• Home
  • About
    • Tutorials
    • Past Exhibitions
    • Learn About Batik
  • Events
  • Blog
    • Tutorials
    • Farm Saga
  • Gallery
  • Shop
  • Contact
Facebook
Instagram
store

Out of the Wax

February 29, 20128 commentsadvokate
Magic Frogs Rising  detail with wax build up before ironing out

Magic Frogs Rising detail with wax build up before ironing out

When the Batik has gone through all the waxing, dyeing and rinsing stages desired it is time to remove the wax. See my photos of batik before the wax is removed. You can see quite a build up of wax.There are several ways to remove wax. First, many scrape the loose wax from the fabric before anything else is done. (This is not necessary). The wax can be then be reused if heated and strained through cheesecloth. Wax can be removed by immersing in boiling water, when cool, the wax on the top can be picked off and the fabric dried and ironed free of wrinkles. (I feel this method to be risky to use on a detailed batik image.) I iron the wax out of the fabric. As with all heating of wax processes, the fumes should not be inhaled. So iron out only in a well ventilated area. Industrial masks with filters are available as well to protect against fumes. Dry cleaning solvents are available, but should be used after most the wax is ironed out.

When I iron the wax out, I first prepare a flat table with several layers of old printed newsprint, then a layer of plain newsprint or paper towels. Do not let the batik touch printed newsprint or the headlines may become a prominent part of the image. Place the batik on top of these layers and then cover first with plain newsprint or paper towels, then several layers of printed newsprint. The printed paper helps to keep the costs down and all plain newsprint can be used if desired. The iron now moves over the whole image until the paper is saturated with wax. Then all the waxed paper is removed and new is placed under and over the batik. The process is repeated until no more wax is absorbed into the paper. The time it takes varies depending on how much wax is in the image and the size of the batik.  Always keep in mind the flammable nature of wax. Dispose of the waxed paper carefully.

Ironing Magic Frogs completed

Ironing Magic Frogs completed

Batik paintings that have the wax removed always come with surprises from the interaction of wax and dye. It is fascinating to me. With ironing, the batik always have a wax residue that gives a slightly stiff parchment like feeling to the cloth. After ironing, dry cleaning may be used to remove the rest. Solvents are available, but I do not want to have to work with or dispose of them. A finished batik can be ironed and should not be displayed in sunlight as in time all things will fade. Museum glass gives good protection here, but is very expensive.

The batik can now be mounted on a wooden hanger, another large piece of fabric, be dry mounted and framed or stretched on canvas stretches over a cotton backing. Enjoy the brilliant colors and unique veining in the wax where ever you decide to hang your batik.

Previous Post Let’s Begin – Applying the wax Next Post Blog and Tutorials

8 comments. Leave new

Mary Hannah
January 4, 2019 10:28 pm

I have a piece of batik that was folded and now has a crease in it. Any suggestions for getting the crease out?

Reply
Carol
January 5, 2019 8:10 pm

Hi Mary
I do not know what stage this batik is in. If the wax has been ironed out and there is a residue of wax and the fold shows, just iron it again. If the batik is in an unfinished stage with the wax on it that fold line will stay until the wax is removed. If you can incorporate the fold line into the design great, but if not the wax must all be removed before more can be done. Dry cleaning fluids will do this but I do not use them as I do not know how to deal with disposing those chemicals. Another method some use is to boil out the wax. Caution must always be used when boiling water and wax as the wax can be bubbled out of the pot and start a fire. Another thing to try if wax is still on it is to crumple the whole batik which will create more crackle and hide the fold line.
None of these suggestions are easy and I hope this helps.
Carol

Reply
Linda Valentino
January 14, 2019 1:01 pm

Linda is back, well I found out that if you ever run out of wax there is always school glue. I found out that I had so much fun with school glue and trying to make batiking out of this and now I guess I will try to use wax next.. so if you ever run out of wax and can not get to the store you can always use this, and it works well with any dyes too.

Reply
Carol
January 15, 2019 8:38 pm

Thank you for the tip Linda. School glue is ideal for kids doing batik. Hot wax can burn.
Have to admit I love the wax and use a beeswax / Paraffin mix. I have a lot right now and a friend with bees.
Best of luck with your batik and blog!
Carol

Reply
Audrey
April 12, 2019 12:46 pm

I have a batik that the colors are faded, even though it has never been displayed in full sun. Could it be that the wax has clouded? Is there any way to revitalize the colors?

Reply
Audrey
April 12, 2019 12:47 pm

Nor has it ever been washed.

Reply
Carol
April 12, 2019 7:14 pm

Hi Audrey
Not really. Unfortunately Batik in a bright room without direct sun can still fade.
I do not know the specifics of the setting process on the dyes. There are different processes and quality to the dyes.
Sometimes ironing the fabric will brighten it a bit if there is a residue of wax in the cloth.
I hope this helps.
Carol

Reply
Audrey
April 13, 2019 1:52 pm

Thank you for the quick reply, Carol!

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Winter, my bigfoot days February 22, 2021
  • I have to confess May 20, 2020
  • Cleaning up manure keeps me humble. February 21, 2020
  • But why would I want to be away? January 24, 2020
  • Two Crows Find Each Other January 13, 2020
  • Morning Light on the Night Shadows January 6, 2020
  • Why didn’t you watch what you were doing? December 20, 2019
  • Cross your fingers for my good Vanilla December 18, 2019
  • Batik demo at Bedlam Farm October 17, 2019
  • Qualities of the Wax September 13, 2019

Recent Comments

  • Carol on Too Hot for Hot Wax
  • Suzanne on Too Hot for Hot Wax
  • Carol on I have to confess
  • Dolores on I have to confess
  • Carol on Restoring the past

Archives

Categories

  • Farm Saga
  • Tutorial
  • Uncategorized

Contact Us

Carol Law Conklin
(518) 642-9406
Fort Ann, New York
carollawconklin@yahoo.com

Events

  • No events

Amity Farm Batik

Carol Law Conklin, owner of Amity Farm Batik, is a batik artist based in Washington County, New York. Her work includes farmscapes, equine art, landscapes and fantasy/myth creations.

Follow Me

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on FlickrFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on EtsyFollow Us on PinterestFollow Us on Fine Art America
[fts_pinterest type=pins_from_user pinterest_name=amityfarmbatik pins_count=1]

Get Updates


© Copyright 2020; Web Design by Advokate