Make your own batik at this gallery in Kuala Lumpur

The writer tries her hand at painting her own batik and this is the result. Photos: The Star/Ming Teoh

Unleash your inner batik artist in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. If you have some free time, head out to the city to learn how to make batik from experts at this factory-­cum-gallery.

Why you should go

Not only do you get to learn the process of making batik, but you get to try it out in a hands-on experience with experts at the gallery.

It is a fun and educational activity that you can do with family and friends, and an interesting way to spend an afternoon.

The best part is, you get to take home what you produce as a souvenir and memory of your experience. The piece that you have painted can be framed up and used to decorate your home or given as a gift.

What to do

Experts at the gallery will take you through the process of batik painting. You will learn about the wax that is used and how it is melted in skillets. A tjanting is then used to draw designs onto the material, which is usually either cotton or silk.

Designs can be inspirations from nature, such as flora and fauna, or even your favourite cartoon characters. Some popular designs include flowers (especially the hibiscus), butterflies, cute animals (cats, birds, rabbits) and Pokemon Go characters.

Basically, if it can be drawn and painted, it can be a design for your batik masterpiece.

After the designs are drawn and the wax is dry, the material is painted using brushes. You can adjust how dark or light you want the colour to be. For an intense effect, use more layers of the same colour. For a translucent effect, add a drop or two of water to the material before painting.

You can also mix colours on the cloth to create more shades.

Tjanting filled with beeswax is used to draw designs on the material.

Designs drawn on the cloth, all ready to be painted and made into batik.

The designs are painted using brushes and paints.

For an intense effect, use more layers of the same colour. For a lighter effect, add a drop of water to the material before painting.

After your painting dries, the wax is washed off to reveal your artwork. After a final drying, your batik masterpiece is ready.

Who will like it

Batik painting is an interesting activity suitable for both kids and adults. Of course, it goes without saying that it would appeal most to those who enjoy creative stuff like drawing and painting.

If you’ve always wondered how batik is made, then this is one place that you can check out. Tourists would also be able to learn a thing or two about Malaysian culture at this gallery.

Getting there

Jadi Batek Gallery is located in the KL city centre itself, close to many landmarks and tourist attractions. You can take the MRT and stop at the Tun Razak Exchange station. The gallery is about 500m from the station.

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Jadi Batek Gallery

30, Jalan Inai, Imbi

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: [phone]

Website: http://jadibatek.com