voile

·         Brocade

·         Cotton

·         Polo

·         Jean

·         Lace rayon and all 100% cotton

STEPS INVOLVED IN BATIK

·         Destarching:- This involves the removal of any sizings and starch from the fabric which it received from the weaving factory and to remove foreign body. This is done through washing of the cloth with cold water but without soap.

·         Designing:- Allow the fabric to dry very well because if it is wet, it cannot hold hot wax. Spread the dried cloth on a wooden or glass table. You must have made up your mind as regards the design weather stamping, stenciling or freehand.

Melt your wax in a pot. The melted wax should not be very hot nor too cold. Regulate the heat with the regulator as you work.

·         Dyeing of the designed fabric:- The first step is to dissolve all the chemicals and dye with small cup of hot water and add enough cold water sufficient enough to allow the fabric to swim properly in the dye bath.

Keep turning with a pair of rubber handgloves worn on both hands.

Allow to swim for about 10-15mins in the dye bath.

If you want two or more colours after bringing the fabric out from the solution, allow it to dry on a hanger. Cover the first dye with wax according to what you want to design: dye the next colour thereafter.

·         Washing:- This is done by removing the dyed cloth from the dye bath after the specified time. Leave under the breeze for few minutes then wash with cold water. Wash until the water runs clean.

·         Dewaxing:- This involves the removal of wax from the fabric with the aid of very hot water. When removed, wash again in a cold water until its clean. The wax would float on top of the water you left in the pot overnight. Bring it out and pour the water away.

·         Drying and Beating:- Dry the fabric under the sun after starching and then iron or beat as the case may be.