The process of batik allows the imagination of the printer to come into play. Wax is used as a resist on those parts of the fabric which will be dyed a shade different from the base colour. The base is dyed a dark colour and the fabric is washed in boiling water and soap after all the colours have been absorbed. The wax is then removed and the dye seeps through the cracks in the irregular network of the breaking wax-coat. Thus, a spontaneous and unique design, variegated in hue, is formed, giving the fabric an unusual appearance.