Alcohol Technique: Silk Painting with Jill Kennedy

The DVD is available from Silksational in New South Wales, if you want to call them they can provide a copy for purchase, as well as dyes you can use.

The chemicals are 'heat set' or 'fibre reactive' dyes; they will move until steamed heat is applied in a cooker or steamer. Brands such as Pro-Chem (USA), Dupont (France) and Dharma Trading (California) all work, as well as others.

If you want it to 'repel' water, you need something after the heat set process that is a water repellant.

I'm trying to make it water-proof as I'm trying to make a scarf. I can't find the DVD anywhere in Australia, so if you would kindly explain how to make the silk painting water proof, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks Andy,
It the dye still wet or dry?
Thanks
Sue

Hi Sue,

Jill is using Rubbing Alcohol with a brush and applying it on the dyed silk. It reacts with the dye and causes a gradation in the dye as well as lovely outlines.

The film is available from dealers nationwide and if you ask your library, perhaps they will put it into circulation.

- Andy

So I am not sure what you mean by using alcohol. Are you somehow mixing the dye with alcohol??? If so what brands are you using. Thanks! Sue