Multi-Color Printing with Bean Flour as Resist Agent and Color Paste

Abstract

Bean-flour printing is a traditional craft with local characteristics that originated in China. However, its survival today faces various obstacles, especially the lack of innovation. This study has developed a technique to produce multi-color prints on cotton textiles using bean flour and quicklime as pastes and resist agents. It was found that bean flour could be mixed with various natural dyes and colors in the resist part. The thickness of the bean flour pastes had a direct effect on clarity and brightness of the covered area during printing process. In multi-color printing, the hue of the resist area was closely related to the dyes used and the thickness of the bean flour pastes. In addition, the thickness of the bean-flour pastes played a crucial role in rub resistance of the colors and the overall durability of the printed design. In conclusion, this innovative method of multi-color printing not only preserved but also revitalized the ancient art of bean flour printing.