Painting and Printing Fabric with Sun Dyes

Sun Dyes – are a quick and easy way to hand paint silk, cotton, wool and any natural fibres.

They are fixed by heat setting – use a warm, dry iron.

The Sun dyes can also be used for sun printing – this is a process in which the fabric can be painted and while it is still wet placed out in the sun with leaves, templates, feathers etc. anything which will leave an impression – the UV in the sun reacts with the pigment in the paints, creating a sun print.

Silk Painting using Sun Dyes

1. Stretch the silk on to a wooden frame, using 3 point pins or push pins to attach the silk to the wooden frame.
2. If using Gutta or Cold Batik Wax apply these to the stretched fabric first as they need to be totally dry prior to using the dyes.
3. Start to apply the Sun Dyes using a soft brush. A soft brush is best as it will hold quite a lot of silk dye and will ensure an even finish.
4. Note that the Cold Wax is not a resist, it will not act as a line, but simply create a texture.
5. Note that Gutta will act as a resist and no dye will travel over or under the Gutta line.   This is the best method for line or design work.
6. Manutex, (dye thickener) can also be used with the paints to create a design – with out the use of Gutta. This will provide a more painterly effect. Either thicken the dye with Manutex or paint Manutex over the stretched silk and allow to dry before painting with the dyes.
7. Once you have finished your silk painting, leave the piece to air dry on the frame for at least 3-4 hrs (overnight is best)
8. The piece, once dry, then needs to be ironed. Use a warm dry iron  (place an old cloth /pressing fabric over the work). Iron for approx 6 –10 minutes.
9. Once the piece has been fixed (ironed) you may then proceed to remove Gutta, Cold Wax or Manutex build up with a warm soapy wash. This will remove any residue.
10. Always iron silk whilst it is damp, as this will make it easier to remove any creases.

You have now completed your silk or cotton painting.  The pieces you produce can be wearable or artwork to hang on the walls    

Sun Printing with Sun Dye

Materials

Sun Dyes

Silk or Cotton fabric

Marbling Tray

Foam Brush

1. Place the fabric into a Marbling Tray, or meat tray to keep the fabric in place.
2. Shake the bottles of Sun Dye to mix prior to use. Pour a small amount out into a palette or paint container. Dye may be watered down by 50% or used full strength.
3. Pre wet the fabric with a mist of water spray.
4. Start to apply the dyes to your fabric with a foam or paintbrush.
5. Paint in a quick manner – as the fabric needs to be wet or sun printing will not occur.
6. While the fabric is still wet, move outdoors to a sunny but sheltered from the wind location.
7. Start to arrange your objects on to the wet fabric. Ensure they are all weighed down in order to achieve sharp and clear images. Brush over paper or card stencils with water to help temporary adhesion to the fabric.
8. Leave the fabric to dry in the direct sun
9. Once the fabric is completely dry the objects can be removed to reveal the sun print.
10. To finish and fix the piece, the fabric will need to be ironed with a dry iron on a warm setting. Leave fabric for approximately two days prior to washing.  .

Please note – for best results in sun printing

Ensure you have shaken the contents of the bottle

Make sure you are using a natural fibre (no polyester or polycotton)

You will require a clear sunny day – as this process works on the sun’s UV rays.