Sun-Printed Batik

by Lumi

32K31220

Intro: Sun-Printed Batik

Batik is a traditional technique that uses Resist to prevent dye from reaching the fabric. You can use this method to create detailed patterns on textiles, wood and unglazed ceramics. With specially formulated Inkodye you get to use the power of the sun to develop the full vibrance of your colors and make them permanent, no other steaming or fixing is required!

STEP 1: What You Need:


STEP 2: Decide How to Apply the Resist

We used fine line applicators, also try brushes, stencils and sponges.

STEP 3: Choose Your Design

We printed out an illustration to use as an underlay, if you're brave try freehand!

STEP 4: Flatten Your Work Surface

We used a mild spray adhesive, you can also use stretcher frames.

STEP 5: Apply Resist

Try not to smudge your work as you go! Fine lines dry to the touch in minutes.

STEP 6: Finishing Touches

Check your work for gaps, dye will bleed through gaps in lines. Sign your work!

STEP 7: Apply Inkodye

We started with our largest area first so that we could focus on detail later.

STEP 8: Go Out Into the Sun!

Develop the full color by taking your piece into the sun, lie flat for even results.

STEP 9: Watch the Color Develop

Full color will develop in 5-8 minutes in direct sunlight, longer in cloudy weather.

STEP 10: Details

Using a brush paint within your lines much like coloring in a coloring book.

STEP 11: Develop Your Final Colors

Take into the sun to develop the details, let it achieve its full vibrancy.

STEP 12: Wash Out Resist

Dissolve resist in warm water with mild soap. Thick lines will take longer to dissolve.

STEP 13: Take a Look at Your Work!

Where the resist was is now clean white lines to border the dye.

STEP 14: Dry Your Artwork

We dried ours in the sun, but any method will do just fine.

STEP 15: Enjoy Your Piece

We were able to wear our scarf less than an hour after finishing.

STEP 16: Share Your Artwork!

Don't let it sit at home, show your friends or wear your piece out and about!

20 Comments

Akin Yildiz 8 years ago

about to purchase the supplies, will post pictures of the outcome.!!
great stuff, thank you for sharing.

ajones60 10 years ago

What a fantastic process, I would love to try it. Trouble is freight is too expensive from US to Australia and there are no stockists here. Perhaps you could find a reliable stockist here and spread this wonderful product to the sunniest continent.

Lumi 10 years ago

We're bringing Inkodye to Australia! The first stockist will be Oxlades, you can find more information on our map of retail stores. Feel free to suggest any shops you'd like to see us in, and we'll work to bring Inkodye there. You can also request it from your favorite stockists.

a2e 10 years ago

Any idea on how well does this handles wear and washing cycles?
It sounds very promising... it comes in a time when I had lost entirely my interest in illustration over textiles.

Lumi 10 years ago

Inkodye is the most permanent type of dye you can buy. It is a true "vat dye" similar in composition to those used for military and service uniforms. You prints can be repeatedly machine washed.

luceida 10 years ago

What type of fabric did you use?

Lumi 10 years ago

This guide was done using lightweight raw silk.

Cat00x 10 years ago

I am curious what fabric you used and if you can recommend where to get it. Any recommendations on where to buy InkoDye and the application bottles? So nice to see this post. Thanks so much for sharing! Great photos, too.

organgrinder 10 years ago

I read about InkoDye in Mollie Makes and thought it would be fun for me, and our workshops. Are there any limitations on fabrics? Would this work with , for e.g, linen and heavier fabrics?

Lumi 10 years ago

Yes it does work on most natural fabrics even heavier ones, e.g. cotton, linen, rayon, silk, jute, hemp, burlap, etc. However Inkodye does not bind to synthetics (e.g. polyester or nylon).

mlazarovska 10 years ago

silly me, for once i thought I can make one of these.... O.o

londobali 10 years ago

Great 'ible!
I love batik, i didn't know they have modernize it like this.. i only knew the traditional way which is a pain..

Thanks for sharing!

dreamweaverabc 10 years ago

You guys (meaning guys and gals) are just too talented. Makes me feel quite inferior sometimes. Just when I've done something clever, I see just how much more there is to learn. I wish I had a 'we' to collaborate with. Love the scarf.

deviantsuperstar 10 years ago

Who is "we," how many people were wearing this scarf?

Lumi 10 years ago

Hi there! Hahaa. We (meaning out little team here at Lumi) tend to do projects together hence the language! :)

ehitzke 10 years ago

This is fantastic! Definitely want to give it a go!