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 Introduction:
Wax-Out! offers an alternative solution to removing wax
from finished Batik items. It is a mix of products which,
individually, are already in commercial use in the textile
industry for removing oils and waxes from fibres, yarn and
fabrics. These contaminants arise both as from the original
raw materials, wax in cotton and lanolin in wool, as well
as from lubricants in the production processes.
The mix contains an emulsifying agent, which breaks down
the wax and oils, and a dispersant to allow the emulsion to
part from the material. There is also a small amount of soda
ash to create a slightly alkaline solution, which helps keep
the emulsion in suspension.
How to remove Wax from Batik items:
Ensure the dyes or paints have been set on the fabric prior
to using Wax-Out! The concentrate should be mixed with the
recommended quantity of hot water, and may form a gel at an
early point in the dilution. This will disperse with stirring.
After the concentrate is fully mixed add the soda ash and
again stir until completely dissolved. This stock solution
may be kept in a closed container indefinitely. With careful
measuring, it is possible to use only part of the concentrate
at one time.
It is recommended that the dyed fabric is first washed in
hand hot water with added Synthrapol (or similar) to remove
any unfixed dye or paints. The MX and Direct dye series will
always have some unfixed dye in the fabric and this should
be washed out first to avoid any risk of back staining.
Wax-Out! is used at 50–60°C, and there should be
sufficient volume of Wax-Out! to allow the fabric to move
freely. Heat the bath to temperature and then hold at this
level for around 20 minutes. Remove the fabric and allow it
to drip for a short period, and then wash in hot water. If
there has been heavy waxing, or you used a wax mix which has
a high percentage of beeswax you may find the addition of
a little detergent helps to remove the remaining white wax
emulsion. Wash until all the traces of wax have been removed
and hang to dry.
The Wax-Out! bath may be reused several times, but ultimately
the chemicals will all be used up. The time for this depends
on the amount of wax on each painting.
Hazards:
The undiluted mix contains a small quantity of a product
which is an irritant to the eyes, and which carries a risk
of serious damage if it is not washed out with copious quantities
of water.
As with all strong chemicals a barrier method of working
is always advisable and should include rubber gloves, and
work clothes, though no examples of sensitisation to the products
are known. Where there is a risk of splashes to the eyes,
goggles should be worn.
Wax-Out! has been handled here at Fibrecrafts with bare hands
and there appears to be no effect on skin whatsoever. However,
it is wise to wash skin after contact.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the mix is available
if required (this will download
as a PDF).
Environment:
The ingredients of Wax-Out! are ‘inherently and readily
biodegradable’ and have no negative effects on the degrading
activity of sewage processing systems. They require high concentrations
to have a toxic effect on fish or algae.
You can visit The
Batik Guild, which is a UK based organisation,
to learn more about the ancient craft of Batik |