Batik (pronounced 'Bah-Teak') is a technique
used to dye fabrics. Batiking is a relatively
straightforward process that often produces beautiful
results.
First, melted wax is applied to the fabric in
the areas that are to be free of dye. There are
various methods used to apply the liquid wax,
but brushing or directly pouring the wax are the
most common. Once the molten wax cools, it hardens
and penetrates into the fabric. Next the fabric
is soaked in dye. The wax prevents dye from penetrating
onto the fabric and therefore keeps those areas
of fabric in their original color.
To remove the wax after the dyeing process, a
solvent can be used. Alternatively, the hardened
wax can be pressed out with an iron; the hot surface
melts the wax it is pressed through the fabric.
If a multiple-colored design is desired, the process
is repeated for each color.
Many fabrics can be used for batiking, but plain,
light colored cotton seems to work best. Cracks
in the wax allow thin lines of dye to penetrate
through to the fabric which gives batik its characteristic
appearance.
