How to Paint on Fabric

Fabric Paints Come in Many Varieties

Fabric paints have been improved over the years. It is now easier than ever to change your wardrobe, embellish a lampshade, or create a magnificent pillow. You are not limited to just the standard fabric paints anymore. Manufacturers have created a huge assortment of paints and dyes to allow you to create whatever you can imagine.

Just a few of the products available are:

• Spray fabric paints
• Dimensional paints
• Spray on glitter paint
• Spray on dye

Preparing to Paint on Fabric

Washable, natural fibers and blends are the best fabrics to paint on. Always test the paint on a hidden area of the fabric before starting your project to make sure the paint and the fabric work together. For example, many people are disappointed when working with textured fabrics because the paint colors may appear different than expected, or the coverage may be unsatisfactory.

Always wash and dry your fabric before beginning your project. This will remove the sizing. Be sure not to use fabric softener or dryer sheets because this may cause the garment to repel the paint.

Place cardboard between the layers of fabric and pin the fabric to it to make it smooth. This will give you a good surface to paint on. There are special shirt forms that you can buy specifically for this purpose. However, cardboard, poster board, or waxed paper work just as well.

Now, transfer the design onto your fabric. For light colored fabric, you can just slip the design underneath the top layer and trace it with a special sewing marker. These have disappearing ink and are made especially for marking fabric. For darker fabrics, you can transfer the design to a piece of tulle. Do this by placing the design under the tulle and tracing it with a black permanent marker. Next just place the tulle on your project and trace over it with chalk. The chalk will go through the tulle and leave the lines on the fabric.

Tips for How to Paint on Fabric

While learning how to paint on fabric is not difficult, there are a few things that will make it easier and more fun.

Making Lines and Outlining

Hold the paint bottle as you would a pen. Move it gracefully along the pattern, following the lines as you squeeze out the paint. You need to keep the applicator tip against the fabric and drag the paint bottle along. This will allow the paint to soak into the fabric and create a good bond.

Long lines of paint have many stress points and they tend to crack and peel over time. To combat this when you are outlining a large pattern, just make three inch lines. You will leave only a tiny space between each of them, maybe only a few threads. This will create areas that allow the line to move and still look like it is continuous.

Air bubbles in the paint can be a problem. Always store your fabric paints upside down. Before you start painting, firmly tap the bottle on a surface to remove any air. Now, squeeze out a few drops of paint before you begin work on your project. This should keep the air bubbles out and give you smooth lines.

If you want raised lines around your pattern, hold the paint bottle a little higher and move slowly, allowing more paint to come out. Flat lines are created in the opposite manner, by holding the bottle closer to the surface and letting less paint come from the tube.

Painting Effects

You can use many different techniques to create different effects on your projects. Sea sponges create a sponge painted look that is good for design backgrounds. Squeeze the paint color out onto a plastic palette or foil. Add a little water to thin the paint out. Wet the sponge, squeezing out the excess water and press into the paint. Press gently on paper towel to remove the excess and then gently press against the fabric to great the desired look. If you like, you can add other colors to give it a mottled effect. Always use a clean sponge for each paint color. To soften the look, just go over the area with a clean, damp sponge.

Splatter painting is a popular technique that is quite simple. To paint on fabric, you will need a brush and paint that has been mixed with equal parts of water. Protect your craft area with painter's plastic. Load the brush with paint and tap against your index finger, causing the paint to splatter onto the fabric. You can use as many colors as you like.

A combed design can be created by brushing the paint onto the fabric and then running a combing tool across it. You can use straight lines, squiggly lines, or zig zags. If you want the design to be raised, use a thicker paint.

Caring for Your Painted Items

Allow the fabric paint to dry for a day or two before touching and at least 72 hours before washing. Always wash your painted garments inside out on a gentle cycle. Using warm water may help the paint not to crack. Line dry out of direct sunlight.