How to Paint With Beeswax Batik-Style
Batik fabric hangings, purses and other fashionable articles can be made at home using simple materials. Use your imagination to design elegant patterns or simple dot designs and enjoy your unique batik creations.
Things You'll Need
- Beeswax
- Paraffin (optional)
- Double Boiler
- Paintbrush
- Natural fiber fabric
- Cold set dye
- Bowl or sink
- Table or embroidery hoop
- Iron (optional)
Instructions
-
Making Batik
-
1
Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Be careful not to let water mix with the wax.
-
2
Stretch the fabric out over a table or other flat surface, covered with waxed paper or another protective covering, and anchor so that it will not slip or move. If you are doing a small design, use an embroidery hoop.
-
-
3
Use a paintbrush to draw designs in beeswax on the fabric. Repeat until the length of the fabric is completed.
-
4
Allow the wax to dry and prepare your cold set dye according to manufacturer's instructions in a sink or bowl.
-
5
Crumple the fabric to encourage cracking in the wax patterns. Place the fabric in the dye solution according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove from the dye bath and allow to drip dry over a sink or outside.
-
6
If you desire a multi-colored batik pattern, paint a second wax pattern over the dyed fabric, following the instructions given above. Re-dye in a different color until desired effect is achieved. If only one color is desired, skip to Step 7.
-
7
When dry, place the fabric in hot water and wash until the wax has been removed or place between two sheets of newspaper and iron until the wax disappears.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For best results, mix the beeswax with paraffin. If only beeswax is available, it will work. Paraffin allows for more crackling, resulting in an interesting dye pattern. Use a natural fabric like cotton, linen or silk for your batik. Synthetic fibers won't react with the cold dyes.
Hot wax can burn your skin; use gloves and follow general safety precautions when working with hot materials.
