Vinyl Sulfone dyes, also known as Remazol® dyes after the trademarked name under which they were first introduced, are a type of fiber reactive dye that is often used in batik. Originating in Germany, this is the dyestuff that is used most commonly in every country I have been in so far. (I have yet to understand why the U.S. has deviated away from this brand, opting for Procion MX brand dyes since everyone I have spoken to insists Remazol is better).
It has been surprising how even the same brand of dye can be used in so many different ways depending on the country. In Thailand they were used on cotton and simply "cured" in the hot, humid climate. Malaysian artists use sodium silicate to fix the dye onto silk whereas in Japan it is set with steam or an alkaline solution. Unlike either Thailand or Malaysia, the wax is NEVER removed by boiling, which removes so much of the color. In fact, I even learned that Remazol is heat sensitive and does not react well to high temperatures! Here, the wax is actually removed with gasoline!!!
If only the artists in Malaysia could see the vibrancy of the colors possible with their dyes, they would be blown away!
Rozome art, when not created into Kimonos are stretched onto wooden panels.
The Alkaline solution is scrubbed into the fabric and left for 40 minutes.
Instead of loosing their vibrancy in boiling water, the colors actually become richer and more vibrant instantly!
The alkaline solution that makes it possible.
The cloth is first washed in cold, then warm water.
Who needs a dryer? Not these students!
Hang to dry and its DONE!
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