C:\Website\Sabra Silk Resist.htm

PO Box 14 • Somerset, MA 02726
orders 1-800-2-BUY-DYE
technical support 508-676-3838
fax 508-676-3980
e-mail • promail@prochemical.com
www.prochemical.com

Sabrasilk Resist

Please read directions carefully before starting.

Sabrasilk Resist is a water based colorless resist for silk painting. It works great on silk and light weight cotton. It is colorless, but can be colored with powdered dyes. Use full strength and apply directly from the 1.25 ounces bottle. For additional information, visit our web site at www.prochemical.com.

Wear thin latex gloves, apron, or old clothes

Utensils used for silk painting should never be used for food preparation.

Supplies
Sabrasilk Resist
Dye, and auxiliaries to set the dyes
Synthrapol
PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash

Equipment
Fabric stretcher frame
Stainless steel push pins
Brushes

Procedure
1. Scour the fabric by machine washing in HOT 140^oF (60^oC) water, or by hand in a pot on the stove with ½ tsp (2 gm) PRO Dye Activator and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Synthrapol per pound of fabric (454 gm, or 3 to 4 yards cotton muslin, or 8 yards 8mm China Silk, or 3 Medium T-shirts, or 1 sweatshirt). Rinse thoroughly. This step does not add the dye fixative to the fabric; it prepares your fabric for dyeing by removing any dirt, oil or sizing.

2. Prepare the dye according to the specific dye directions.

3. Transfer the design to your fabric using a soft pencil. You may want to draw your design freehand or use a light table to help you transfer the design. You can also use a window or sliding glass door, by taping the pattern to the glass surface. Then tape the fabric over the pattern and transfer the design.

4. Stretch your silk or light weight cotton fabric prior to painting. There are a number of frames available on the market for use in silk painting OR you can make your own from artist stretcher frames and stainless steel push pins.

First pin the four corners, then the middle of the four sides, pulling the fabric taut. You can avoid stretch lines by staggering the placement of the push pins and not placing them directly across from one another. Continue placing pins every 2 - 3 inches apart, around all four sides, always working from the center outward to the corners.

5. Apply the resist lines, using the Sabra Silk Resist. Remove the cap from the 1.25 ounce applicator bottle and discard the safety insert. Press the applicator tip firmly against the stretched fabric while keeping the bottle vertical. It is important to maintain an even flow and continuous line as you trace the design because the dye will flow through any gaps in the resist line. Check the back of your fabric to make sure that the resist has penetrated all the way through. If you see any gaps, fill them in from the front. You may need to apply the resist on both sides of heavy fabric. Once you’ve outlined your design you can begin painting with the dye, while the resist is still wet or once it’s dry.

6. Fix the painted fabric by allowing it to air dry, then fix according to the specific dye directions. Sabrasilk Resist rinses out easily in the final rinse water.

Good Things to Know

For a colored resist, add a pinch of dye powder to the Sabrasilk Resist. Mix well until dissolved. We’ve found it best to add dye the day before you wish to use it.
Thin with water and brush Sabrasilk Resist over your stretched fabric. It acts like an anti-diffuser so you can paint with thin watery dye and have your imagery stay where you put it.