Resistad is a concentrated, viscous water-based medium which can be used as a gutta resist in silk painting, or as a printing paste for screen printing, block printing, and stamping.
Gutta resist made from Resistad produces a clean line that does not “feather” across the fibres in the silk fabric. Once dry it is highly water-resistant. This water-resistance can be increased by improving the medium’s water repellent properties further by heat setting – perfect for retaining detail.
To make a clear gutta resist for silk painting, the recommended dilution is 50% medium to 50% water. Coloured gutta outliner can be made by using a dye solution (such as H Dupont Classique) or silk paint, instead of water. Mix the liquid thoroughly into the Resistad and set aside in an airtight container for a couple of hours. This will allow the Resistad to fully absorb the liquid.
If you use dye to colour the Resistad, the dye colour in the gutta line becomes permanent on the fabric when the silk painting is steam-fixed. Coloured outlines created with Resistad gutta and silk paints, become permanent once heat set with an iron.
To use as a printing paste, start with a ratio of 2:1 Resistad to liquid and slowly combine more liquid until the desired consistency has been achieved. As moisture is not immediately fully absorbed into Resistad, it may take time, experimentation and note keeping to attain the solution required.
When work is completed, the water-based Resistad washes out of the fabric and does not affect the feel or drape. Remove the resist by first soaking in cool, soapy water and then rinsing.
