There are a variety of ways in which to apply the colors:
Colouring in stripes on a flat surface
Hung to dry on a frame in the sun for fixation
White fabric is laid flat on plastic and dyed with a sponge in different colours, after which it is hung to dry
White fabric is crumpled up and colour is applied with a sponge, here three different blue colours and here in magenta-purple colours
and here in magenta-purple colours
The magenta-purple fabric is then stretched out on a frame in the sun to dry and fixate the colours. Here the sun is essential! Batik in the rain is not possible.