The application of wax to resist dye in textile design is called:

Answer Details

The application of wax to resist dye in textile design is called batik. In the batik process, hot melted wax is applied to specific areas of fabric using a brush, pen-like tool (tjanting), or stamp. When the fabric is subsequently dipped into dye, the waxed areas repel the dye and retain the original colour of the cloth, while the unwaxed areas absorb the dye. After dyeing, the wax is removed (usually by boiling or ironing), revealing the pattern created by the contrast between dyed and undyed areas.

This resist-dyeing principle can be repeated with multiple colours by applying new wax to protect previously dyed areas before dipping the fabric into a different colour. The characteristic fine lines or "crackle" effect seen in batik fabrics occur when the dried wax cracks and allows small amounts of dye to seep through.

Tie-dye also uses a resist principle, but the resist agent is physical tying, folding, or binding of the fabric rather than wax. Stencilling involves applying colour through a cut-out template. Applique is the technique of sewing or attaching pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to create a design. Only batik specifically uses wax as the resist medium.