Rinsing Stencil Print Between Dips

Q: I am curious why it is necessary to rinse your fabric after each dip when using the iron vat? As I'll be doing a lot of stencil dyeing I am wondering if the rinsing will become an issue with the paste coming off.

A:   I don’t typically rinse between dips with the paste dips because it will rinse off. However, if my piece hits the sediment in the ferrous vat, I DO rinse. Make sure you are dyeing in a very deep vat so that your fabric can hang freely in the liquid and not touch the sediment. For dark results, stick to 2-3 dips per day so the rice has a chance to dry out and stay firm. I rinse between dips for a couple reasons : first, it helps to oxidize the indigo more quickly and thoroughly, second, it rinses off any sludge, sediment or flower that may be trapped on the piece or in the crevices which would act as a resist for future dips.