How to Remove Batik Wax From Gourds

Gourds are a fruit with many purposes. Gourds are made into lampshades, water bottles and bird houses, to name a few of the hundreds of gourd items.One method of decorating gourds is using batik. Beeswax is melted and applied to the gourd and allowed to cure. The gourd is dyed (often with leather dye) and left to dry. Once dry, the wax must be removed to show the patterns beneath. As the wax is impervious to dye, the areas which were waxed retain the original gourd color.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Rag

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Leave your gourd to dry thoroughly after you have applied the batik dye.

   • 2

     Remove the wax by dipping your gourd into a bucket filled with hot water. Do not leave the gourd to soak; simply dip it in.

   • 3

     Use the rag to wipe the wax, which has been softened by the warm water, from the surface of the gourd.