BATIKS

Batik is a method of adding a pattern or picture to fabric using wax. Wherever wax is applied to the fabric, water or dye cannot penetrate. Batik is a method of hand-painting or hand-printing and hand dying, coupled with individual artistic expression.

African Batik is a unique art that is certainly amongst the best in the world. Batik making is an exceptionally time consuming process but well worth it when you see the final product!

How Batiks are made

The picture or pattern can be hand drawn onto fabric or, a stamp of the picture is carved out of wood.

If the picture is hand drawn then liquid hot wax is applied to the cloth with a paint brush or sponge to areas where the dye must not penetrate. This cloth is then dipped into a dye which penetrates all the areas not covered by the wax. Normally the first dye is the lightest colour being used. Wax can be applied again after the first dyeing process is dry and the method repeated building a colourful image in the final product.

If a wooden stamp is being used then the wood is dipped in hot wax and then stamped onto the fabric.

When all the colours have been applied and the wax picture is complete, the fabric is placed between sheets of brown paper and ironed until the wax is completely absorbed by the paper.

Caring for your Batik

Batiks cannot be washed or dry cleaned. Keep the batik dust free by framing it.