Batik Basics

Artistically created textures, brilliant colors and intricate designs are but a few of the recognized qualities of first-rate batik work. The textures are not dimensional, yet they catch and hold interest. Colors of all hues and intensities can be found in batik work. Designs as intricate as pointillism drawings or fine line renderings can also be created with a bit of experimentation and practice.

Materials used for batik are pretty basic: fabric onto which the design and dyes are rendered, wax (used as a "resist"), a heat source with which to melt the wax, brushes or other tools for applying the wax, and dyes of various colors. The art materials can be found at all art and craft material stores, and the fabrics can be purchased at craft centers and fabric retailers.

The most widely used fabric in batik is cotton because it accepts the wax that is used to delineate the design and is easily dyed. White fabric works best.

The dye most often selected for batik work comes in powder form, is easily mixed/stored/applied and dyes a variety of fiber contents.

The wax used can be ordinary paraffin, although many experienced batik artisans combine paraffin with beeswax for a wax that is a bit less brittle when dried. This softness reduces the number of cracks and craze lines in the batik work. This is especially important when the design you want to apply is intricate. If the wax cracks and breaks up the design, the overall effect is lost. But for more basic, simple designs, the craze lines are very appealing. Remember, too, that colored wax cubes, candle stubs or crayons can yield interesting colors in the crackle resist patterns.

Although wax can be melted in almost any metal container, it is wise to select one that is thermostatically controlled. Special wax melting palettes are available that contain small pans. Small amounts can be melted, dispensed into brushes, etc., and then returned to the controlled heat palette to retain fluidity. For larger projects, a double boiler or crockpot style low-heat melter might be the best choice.

The process of batik is a progression of dye applications, from light to dark. Apply liquid wax in the areas that are to remain white. Then dip the entire cloth into the lightest dye color in your design. Allow this to dry, then wax the areas you want to remain that lightest dyed color. (Now two colors are "frozen.") Repeat with all the colors you have selected, allowing each color to dry and then be waxed between each "dip."

Remove the wax by placing the rigid fabric between thick layers of newsprint or Kraft paper and then ironing. Display batik framed and under glass for longevity.