LESSON 12 BATIK: REMOVAL OF WAX AND SAFETY MEASURES STRUCTURE 12.0
OBJECTIVES
12.1
INTRODUCTION
12.2
METHODS OF REMOVING W AX 12.2.1 12.2.2 12.2.3 12.2.4
BOILING METHOD STEAMING METHOD DRY CLEANING METHOD IRONING METHOD
12.3
SAFETY MEASURES
12.4
ASSIGNMENTS 12.4.1 12.4.2
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS HOME ASSIGNMENTS
12.5
SUMMING UP
12.6
POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS
12.7
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
12.8
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
12.9
GLOSSARY
12. BATIK: REMOVAL OF WAX AND SAFETY MEASURES In the previous lesson we had learnt about the preparation of cloth, preparation of wax, applying wax with brush, preparation of colour solution and the dyeing procedure of batik. In this lesson we will learn how to de-wax the dyed cloth of batik.
12.0 Objectives After going through this lesson you will be able to: •
Understand the various methods of removing wax from the dyed cloth.
•
Understand some important safety measures to be taken while making batik.
12.1 Introduction In Lessons 10 and 11, various aspects dealing with the making of Batik were described. It was stated in Lesson 11 that the applied wax coating has to be removed after each dyeing operation. In this Lesson, the techniques used for removing wax will be described. In addition, the safety measures to be adopted during the creation of Batik will be listed. It is worth remembering that a de-waxing treatment at high temperature helps in providing a good finish and in fixing the colour.
12.2 Methods of Removing Wax There are many methods to remove wax from the fabric. The following four methods are generally used. Out of these, the first two methods are usually preferred, but are not suitable for silk or in case of certain dyes used. 12.2.1 Boiling method i) Boil a pint (about 0.6 litre) of water in a tumbler. ii) Add one dessertspoon (smaller than a tablespoon and larger than a teaspoon) of washing soap in boiled water, and after two minutes dip the fabric in it with the help of a pair of tongs. iii) Remove the fabric from the water bath and rub properly so that wax is removed. iv) Finally place the cloth between two sheets of newspaper and iron it.
12.2.2 Steaming method The fabric is placed in between layers of padding and newspapers. Water in a large kettle is brought to boil and when the water steams, the padded fabric is put in the pot ensuring that the fabric is totally surrounded by steam. The de-waxing occurs effectively. 12.2.3 Dry cleaning method Remaining wax can be removed by dry cleaning method using organic solvents viz., carbon tetrachloride or petrol. Rinse the cloth in any solvent and dry it in open air. 12.2.4 Ironing method In this method keep your fabric in between two layers of newspaper and use an ironing board so that fabric movement is minimum. Iron fabric by setting the iron for cotton. Wax will be absorbed by the news paper. Repeat the process by changing the news paper frequently. Any residual wax may be removed with the help of carbon tetrachloride.
Fig. 12.1 Batik pillow covers
Self-check Questions Fill in the blanks 1. The four methods generally used to remove the wax from the dyed cloth are: _________ method, __________ method, ___________ method and _________ method.
12.3 Safety Measures 1. All persons handling the chemicals, colours and other products should take precautions to avoid accidental ingestion, inhalation, skin/eye contact and should be aware of any limitations of use of specific products. While the dyes
and chemicals used are not highly toxic, they are industrial chemicals and should be handled with care. If chemical products get into the eyes by accident, wash thoroughly with water and obtain medical treatment. 2. Prolonged or repeated contact with skin should be avoided. 3. Wear rubber gloves and use implements to stir solutions and dye-baths. The wax should not be taken to very high temperature. Never leave hot wax unattended.
Self-check Questions Fill in the blanks 2. All persons handling the chemicals, colours and other products should take precautions to avoid accidental _________, _________, _____/______ contact and should be aware of any ___________ of use of specific products.
12.4 Assignments 12.4.1 Class assignment i) Remove wax from the fabric and give finishing touches. 12.4.2 Home assignment i) Remove the wax applied on a fabric using the water boiling method and the ironing method. Note down your observations. Which of these two methods would you prefer to use?
12.5 Summing Up The various methods that are in use for de-waxing while making Batik have been described in this lesson. The safety precautions to be observed during Batik work have been listed.
12.6 Possible Answers to Self-check Questions 1. The four methods generally used to remove the wax from the dyed cloth are: boiling method, steaming method, dry cleaning method and ironing method. 2. All persons handling the chemicals, colours and other products should take precautions to avoid accidental ingestion, inhalation, skin/eye contact and should be aware of any limitations of use of specific products.
12.7 Terminal Questions 1. Describe the dry-cleaning method of de-waxing. 2. What are the safety precautions to be observed during batik work?
12.8 References and Suggested Further Reading 1. Anderson, F. 1977. Tie Dyeing and Batik. Octopus Books Ltd. London. 2. Dantyagi, S. 1991. Fundamentals of Textiles and Their Use. Orient Longman Ltd., New Delhi. 3. Deulkar, D. 1991. Household Textiles and Laundering Work. Atma Ram and Sons, New Delhi. 4. Hess, K.P. 1986. Textile Fibres and Their Use. Oxford-IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi. 5. Meilach, D.Z. 1973. Contemporary Batik and Tie-Dye. Crown Publishers, Inc. New York. 6. Wingate, B. 1995. Textile Fabrics and Their Selection. Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. 7. Google search engine – http://www.google.com – Batik Internet sites
12.9 Glossary 1. De-waxing
Removing wax from the fabric
2. Residual wax
Left out (remaining) wax on the fabric after batik
3. Ingestion
Intake
4. Inhalation
Breathing in
5. Carbon tetrachloride
An organic solvent (CCL4)