What technique does resist printing use to prevent dye from being applied?

Resist printing employs a physical barrier to prevent dye from being applied to specific areas of the fabric. This technique involves applying a resist agent, which can be a paste or wax, that blocks the dye from penetrating the fabric in those designated areas. The resist material creates areas on the fabric that will remain undyed, allowing for the creation of patterns or designs that stand out against the colored background once the dyeing process is complete.

While heat-setting is a crucial process in many fabric treatments to stabilize dyes after application, it does not serve as a method of resist. Washing typically relates to removing excess dye or preparing fabric, but it does not act as an agent in resist printing. Stretching the fabric can modify the design or texture but has no relevance in the resist printing technique for dye application.