How to Get Started Painting on Fabric
Easy Ways to Add Color and Texture to Almost Any Textile
Oct 13, 2009
With just a little imagination, a few inexpensive supplies, and a sense of fun, you can use fabric paints to start a whole new creative adventure with fabric.
Types of Fabric Paint
There are several different paints that work well on fabric:
- Regular acrylic paints are inexpensive and easy to find. To be made permanent on fabric, they need to be heat set either by running them through the dryer or with an iron after painting. Some acrylic paints may leave the fabric stiff after they dry.
- Acrylic fabric paints are formulated especially for painting on fabric. Some need to be heat set or steamed to be permanent, but others don’t need any fixing at all. Acrylic fabric paints are available in different colors, thicknesses, and levels of transparency. There are acrylics specially formulated for painting on specific fabrics, such as silk. There are also paints designed optimized for specific techniques, such as screen printing or marbling fabric. You can also find glow-in-the-dark paints, 3-D paints that can be used to write words or outline shapes. All acrylic paints clean up with soap and water, which is a real advantage for anyone concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Shiva Paint Sticks are fast-drying oil paints that can be drawn on fabric like crayons, then blended with a fingertip or a brush before they dry. They need to be cleaned up with turpentine or mineral spirits.
Which Fabrics Can You Paint?
There are many different kinds of fabric that take paint well:
- Cotton
- Cotton/poly blend
- Cotton knits
- Canvas
- Flannel
- Linen
- Organza
- Rayon
- Silk
- Most synthetic fabrics
- Terry cloth
- Velvet
- Velveteen
You can also use fabric paints on a number of non-woven surfaces:
- Interfacings such as Timtex®
- Leather
- Lutradur® (a non-woven fabric that is used by mixed-media artists and takes paint very well)
- Quilt batting
- Suede
With any surface you haven’t painted on before, it’s always a good idea to test the paint you plan to use on a small area before starting a complete project.
Many Different Ways to Get the Paint onto the Fabric
Paint brushes are just one way to apply paint to fabric. Some of the many other possibilities include:
- Airbrush sprayers
- Dip pens
- Q-tips
- Scrunched-up plastic wrap or bubble wrap
- Screen printing
- Sponges
- Stamps. Stamps can be purchased, hand-carved from rubber stamp blanks or hard vegetables like potatoes or carrots. You can also stamp paint on fabric with objects found around the house, such as beer bottle caps, wine corks, or plastic berry baskets.
- Stencils
Rubber gloves come in handy to keep paint from getting on your hands.
Start with a Simple Fabric Painting Project
The ideal first project is something easy and inexpensive, so you can have fun without worrying about mistakes. Here are just a few ideas:
- Do you have a favorite t-shirt that has gotten stained? Paint a new image over the stain to give the t-shirt a whole new look.
- Use fabric paints to embellish a favorite pair of blue jeans.
- Personalize a canvas grocery bag or beach tote bag with fabric paints.
- Make a friend a painted fabric postcard.
- Create a faux-painted effect by sponging paint onto a sweatshirt.
You can find ready-to-paint totes and other items at fabric and craft chain stores. For a much larger selection of "blank," undyed clothing, hats, napkins, scarves, and other ready-to-paint fabrics, try online supplier Dharma Trading.
How to Prepare Fabric for Painting
Always prewash new fabrics before you paint them. Fabric that hasn’t been washed may have a coating of sizing that could keep the paint from adhering properly to the fabric. Put the fabric on a piece of cardboard to keep paint from getting on your work surface.
How to Wash Painted Fabrics
If fabric paint is applied to a washable fabric, the painted item can be washed after the paint is fully dried and cured. Some paints need to be heat set with an iron or by running them through a hot dryer before they can be washed. Others just need to cure for several days before washing. Always check the paint manufacturer’s instructions before washing a painted item for the first time.
Ideally, fabric paintings should be washed inside out to avoid wear on the paint. Some surfaces, such as leather, should not be washed, but can be dry cleaned instead. If you want to iron painted fabric, use a low heat setting.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Make a 30-Minute Christmas Fabric Postcard: Everything you need to know to make a holiday postcard that is sure to become a treasured keepsake for the recipient.
- Color Theory Basics for Sewing and Quilting: Learn how colors work together, and how to combine fabrics so the color combinations you choose are pleasing to the eye.
- Introduction to Art Quilts: Describes what an art quilt is, how any quilter can get started making art quilts, and lists resources available for people interested in learning more about art quilting.
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