Can soy wax be used for batik?

Traditionally batik is done using batik wax, a blend of paraffin wax and bee’s wax. Today we have a very user-friendly way of doing batik using soy wax, as an alternative to traditional batik wax. Soy wax comes in flake form, melts at 130̊F-150̊F (54̊-66̊C), and produces no toxic fumes.

What is the best wax for batik?

Any clean, low-oil paraffin, melting from 130 – 150° F will work. Beeswax should be light yellow or tan and clear of debris. But most batik today is done with synthetic micro-crystalline waxes. They re more consistent, more often reusable, penetrate better, can be heated (safely) to higher temperatures.

How do you melt wax for batik?

You can melt the wax in a double boiler method (pan on pan) the same as you would melt chocolate. Or melt it in a heavy based saucepan. Heat the wax to around 170’F (80’C) making sure that your wax does not get to flash point.

Will soy wax wash out of clothes?

However, this is one stain that doesn’t require jumping to action. “Wait for the wax to dry entirely, then scrape it off the cloth with a butter knife,” says Dulude. If you’re left with an oily residue on the fabric, grab a brown paper bag and place it over the stain.

How do you wash batik fabric?

Clean batik fabrics in cold water with similar colors on a gentle or short wash cycle. Use a standard household washing machine or by hand, but with a gentle laundry detergent. Wash a new batik design in one or two additional cold rinses to remove excess dye from the fabric.

How do you make batik easy?

Here’s what to do.

1. Gather Your Materials and Set Up Your Workspaces. Although there is a lot to prep, once things are set up, the process runs fairly smoothly.
2. Cut Fabric and Draw.
3. Apply the First Layer of Wax.
4. Add the Dye.
5. Apply the Second Layer of Wax.
6. Complete the Crackle Effect.
7. Remove Wax.
8. Enjoy the Finished Piece!

Can you batik with candle wax?

Wax and other equipment To apply the wax: thick and thin brushes. You can also allow the wax to drip directly from the candle onto the fabric. Tjanting: it is a special tool with a wax bowl for doing batik.

How do you print batik at home?

What are the four ways in making batik?

The Step by Step Process of Making Batik

• The first wax is applied over the penciled-in outline of the pattern.
• The cloth is dyed in the first dye bath.
• Second application of wax is applied.
• The cloth is dyed in the second dye bath.
• All the wax that has been applied thus far is removed.

How do you get soy wax out of clothes?

Wet a clean cloth with hot water. Press firmly into the wax stain so the heat from the cloth will melt the wax, and the cloth itself will absorb the melted wax. Lay a dry, clean cloth over the soy wax, if the hot water did not remove it. Turn an iron onto a medium setting and run it over the clean cloth.

Is it safe to use soy wax for batik?

Soy wax is a powerhouse of a resist. It is a food grade, environmentally safe alternative to paraffin. No special chemicals are required to remove it from your cloth; in fact, the wax can be removed by simply running it under hot water—its melt temperature is so low that it will not affect your plumbing.

What’s the best way to use soy wax?

When using soy wax, I work on a metal workbench, which I clean with a stiff squeegee; it is easy to scrape puddles of hardened wax off this work surface and put it back into the melting pot. You might also consider purchasing a piece of Plexiglas as a work surface for soy wax.

Do you need an electric skillet to melt soy wax?

Beware that any supplies you use with wax should be dedicated to wax use; do not use them for food preparation. Soy wax has a melting temperature of 180° F so you will need an electric pan to melt your wax. You might choose an electric skillet or a deep frying pot.