The devoré technique produces an effect similar to lace. It is often referred to as “burn-out” and is achieved by printing or painting a substance on the cloth that, when heated, destroys some of the fibers present. The technique is usually used on mixed fiber cloths where one fiber is a protein and one fiber is a cellulose. Stunning effects can be created on silk/rayon velvets where the velvet rayon pile is eaten away and the translucent silk gauze remains. Many exciting results can also be produced on fabrics not designed for devoré purposes and it is worth experimenting with unusual fabric combinations.
Maiwa sells a premixed devore paste that is ready to use. We also have given below a very good recipe for making your own devoré paste. It is quite simple and you will only need to purchase a few ingredients.
Recipe for Devoré Paste
Note: always follow proper precautions for studio hygiene when handling chemicals. Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and skin/eye contact.
The formula for the devoré paste consists of two components, the thickener, and the sodium bisulphate mix. The thickener (A) is mixed first, and left to sit for several hours, or overnight, before being mixed with the second part (B) of the formula.
Part A 6 3/8 tbs P4 thickener
3 cups water
Mix in blender thoroughly, let stand for several hours.
Part B 8 tbs sodium bisulphate
1/4 cup water
3 tbs glycerin
This mixture is very thick at first, but will thin down over time. It still works when thin, but you must adjust your application technique accordingly.
The mixed formula should be stored in a refrigerator – it may form crystals if stored for a long time, but these will disappear as the formula returns to room temperature. If your burn out is not burning out you may not have enough sodium bisulphate in your formula, or it may not have mixed properly.
