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The batik printing
process begins with a piece of plain white cloth. Selected areas of the
fabric are covered with molten wax. After this first pattern is drawn, the fabric
is soaked in dye. The parts of the cloth covered in wax will remain white.
After the wax is
removed, another pattern is drawn over it, and the dyeing process repeated.
This process is then repeated until the entire cloth is covered with
patterns of different colours. 'Cracks' are
deliberately made in the pattern to create the unique texture which batik
is identified with.
The stem of the banana
plant is also used in batik making, according to Craft Batik, a Penang-based producer company. The stem is first spread
on a flat table and the cloth to be printed on is place on top. The cloth
is then painted on using the usual materials. Apparently, the 'coolness' of
the banana stem quickens the cooling effects of the molten wax and also
helps to set it.
After the final dyeing
the wax is removed. Special chemicals are added to fix the colours and ensure that they remain vibrant for a long
time.
The printed cloth is
now ready to be made into various items.
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