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Potato Dextrin Resist Potato dextrin resist produces an effect similar to batik. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-103

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Now that the safety precautions are all in place, the fabric needs to be prepared.

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Fabric Preparation

1. Scour fabric to remove dirt, oil or sizing by washing in synthrapol (following manufacturer's instructions): by machine or by hand in a pot, using hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit) water with 1/2 tsp.(2 gm) synthrapol per pound (3 or 4 yards) of fabric. Rinse thoroughly, dry and iron as needed.

2. Cut or tear fabric to size; iron if necessary.

Note: White fabric must be soaked in soda ash solution (1/2 c. soda ash to 1 gal. hot water) for 5 minutes, then allowed to drip dry (do not use dryer).

Mixing Potato Dextrin Resist Paste

Note: Refer to manufacturer's directions.

1. Boil 2 c. water (can be done in microwave using microwave-safe container).

	Figure B
	Figure C

2. Wearing a dust mask, measure 1-1/4 c. potato dextrin powder and slowly add to water, stirring constantly until dissolved and translucent in color (lower heat to prevent scorching). Skim off any foam.3. Cover container and allow the mixture to cool, stirring occasionally. As mixture cools, it thickens to consistency of soft pudding or thick soup.

4. Cool to at least 80 degrees, or allow to cool completely, before spreading. Store unused portion in refrigerator in airtight container for as long as a month, reheating to desired consistency for spreading (figure B).

3. Tape or T-pin fabric (one fat quarter of white cotton and one of black) to table or board. If you tape, be sure to stretch the fabric as you tape it; if you use pins, place a pin every 1" or so (figure C). If you prefer to work on a table, use a plastic underlay to protect the surface; Sandra says she prefers to work on a board, as it provides a portable work surface.

Application of Resist Paste

Figure D

1. Spoon potato dextrin paste into the desired area (figure D) using the squeegee or plastic taping knife to spread evenly. To create the frame of this project, spread potato dextrin across entire piece of black cotton (fat quarter). For the vase use a ready-made stencil; make your own by cutting a poly-foam stencil; or shape the vase by taking excess paste away for desired shape.

Hint: Thick application creates less cracking and thus fewer lines: spreading thin creates more crackle and more lines.2. Allow paste to dry completely, still securely taped or pinned down. As the mixture dries and the water evaporates, the potato dextrin shrinks and creates lines. Proceed when completely dry but not too dry -- that will cause the resist to curl at edges, pull up and even fall away from the fabric. A little less dry is better than too dry for crisp, clean lines.

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