user3587

Can you use the dye catcher sheets effectly for prewashing batik fabric. I read where you can use a product called Synthrapol. I have not ideal where you would buy this locally. I'm hoping a sheet will work. When you cut a pick of fabric and the color is left on the mat, you know you need to prewash. I would appreciate anyone's help.

user3587

Another question, How do you keep the fabric from raveling during prewash. Do you line dry instead of machine drying?

Moonpi

Dye catchers are worth their weight in gold. I think the one I use is made by Shout, terry-clothish, and good for 30 loads. Batiks definately shed some dye.you can use the search feature on the top of the page to find some discussions and reviews.

Regarding clothes line or dryer, a dryer should further shrink the fabric. As to ravelling, there are a few threads here about that. pinking and edge zig-zagging work for some. For small pieces, I like using a lingerie bag.

Flying_V_Goddess

Dharma Trading Company sells Synthrapol. They also sell Professional Textile Detergant...Synthrapol became unvailable for a few months so the company had a similar detergant made so that customers wouldn't go without. There's also a product called Retayne that will fix the dyes in place.

Judy Gail

Because batiks have a high thread count, there is very little raveling in the dryer. I pretreat batiks with Retayne to set the dye. I get Retayne at the quilt store. I think they also carry Synthrapol. I have never used Synthrapol to set the dye. Here is what is says on the bottle:

"Synthrapol is an industrial strength, neutral liquid detergent used as a prewash, afterwash or wetting agent for paint and dye. Synthrapol has a unique characteristic of keeping loose dye particles in suspension, thus preventing backstaining."

Judy

sewnsewer2

When I prewash, I serge around it 1st or just stitch it 1st.

babeegirl

I swear by this product. it works very very well. Plus, it does not have the chemical aroma of Synthropol.

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/4986873-AA.shtml?lnav=chemicals.html

Rose Marie

I have been just washing batiks, so far no dye running. I love batiks and marbles.
Put an old towel in the dryer to prevent shredding and bunching.

nor'easter

There is a difference between Retayne and Synthrapol. On the most basic level, Synthrapol suspends and removes excess dye (not all types of dye, but it also removes sizing, dirt, and oils) from cotton fibers and Retayne sets dye on fabrics. If fading will be a concern, and I think there is with batiks, I would use Retayne. Moonpi, bet you can't say "clothish" three times fast! :D