Batik is a method of dyeing fabric. It is where melted wax is applied to the fabric in order to resist the dye, the areas not covered in wax will be dyed and therefore it allows the artist to create patterns & shapes.

Wax is applied traditionally via a small tool best described as a elongated teapot, although it can also be applied by brush or by stamping. To create a final piece of batik fabric several steps of applying wax and then dipping in dye can be repeated before the final piece is dried completely and then dipped in a special solvent to dissolve the wax.

Batik is traditionally an Indonesian art and the traditional methods used as above produce quite unique and distinctive fabric. However the word Batik is often applied to modern fabric produced by screen-printing that simply resembles traditionally Indonesian Batik patterns & designs.

Related to Batik:Waxes

Categories:Printed Fabrics, Fabric Supplies

Keywords: batik