Our beeswax comes from the Peace River area (Northern BC – Alberta). It is well filtered and has a lovely fragrance. Beeswax is naturally malleable and tacky. Used on its own beeswax is very smooth with very little crackle. If the characteristic crackle effect of batik is desired an excellent recipe is 50% beeswax and 50% paraffin wax. To obtain strong concise detail for direct application through a tjanting tool, a ratio of 70% beeswax to 30% microcrystalline wax is a good place to start experimenting. Excellent applicators for applying hot wax are the Japanese Rofude brushes and the many varieties of tjanting tools. Wax requires ironing, boiling or drycleaning to remove. Our favourite way to melt wax is by using an electric fry pan (one with a working thermostat), as it is easy to work from, control the temperature and to store wax in for future use. Wax can also be melted directly in a small metal container placed over a Bunsen burner, or on a heating element. Do not exceed the melting point of 260° F., as the wax will begin to break down and discolour the fabric, and too high a temperature will cause unnecessary toxic smoke and possibly ignite. PROPER VENTILATION IN YOUR WORK AREA IS A MUST WHEN WORKING WITH HOT WAX.
