What is Batik?
The word Batik is Indonesian and means "wax writing." Briefly, the process involves brushing on melted paraffin and beeswax so it penetrates specific portions on the fabric. The waxed fabric is then dipped into or painted with the wet dyes. The waxed areas repel or resist the dyes; thus, the term resist process. Each time a new dye color is introduced on the fabric, portions of that colour are waxed and held until the desired colour scheme is achieved. All wax is removed by ironing the fabric between papers and the heat of the iron melts the wax which is absorbed by the papers. You may often recognize batik by its characteristic crackle or veining, that appears throughout the design and unifies the colours and compositions. The final product occurs when the cooled wax is cracked to allow the dye to penetrate. |