THE TECHNIQUE OF BATIK

Covering the surface of the fabric using wax to prevent absorption of the dye into the fibers of the fabric is the basic principle of batik. The closing process is done by using a canting fabric that is written into the fabric surface to form a certain motifs that have been designed first or use a batik stamp dipped in hot liquid wax and then stamped into the surface of the fabric.

These terms batik :

a.   Fabric used for batik cloth called mori, the cotton fabric that has been freed from za-inhibiting substances such as wax and starch to strengthen the yarn during the weaving process. Inhibiting substances can be released by using soda ash in the cooking process. Traditionally, batik cloth is soaked in a solution of concoction of spices in order to facilitate the absorption of the dye into the fibers of the fabric.

b.   Motif will be made in detail to be prepared, if necessary design motif is made on the fabric so that the process can directly follow the pattern of batik motifs have available.

c.   Equipment that is used for batik garus prepared. If you want to create batik, then you need to provide is a set of canting (usually consisting of six canting), pan to melt the wax, heating furnaces, and gawangan. If made batik cap, the cap is prepared certain batik, printing table, wok with a flat surface, and a small stove for heating.

d. The dyeing process is done by using a cool dye techniques napthol dyes in accordance with its procedures. In traditional dyeing, coloring dyes used are derived from nature, especially plants that exist in the surrounding environment. For example, to obtain the red color used the noni tree bark soaked in water. The blue color is obtained from indigo trees. In addition, also used soga trees, tall, rice straw to obtain soda ash, as well as activators using clay mud.

e.  In batik dyeing process can not be at once. Staining first performed for a light-colored. Furthermore, to provide older colors, motifs on a light-colored closed again with wax and then dyeing with color done again older. So forth so that all colors can be immersed in the fabric required.

f.   After completion of the process of dyeing, wax removal process is carried out by using a knife or metal sagging derived similar fabric coated on the surface of the candle.

g.  As the final stage of removal of wax, made by boiling the fabric. In this process the wax is still attached to the fabric and can not be cleaned will be gone and out of the fabric fibers.

h.  Finally, the fabric can be dried and ironed so neat. Batik cloth is ready for use as needed.