Message: what is the best fixative for directly applied deka batik dyes on silk...the instructions say fixative 111, but i cannot find anywhere to purchase it...

Deka L dyes are not currently available in the US, but they are still available in other countries, and other brands of the same class of dyes are available. They are a type of all-purpose dye, which is a combination of hot-water acid dyes for wool and silk plus hot-water direct dyes for cotton. All-purpose dyes work best if simmered at 190°F. (87°C.) for half an hour, though this is impossible in batiking because the wax would melt. Although Deka L dyes can be used for batik, it is clear that any cold water dye would be much easier to use, more permanent, and all around superior for batik.

Deka L fixative is a proprietary formula, sold only where other products of the Deka company are sold. It is very likely, however, that it is similar to such products as Retayne and Raycafix; you can find Retayne at any good mail-order dye supplier or via a web search. Cationic dye fixatives such as Retayne must not be used until after the final stage of dyeing has been completed, because they may interfere with additional dyeing. They are useful in improving the washfastness of all-purpose dye so that it does not wash out as quickly, though they may decrease lightfastness.

I must recommend that you avoid the use of hot-water dyes for batik, even if you obtain a dye fixative such as Retayne. Cool water fiber reactive dyes are much more suitable, and can be used on silk with the same soda ash recipe that is used for cotton. The most popular type of fiber reactive dye is Procion MX dye, which readily available by mail order in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. You can order them from any of the dye suppliers around the world which I have listed on my Sources for Dyeing Supplies page.

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