The comparison of tapioca and rice pastes as resist agents for printing and rust dyeing on silk fabric / Nur Syaza Md Zain and Nazurah Che Awang

In the study, alternative resist agents made of tapioca and rice flour were used in batik processing. The main purpose of this project was to find the right ratio of the resist agent made of flour and water to be used as the alternative resists agent that have the same function with wax in batik industries. The effectiveness of the tapioca paste and rice paste as resist agent were compared according to their formulation with different ratios respectively. Based on the ease of application during canting, ability to resist dye during colouration and easy of removal after application, the resist paste made of tapioca flour at a ratio of 1:20 was the best alternative to wax in batik making. Nevertheless, more studies should be made to determine the perfect ratio that would give best resist effect and produce very fine outline. The handling of resist agents on fabrics seem to be easier and safer. The application can be done at room temperature.