Originally Posted by kathy
I've never had a running batik either. They go thru som many harsh processes I just don't see how they can run, maybe it's the brand.
I have used hundreds of yards of batiks, the problem is not really in only one manufature, I have had it in all the major brands from Hoffman, Moda, Kaufman, etc.
To test I put the batik in a sink with Warm water ( helps to remove a wax residue,as well as some of the chemicals bonded in the wax) and leave it over night. Some that you think are OK once really saturated in water will run. Since soaps will remove some of that residue wax/chemicals much in the same way the warm water will react , you will be surprised at how many will run/bleed. It is a big clue when you put the batik in a sink of water and it seems to resist absorbing the water. This is a major sign that there is still a wax residue ( with chemicals) in the fabric. Have you ever noticed that some batiks have a strong distictive smell, this is also a sign of the chemical residue. I first noticed when I was pressing with steam the distictive smell. It is not an overwhelming odor , but noticable.
Mostly now I just assume they will and pretreat. This is a problem that is not getting better as Batiks grow in popularity. It is getting worse.
Do note there are batiks and then there are fabrics that look like batiks that are not manufactured in a traditional batik manner, marketed as batik. They are hand painted or sprayed. It is surprising how many "batiks" are really sprayed , and not done with the wax and resist. Some are done in a combination of methods. The label on the bolt does not distinguish. And then there are the printed fabrics made to look like batiks ... that is a whole different subject or should I say "keetle of Dye".