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The Story on Resist, Gutta and Waxes
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What Is A Resist?
The subject of resists can be confusing. Basically a resist is
anything that holds back the dye or prevents it from reaching the fabric—it resists the dye. Resists may be water based, solvent based or made from natural products. They may be applied in fine lines
using a tjanting tool, a resist application squeeze bottle or a Japanese mulberry cone. They may be brushed, splattered, sponged, rolled or silk-screened onto the fabric.
The Boundary Resist Technique...
In France this is referred to as the Serti technique. Lines of resist are applied to outline the design and separate the colours
creating a stained glass effect. The resist must penetrate the fabric and the lines must be completely enclosed to contain the dye. The easiest way of making lines is with a metal tipped applicator (see
Tool and Equipment section). Let resist dry thoroughly before painting. The brand of resist or gutta you use has nothing to do with the brand or kind of dye you use. Use any resist with any dye. Gutta is
simply another word meaning resist.
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Water Based Resists...
Water based resists are water soluble and are removed after steam fixation by washing in cold then hot soapy water.
Avoid painting on top of the resist line, let the dye flow to the line. Water based resists are very convenient to use—clean up with water is much easier than with solvents, less stinky too. So why use solvent based resist? Because it's completely resistant to water, it will hold a crisp line regardless of how wet the silk becomes during the painting process. The water based resists may be stored in the plastic applicator bottles. Click...
 Opulence Water Based Resists or
Pebeo Water Based Resists for colours and prices.
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Paint as a Resist...
This fabric paint works beautifully as a resist.
The colours have a soft iridescence that looks stunning with the dye. Any of the Shimmer colours may be used. .. Stir well, do not shake, and apply using a resist applicator. Let dry, then iron set prior
to dyeing. We iron set right on the frame, a couple of minutes on each side. After they are iron set let air cure a week before washing or dry cleaning. Click...
Setacolor Shimmer Fabric Paints for colours and prices
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Solvent Based Gutta...
These are latex or lacquer solvent based products. Ours are available in clear, black and
metallic gold or silver. They are removed by dry cleaning. Fabric containing clear gutta is usually dry cleaned after it is processed. The other types remain in the fabric. Since the gutta is not water
soluble it is not broken down by contact with the water soluble dyes. If the gutta flows too quickly during application, it may be firmed up in the fridge for a few minutes. If it is too thick, it may be
thinned by adding small amounts of gutta thinner. The solvent based gutta dries out if stored in plastic applicator bottles—return to original container to store. Solvent based products are inflammable,
use with caution and ventilation. Click...
Pebeo Solvent Based Guttas for colours and prices.
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Wax Resists...
Different waxes are melted and applied hot to the fabric using batik tjanting tools (see Tools section) or waxing brushes (see Japanese
Supplies). The wax protects the fabric from the dyes. Each type of wax has different characteristics of penetration, adherence and crackle. Waxes are often mixed to achieve the desired effect. Wax should
be used in a temperature controlled appliance (we use electric frying pans from the Salvation Army store). Hot wax can be a fire hazard, use it with care, always turn the temperature down if it starts to
smoke. Avoid breathing in wax fumes, work in a well ventilated area. Wax should appear transparent when applied to the fabric, if it looks opaque, it is probably not hot enough and will flake off. Wax is
usually ironed out between layers of blank newsprint and then the fabric is dry cleaned when the project is finished. Click...
Types of Wax Resists for prices.
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