In this resist method wax is used as the resist material. Paraffin wax is applied on the fabric in areas where the background colour or white is to be retained. Application of wax is done by use of tjanting-a copper cup attached to a reed handle. Wax is melted in a double boiler and the copper cup is dipped and the molten wax is taken in the cup. The cup has a spout through which wax flows in a continuous thin flow. The painter uses this spout and waxes the design areas.
An important part of producing batik prints is the preparation of the fabric. It is thoroughly washed to remove starch or sizing and oiled to facilitate dye penetration. The cloth is dipped in dye. Waxed areas repel the dyestuff, so only the untreated areas absorb the color. A second and third colour can be used in the design but the general rule is to start with light colours and proceed with successive dark colours. After dyeing is completed wax is removed by dipping the fabric in boiling water. Two or three dippings are required for complete removal of wax. As the water cools, the wax solidifies, floats on the surface, and is recovered for reuse.
Sometimes the wax cracks or is deliberately cracked so that fine lines of color appear in the background areas. Using tjap in place of tjant speeds up the batik work. This is a block with the design in copper wires and bands inserted into wooden blocks. The block is dipped in melted wax and transferred to the cloth.
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