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How to Paint Fabric: 12 Expert Tips Blog

Jun 30, 2022

Fabric painting can be a great method to alter different objects, from clothing and shoes to throw pillows and upholstery. If you've never tried it before, you'll need to master the basics of the techniques for painting on fabric prior to diving in--especially since, unlike a traditional canvas, it's never easy as throwing the item to the side and re-starting when you've made a mistake.

In this short guide to paint on fabric for novices, we're covering all of the fundamentals that you have to know about how to apply paint on fabric. This includes answers to common questions like "what paint do I need to use on my fabric?" and "how do you paint on clothes?" Plus, we'll give you some tips to know about how to apply acrylic paint on fabric to last for a long time. Let's get to it.

 Choosing Your Fabric Paint

There are plenty of choices when it comes to painting fabrics permanently. These are the best options.

 Acrylic

 Fabric Dye

Another popular pick is fabric dyes, which are designed specifically to stick to different types of fibers. Because different fibers require different kinds of chemical bonds for adhesion, ensure you pick a color specifically designed to work with the specific type of fabric that you're working with.

 Alcohol-based Pigments

These are technically inks and are not paints. However, alcohol-based colors can be used on fabric, soaking into the fibres, instead of binding on surface. Keep in mind that they won't provide as rich of a saturation like you would with acrylic-based paints or dyes, and you'll require an appropriate sealant that will prevent fade in wash.

For how to apply create permanent marks on fabric The majority of these paints can be used with attention and the right technique. The choice of whether to use an acrylic paint for fabric or another paint variety ultimately depends on your preference and fabric type.

Be aware that in each of the varieties you'll have a variety of choices regarding the typeof paint you use. Three types of paint are available:

  • Pens/Markers:Good for line work Writing, precise detailing
  • Liquids:Good for painting on blocks and silk screening
  • SpraysGood to stencil, for upholstery, as well as large coverage

In the case of your particular project it is possible to use multiple forms of fabric paint and maybe even multiple types.

 12 tips for painting on Fabric

How to paint fabric is equally about skill in the same way as paint the paint itself. Here are some expert tips to ensure you receive top result.

 1. Do a Pre-Wash

Source: Instagram @sayainu Any washing machine will work for a pre-wash prior to painting. 
Source: Instagram @sayainu Any washing machine can be used for an initial wash prior to painting.

Do fabric paints disappear? The answer is no. However, if you purchase new fabric for your artwork it could be coated with chemicals that will prevent the paint from adhering. Cleaning it prior to washing will eliminate these chemical residues, as well as let the fabric grow to the size it will be when the design is completed, instead of later.

 2. Include a Barrier Between Layers

Source: Instagram @poonam.rayat.16 A simple layer of cardboard can prevent paint from bleeding through onto other fabric layers. 
Source Twitter: @poonam.rayat.16 An easy layer of cardboard can prevent paint from spilling onto different fabric layers.

Every type of fabric paint can bleed in between layers. Make use of an obstruction (such as a piece of cardboard) for multi-layered items that have a front and back like pillows and t-shirts.

 3. Check Your Paint

 4. How do you set Acrylic Paint On Fabrics Apply Heat

Source: Instagram @sew.justlikeso Heat set your finished design prior to putting it in the wash. 
Source: Instagram@sew.justlikeso Heat the design before to washing it. wash.

The ability to put an acrylic painting on fabrics is crucial, because if you don't set it, you won't achieve lasting results. The best way to do itis Heat setting, which involves applying the iron to the other side that the fabric you have painted. Leave the paint for 24 hours to dry, heat set by using a dry iron at medium-low, and then wait between four and five days before washing.

 5. Another Option for How to Heat Set Acrylic Paint on Fabric: Indirect The process of ironing

Source: Instagram @ujy5tm You can use indirect heat if you don’t want to iron your design directly. 
The source is Instagram: @ujy5tm You may use indirect heat in the event that you do not want to iron in the direct heat.

If you'd prefer not to apply direct heat to your fabric, a different option is to try the hovering method. Hold your warm, dry iron over the painted section but do not allow it to touch the fabric. The iron should transfer enough heat to set your acrylic paint without needing to directly use the iron.

 6. It's time to Light it Up!

 7. Apply a gentle touch

Source: Instagram @aden_artb Go slow and be gentle instead of rushing your work. 
Source: Instagram: @aden_artb. slow and be gentle instead of hurrying your work.

Keep in mind that fabric paints are created to be a binder to the fibers. This implies that you do not need to push hard for it to perform its task. Do press down hard enough to release color but not so as to leave you having color where you're not planning to.

 8. Be aware of your fabric

Source: Instagram @morgane.leveque_ You’ll use different best practices for painting a fabric like denim then you would for linen or canvas.
Source: Instagram @morgane.leveque_ There are different methods of painting fabric like denim then that you'd use for linen or canvas.

Fabric can be finicky. Based on the material you're working with--cotton. linen, denim vs. canvas, etc.--you could need take extra care to ensure the integrity of your design as you paint, and afterwards. If you're using a fabric which is susceptible to wrinkles, iron first in addition to doing a pre-wash to ensure that your design stays attractive.

 9. Dampen Fabric Prior to Painting

Source: Instagram @premierdigitaltextiles Dampening your fabric ahead of time will help the paint adhere. 
Source: Instagram @premierdigitaltextiles Dampening your fabric ahead of time will help the paint adhere.

 10. Did you make a mistake? Utilize Bleach

Source: Instagram @krustystuff Use bleach to clean up mistakes--or even as its own medium.
Source: Instagram@krustystuff Use bleach to remove messes or even as its own medium.

Bleach can act as a magic eraser when you have to clean up mistakes, but it's certainly not a 100% guarantee. If you mess up you can use a tiny, cheap paintbrush dipped in bleach and apply it to a small test area of your garment to test if it's working and how effectively. If it's successful, you can use it (carefully) whenever you need to before giving your fabric a clean to stop the bleach action before applying new paint. You can also use bleach as its own medium if you're working on darker fabric.

 11. Try using Stencils

Source: Instagram @miksmik33 Stencils are a great option when you want a precise design. 
Source The Instagram account @miksmik33 stencils are an excellent choice when you require a clean and precise style.

If you're not quite prepared to take on the challenge of trying your hand with paint, you can try stencils instead. Make yourself or purchase them pre-made from an art supply store, with both options giving you a much easier method of perfecting your style from the start.

 12. Mix Your Mixers

Source: Instagram @d_bar_e_beadworks Using different mediums can really bring your design to life. 
Source: Instagram @d_bar_e_beadworks . diverse media can truly transform your idea into reality.

There are a myriad of ways to give texture and depth to your fabric painting through making use of other media. Add embellishments like jewels, ribbon, or embroidery to your artwork to boost your creativity, and create an item that is one-of-a-kind.

Create Your Own Fabric Paint

Easy DIY Fabric Art: Watercolor + Ink.