P ractical Theme: Preparation of articles using applied textile design technique: (Batik) Task: Learning the technique of Batik Theory: Batik is a form of resist printing, where the resist is obtained by applying wax on the fabric in design. Dyeing is then carried out in cold to avoid melting of wax, thus confining the colouration to the unwaxed area. Further, selective application of wax and re-dyeing allows variety of colourings. The beauty of batik is to get cracks in the wax during dyeing and allowing colour to enter through these cracks.
Purpose . To learn the concept of batik . To learn the process of batik by preparing an article Conducting the Practical Make the fabric for batik totally free from dirt and grease. Then stretch it on a frame for ease in drawing of design and application of wax.
Two main types of wax are used i.e. light, easily removed type essentially consisting of paraffin wax and a darker more adhesive type consisting essentially of bees wax. To get various types of cracks take both paraffin and bees wax in varied proportions Application of wax: The most commonly used tools are brushes of various widths and sizes. The brushes should have natural hair bristles (not of nylon or thermoplastic substances).
Apply wax onto the fabric with any of the following techniques/ methods. Painting i.e. painting the design area with wax Outlining i.e. painting the outline of the design/ motif with wax.
Dry brushing i.e. application with a flat brush, which is free of excess wax and carried along the design lines to give a shaded effect Scratching i.e. covering a part of the fabric with wax and then scratching the design line with the back of a pin or brush. Melt the wax in smell container and apply onto the material with brush in a pre-determined pattern using any of the above techniques.
The wax should reach both sides of the material and may have to be applied both on the face and back of the fabric. Dyeing: After the application of wax, dye the fabric. Dyeing is carried out by any of the dyes that are applied at temperatures below o C. The dyes used are commonly known as ice colours or batik colours.
Multiple colour effects are obtained by subsequent wax application/removal of wax and additional wax application and then dyeing in another colour. Removal of Wax: Dry the fabric after dyeing. Fold and pack in water proof packet and freeze it. Remove and crush the frozen wax to reduce it to dust.
Remove the remaining wax by hot pressing between layers of absorbent paper and finally soaping it at boil.