Painting fabric is a great way to breathe new life into an old t-shirt, boring wallpaper, or any other fabric that needs updating. Knowing how to paint fabric will allow you to become your own or interior designer, putting your ideas on display. Learn how to create a design, reproduce it on fabric and paint it in just a few steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Fabric
Step 1. Choose the fabric
Natural washable fiber and mixed fiber with 50% cotton and 50% polyester are best for this purpose.
Step 2. Wash the fabric to prevent it from shrinking when painted
Use regular laundry detergent and no fabric softener.
Step 3. Put a barrier between the front and back fabric
You can use cardboard, tablet, or waxed sheet to prevent the dye from spreading.
Step 4. Hold the fabric in place with sewing pins
Place one in each corner to prevent the fabric from moving.
Method 2 of 4: Choose the Materials
Step 1. Use bottled colors to create sharp, crisp lines
Hold the bottle like a pen as you squeeze it to let the color out. Check that the tip of the bottle touches the fabric directly so that the color adheres to the surface.
Step 2. Alternatively, purchase some paint to apply with brushes
This type of colors also allows you to mix them to obtain other shades.
Step 3. Choose the brushes according to the effect you want to achieve
- The flat ones have a chiseled tip that allows for clean lines and fills large spaces.
- The linear ones have a tapered tip and are ideal for long strokes.
- The brushed ones are composed of tapered bristles perfect for mixing colors and creating short, irregular brushstrokes.
Method 3 of 4: Paint the Fabric
Step 1. Draw what you want to reproduce on a paper with a pencil
Best to try out the different color combinations on this pattern before doing it on the fabric.
Step 2. Use a pencil or fading ink pen to transfer the design to the fabric
If the fabric is dark, use chalk.
- If you want a clean design and you like the ones already done, choose a stencil. Secure the stencil with tape to prevent it from moving.
- You can also create the freehand design directly on the shirt if you feel confident enough in your skills.
Step 3. Take the color you have chosen and trace the design you just traced
Make sure you go over the outline so that the color doesn't show underneath.
Step 4. To create a watercolor look, mix the color with water until it becomes as thick as the ink
Dip a thin brush and use horizontal movements.
- Spray a little water on the fabric using a spray bottle once painted to make it fade slightly.
- If the color starts to drip excessively or too quickly, take a hair dryer and dry the fabric.
Step 5. To airbrush a stencil, use a spray paint
The spray paint for fabrics dries faster than any other and allows you to easily fill in even the most intricate stencils.
Step 6. To create a different texture, use a decorative comb spatula
You can add variations and create more depth by sliding the comb trowel over small sections. Be careful not to mix colors that don't go well together.
Step 7. Once finished, let it dry for 24 hours and do not wash the fabric for the next 72 hours
Method 4 of 4: Add Decorations
Step 1. Make the fabric shine with glitter
Sprinkle some glitter of your choice on the paint while it is still damp. Let it dry well.
Step 2. Make it three-dimensional with stones and buttons
Using a little more paint of the same color, attach the decoration to the fabric. If the fabric doesn't feel strong enough, try fabric glue.
Step 3. Use a stamp
Just cut out a design from a sponge using scissors and dip the soft part in the color. Press the cut sponge firmly and directly onto the fabric.
Advice
- Always try on paper first.
- If the bottle of paint gets clogged, try removing the tip, rinse it in hot water and punch a hole using a pin through the opening.
- Be sure not to dilute the color too much if you mix it with water.
- If you make a mistake, use a mix of water and alcohol to erase it.
- Bleach can be used to remove color before it sets.
- If your mistake doesn't go away, you can always cover it up with some decoration.
