Silk Painting How to

How To Steam in a Microwave

 A Simple Method for Microwave Steaming

  • Combine equal amounts of water and white vinegar to make the necessary amount of liquid to saturate your silk. 1 cup water plus 1 cup white vinegar can be used for approximately 5 scarves.
  • Soak your silk in the mixture thoroughly and squeeze out excess back into the bowl.
  • Arrange your silk in a glass baking dish or other microwaveable container.
  • Apply 3-4 colors of dyes randomly to the silk using a brush, an eyedropper, a syringe, or another tool – turn the silk over and apply dyes on the back. You can cover the silk with dyes or allow white spaces to remain.
  • Put a paper towel over the top of the dish and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
  • Let silk cool before handling; rinse in cool water until it runs almost clear.
  • Remove excess moisture by rolling in a towel.
  • Iron while still damp.
 
See more directions for microwave steaming in the Painting on Unstretched Silk section.