Rice Paste Resist
The paste resist in katazome serves to block out areas of cloth when applied
through a stencil. The clocked out areas may be the original white (undyed)
portion of the fabric, or may be areas that have already been dyed that you
would like to protect from further dyeing.
INGREDIENTS
-Sift the dry ingredients and blend them together thoroughly.
-Add the water gradually, distributing the moisture evenly and thoroughly before
adding more.
-Add enough water to make the dough the consistency of pie crust dough, or wood
putty.
-Roll little golf-ball-size shapes from the dough.
-Place the dough in a steamer lined with a moistened cloth and steam for sixty
to ninety minutes.
-While the dough is steaming, add one tablespoon of calx (calcium hydroxide) to
one cup of warm water. Stir and allow larger particles to settle to the bottom
of the container.
-Transfer the dough balls quickly to a suribachi (mortar) and mix thoroughly and vigorously with a surikogi (pestle).
-Gradually decant the calx mixture into the paste as you continue to stir.
Continue adding a bit at a time until the paste takes on a slightly yellow
color (not bright yellow).
-Begin to add more water slowly to thin the mixture.
-Add a dollop of glycerine to keep the paste pliant once it has been applied to
the cloth.
-Continue adding water until it is of a spreading consistency at room
temperature.
-If you have worked diligently, you will have a lump free, glossy smooth paste.
If The paste is not glossy, then it is likely that you didn’t cook it long enough. If it is lumpy, you may strain it through a loose-weave
cloth.
-Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap for later use.
-When you are ready to use the paste you have the option of adjusting it to
allow for the level of humidity in your working environment. Very low humidity
may cause the paste to crack, so salt may be added to draw moisture from the
air. Too little salt and your paste will still crack. Too much and your paste
will take too long to dry. Start out with about a quarter teaspoon and learn to adjust it as needed in
future projects.
copyright John Marshall, 2011
