Simple Batik Instructions

Batik Instructions for Soy Wax

By: Colorado Wholesale Dye

These are simple instructions with soy wax and pipettes. This method won't work with other waxes as they have higher melting points and require other methods of removal. The proper way to batik is with a batik pen (a Tjanting Tool) but this works just as well if you don't have one available.

What you need:

-Soy Wax -Dye

-Pipettes -Dye Fixer (Soda Ash)

Melt the wax. Soy wax has a low melting point so it can be melted in the microwave or in a double boiler with some hot water.

2. Apply the wax to your fabric using a pipette. Use caution and gloves as Pipette will get hot from the wax and you don’t want to get burned!

(Tip: Make sure to put cardboard or something between the fabric otherwise the wax will soak through and create a resist on the other side of the fabric as well)

3. Wait for the wax to dry completely.

4.Soak the fabric in dye fixer. Use warm water, but not too hot. If the water is to hot it could re-melt the wax and mess up your design.

5. Ring the fabric out and tie it up in the design you wish to achieve.

6. Dye the fabric and then let it sit for anywhere from 3 hours to 24 hours. The length of time you let it sit affects how easy the fabric is to wash out. The longer it is left alone the less loose dye will flow out and the shorter it will be to wash out.

7. Rinse the fabric under COLD running water. Keep rinsing until the water is flowing clear and all the loose dye is washed out.

8. When all the loose dye is rinsed out run the fabric under HOT running water. This will melt the wax and wash it away from the fabric. Do NOT rub the wax to help get it off, this will just spread the wax around and muddy up the design. Just let the hot water run over it and it will all wash away.

9. When the wax is all washed away, wash and dry the fabric as normal.