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 I was searching the internet for ways to improve my watercolor batik and I discovered the crumpled Masa paper technique. In it’s pure form, it’s not really batik as no wax is used. 

 Their directions are as follows. Masa paper has 2 sides. One is smooth; it is the front. The other is a little fuzzy and is the backside. Mark a corner of the backside. Crumple paper and soak briefly in warm water (1-2 mins.). Very carefully straighten out paper and remove excess water. Place paper front side down on sheets of paper towel. Using watercolor paint, (one or several colors) paint over the back side of paper. Allow to dry. Carefully attach paper to 140 lb. watercolor paper using acrylic medium, smoothing out wrinkles.

 I followed directions for a bit, in that I crumpled and painted the paper. Then I ironed it and proceeded to paint a watercolor batik, using wax for my whites, painting my lights, letting dry, waxing this and so on. I then covered any unwaxed areas with a skim of wax, let it all dry and very carefully ironed the wax off between several sheets of newsprint, face up. I change the newsprint as soon as the wax seeps through. Because wax is flammable, I am VERY careful. I keep changing paper and ironing until no more wax is being removed. I then attach the work to a museum quality backing. Because of the wax left in the paper, it becomes slightly transparent so I always use a white backing.

 I am still experimenting (okay playing) with different applications for Masa paper and will post a few more uses as I finish new works and create new methods.