New
New
Wax Batik
I can create a batik design by applying wax, adding dye, and drawing in details inspired by nature.
Lesson 5 of 9
New
New
- Year 10
Wax Batik
I can create a batik design by applying wax, adding dye, and drawing in details inspired by nature.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Batik has deep cultural roots, and artists use batik to honour and preserve these traditional techniques and motifs.
- The dyeing process in batik produces rich, vibrant colours that can be layered and blended.
- Wax is applied to fabric before dyeing, preventing dye from reaching certain areas and creating patterns.
Keywords
Resist - a method of blocking dye from certain areas of fabric.
Dye - a substance used to colour materials.
Wax - used in batik as a resist to create patterns.
Common misconception
You don’t have to iron off the wax after dyeing.
If you don't iron off the wax after dyeing, the fabric will look unfinished and waxy.
Make sure pupils are careful whilst handling the wax pot, the wax and wax pot can get very hot. They need to be tought about this before the lesson begins.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Wax, wax pot, old paintbrushes, tjanting, fabric dyes or inks, white cotton, permanent markers.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens when you paint directly onto the silkscreen?
What happens when you paint directly onto the silkscreen?
It produces a repeating pattern automatically
It transfers ink without needing a screen
You can make hundreds of prints
Q2.Why is the silkscreen technique considered versatile?
Why is the silkscreen technique considered versatile?
It can only be used for paper posters
It’s limited to one type of ink
It requires no tools or materials
Q3.How might artists develop their design after using silkscreen?
How might artists develop their design after using silkscreen?
By washing off the ink
By cutting up the design and starting again
By painting over it with glue
Q4.What is a silkscreen?
What is a silkscreen?
A printer that uses heat to apply ink
A type of paper for painting
A stencil for tracing shapes
Q5.What is the job of a squeegee in silkscreen printing?
What is the job of a squeegee in silkscreen printing?
To clean the fabric after printing
To hold the screen in place
To mix the paint with water
Q6.Why would an artist use a textile medium?
Why would an artist use a textile medium?
To make the paint smell nice
To turn the paint into a glue
To thin the paint for watercolour work
