Batik DIY

Congratulations on the piece you created in your Intro to Batik workshop! The final step happens at home: ironing out the wax to reveal the finished artwork. Once the wax is out, the fabric softens, the colors brighten, and your piece is ready to display.

Before you start, let your piece dry completely and give the dye at least 24 hours to set. This is best done by an adult in a well-ventilated space, since it involves a hot iron.

What you'll need

• An old iron. Pick up an inexpensive one from a thrift store and keep it just for craft use. Wax residue builds up on the soleplate and can transfer onto clothes you press with it later.
• Plenty of absorbent paper. Plain newsprint, brown kraft paper, or paper towels all work well. Avoid printed newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto your fabric.
• An ironing board or other heat-safe surface you don't mind protecting with paper.

Ironing out the wax

1. Cover your ironing surface with a thick stack of paper.
2. Lay your fabric flat on the paper, then place a few more sheets on top so the fabric is sandwiched between layers.
3. Set the iron to a medium-high, dry setting — no steam. Press firmly and move slowly across the surface. You'll see the wax melt and soak into the paper.
4. As the paper becomes saturated, swap it for fresh sheets and keep going. Repeat until almost no new wax appears on the paper.

A faint stiffness or "ghost" of wax may remain in the fabric. This is normal, and it softens over time as the piece is handled and displayed.

A few safety notes

• Wax is flammable — never melt it in a microwave or leave a hot iron unattended.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets clear of the iron and other hot surfaces.
• Wax-saturated paper goes in the trash. Never rinse melted wax down a sink or drain, where it will harden and clog the pipes.

Treat your finished piece as artwork rather than as a washable textile. Two things will keep it looking its best:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure fades the colors, so choose a spot with indirect light for display.
• Keep it dry. Water causes the dye to run, so don't wash, soak, or spot-clean your piece, and avoid hanging it in damp rooms.

To remove dust, shake the piece out gently or brush it with a soft, dry cloth. If it creases, press it on the reverse side with a dry iron on a low to medium setting.

Batik looks beautiful framed behind glass, mounted on a stretcher, or simply hung as a textile. Press the piece flat before mounting, and use acid-free backing to protect the fabric over time. Framing behind glass has the added benefit of keeping dust and moisture off your piece.