Batik – Part 2
Now that the glue has dried on our Batik fabric, it’s time to finish up by painting them!
For this project you will need:
- Glue drawings from Batik – Part 1
- Parchment or waxed paper
- Paint smock or t-shirt, if desired
- Acrylic craft paint
- Paint brushes
- Paper plate or bowl
- Water
- Masking tape
Place the fabric (with the dried glue from the previous week) on a piece of parchment or waxed paper.
Water down the acrylic paint on a paper plate or bowl by adding approximately 1 teaspoon of water to a nickel-sized amount of paint. Mix together with Q-tip or brush.
Create a clean edge to your Batik print by using masking tape to tape around the edges of the glue pattern. This is a very important step and is the key to the fabric having a nice clean look. Be sure and press the tape firmly to the fabric so that paint does not seep underneath.
Paint up to the edges of the tape.
Following are a few tips for achieving various dramatic results…………
Make your design monochromatic. In other words, use only one color to create a striking contrast and a dramatic effect.
Or alternate various shades of similar colors.
To achieve more vibrant results, add less water to the acrylic craft paint or add another layer of paint as the initial paint layers begin to dry.
Once your Batik has dried completely, peel up the tape.
Next, soak the fabric in warm (almost hot) water in a sink or bathtub for about 15-30 minutes. This step is VERY important.
I was impatient and did not wait long enough. As a result, I had to scrub the paint off.
This is what it should look like…..
See the glue bubbling up? With glue at this stage, you should be able to use a soft cloth or fingers to gently rub all of the glue away (a slick feeling indicates the glue is still present). The excess color will discharge along with the glue.
The new rinsed painting will not be quite as brilliant as the original painting; the colors will fade.
Do not wring the water out of the painting, but blot it between paper towels. Lay flat or hang to dry.
Once completely dry, iron the wrinkles out of the fabric, if desired.
Super unique!