Step by step Fabric Painting tricks

Posted by: silkfair on: March 12, 2009

• In: Tips
• 26 Comments

Fabric painting is fun and creative. If you like painting then you’ll enjoy making cool patterns or designs on your t-shirts or dresses. You can make your own t-shirts, decorate cushions and pillow cases. Make funky and cool jackets and bags.

Here is the guide to help you do fabric painting. Let’s first cover what you need before you start.

What You Need to Start your Fabric Painting Project:

• Fabric Paints
• Fabric Brushes
• Sponge/stencils
• Plastic sheet to prevent paint to prevent paint seeking into other side of surface
• Masking Tape
• Water and water container
• Palette to mix colors
  

  

Step One: Clean and dry your fabric

Before you start working on your fabric, make sure its clean. Its always a good idea to wash your fabric, dry it and then iron it to remove wrinkles. Make sure to tape the fabric on smooth straight surface so it won’t ruin your designing pattern.

Step Two: Choose the appropriate Paints

Nowadays there are several options available in the market for fabric painting. There are fabric painting tubes, fabric painting pens, pain pots and brushes. You can check this out for more information on paints. This will give you clear idea. Make sure the paint you choose suits the fabric. Liquid paints work best on silks… whereas mat pearl paint from tubes stand out on black.

Step Three: Select the Painting Method

Just like there are number of paints available, there are several painting methods. Some so simple that even kids can do it and some require expertise. It’s just like regular painting, there is water coloring, charcoal, oil painting. Similarly you can give several kind of painting effects on your shirt or fabric.

Step Four: Choose the Designing Pattern

That’s the most fun part in fabric painting, choosing the design you like. You can do free hand (without any design laid out in front of you) if you’re good in arts and crafts. Or you can carefully trace the design through transfer pen.

Step Five: Apply the design

Once the design pattern is chosen, paints are ready to be applied, apply the design on the fabric then. Go slowly while painting your piece; apply one color at a time. Always start with lighter colors. Mae long strokes for a free hand look. If you are painting a flower, start the petals from inside out with the lightest shade of color that you want. Keep adding colors as you go.

Step Six: Once Finished Wait for it to Dry

Once your artwork is finished, allow it to dry. It’s a good idea to let it dry for a few hours so the colors will be thoroughly set. You also have to iron it from the backside for making the colors permanent. Before using the fabric for wearing, using or gifting, make sure it’s washed, clean and dry.

Bonus Tip: Fabric that is 100 percent cotton is the best for fabric painting. Make sure that it’s tightly woven and do iron the fabric well before starting or else it will be a havoc on your design.

Tags: art, craft, fabric, fabric paint, handmade silk, paint