Fabrics for Batiks

For Batik printing it is always better to have fine fabrics like Muslin or fine poplin.  Some of the dyes are not fast specially on cotton.  In that case the fabrics  have  to be dry-cleaned before painting.  Silk gives wonderful effect in Batik design.  But as it is too costly, it is better for beginners to use cotton.  In cotton the finer and closer the weaves, the easier it is to work.  It also gives a better effect.  Almost all new clothes contain starches , which may prevent wax and the dye to certain extent from seeping into the clothe and might result in uneven coloring containing patches.  So wash and  iron all fabrics you use for batik.  If you have to use a tinted cloth it is always better to boil it and wash it to be sure that all those colors and dyes have been removed.  After wash, the fabric should be ironed for uniformity of tracing and applying wax.

Before the preparation for batik ; the starch of the cloth must be removed.

Dye – bath tub

The bottom will be having a little slant in order to,
(a) As a help to clean the tub.
(b) To avoid to cover  the whole area of the tub while using the tub for small piece.
(c)Reduce the waste of the dye mixture.

The main methods of dyeing which use in Batik.

(1)   Napthol

(2)   Vat

(3)   Prosition 

BRINTHOL DYE

per  1 kg – cotton

tub 1

tub 2

tub 4

tub 3

Vat dye

(1)  Sake the clothes I normal water in order to prevent patches while the process and give a

        regular effect.

(2)   Add hot water to the caustic and stir it well until all the crystals get dissolve.

• Add half of it to the dye-bath with normal water
• Add other qty. with dye mixture

(3)  Take out the cloth pieces which soaked  in normal water.

(4)  Add the dye mixture to the bath and mix it well.
(5)  Put the pieces one by one and soak it in the dye mixture without any folds form. Or the cloth which will course patches, uneven lines.. etc...

(6)  Take the cloth pieces one by one out and again put in to the bath on other side.

(2nd Stage)

(7)        Keep the clothes as it is soaked but the dye mixture must not seen above the cloths.

                                                                                                                                                         

(8)        After keeping it for about 40 min, take the pieces & hang it where want effect by direct

sun light and must have enough wind to absorb (CO₂)  which course the color. 

(9)        As it is about to dry; sake the pieces with normal water to avoid getting patches or any

defects.