The effect of microwax composition on the staining quality of Klowong Batik Wax

Abstract

Batik is one of the most highly developed Indonesian art forms that had been designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Batik wax is considered as the main material to make Batik, especially for handmade Batik in which the pattern and carve applied directly by the artisans. Melted wax (Malam) is made from a mixture of melted damar mata kucing, gondorukem, beeswax, and paraffin. This study aimed to substitute the beeswax which was difficult to find into microwax made from paraffin which is available in huge amount as well as easily searchable. Microwax varied as many as four samples with the equal variable. The samples were then tested used Spectrophotometer to test the colour difference, colour ageing test, rub test (wet, dry, and endurance soap). The results showed that microwax can be used to substitute the function of beeswax with appropriate composition. It is highly expected that the increasing of melted wax quality can increase the quality of Batik itself as well as the preservation of Indonesian Batik as a cultural heritage.