Batik painting is an art form that is ancient and certainly one of the most beautiful. This type of fabric painting uses the best quality textiles, fabrics and vegetable dyes which are used together with a variety of threads of cotton and silk. It enhances the appearance of the artwork. It has been practiced in India for over 2100 years now.

Batik painting is an elaborate three stage process that includes waxing, dyeing and de-waxing. There are sub-processes that include waxing, dyeing and de-waxing. You can prepare the cloth, trace the designs and stretch the cloth on the frame.

The first step includes giving the cotton cloth a thorough washing and to remove the starch. The cloth is then dried, ironed and stretched on a wooden frame. The second step includes making a rough charcoal sketch which serves as a guide for the painting. The design develops gradually with each coat of waxing.

The third process includes the application of the wax that is a protective agent in the dyeing process. The wax which is usually a mixture of paraffin, resin and yellow beeswax is melted and handled with Tjanting. This is a brass pen shaped that is like a small cup with single or double spout. This pen is used in coloring the negative way by filling the space where he does not wan the color to appear. The process is quite tedious and does not have room for serious errors.

The artist repeats the process of the first step after each color that the artist decides to use. The artist will wash the waxed piece in boiling water. The entire process of wax removing and wax covering for more colors will continue till the artist feels that his work is complete. The fourth stage is application of colors or dyes to the painting using a brush. In case of very large areas, the cloth is removed from the frame and dipped in a basin of dye.

The final stage includes the removal of wax residue and the fixing of colors, immersing the cloth into boiling water with a small amount of detergent. The cloth is then rinsed in cold water. The complete painting is then dipped in a diluted solution of sulphuric acid to give the colors permanency. Several handmade Batik tapestries are made of various kinds of hand woven threads to give it a specific quality. This art form is three-dimensional and has features of depth and texture.

Batik print is done on saris, wall hangings, bed spreads, cushion covers, shawls, etc. They can be available in various handloom stores, boutiques and crafts exhibitions across the country.