Painting on fabric--have you done it before?

16 years ago

I know we have some very skilled crafty folks here, so I thought perhaps one of you might have tried painting on fabric before. I haven't done it since way back when glittery t-shirt paint was all the rage. LOL But I can't find fabric I like for some sofa cushions (wood frame) I want to recover, though I did just find a scarf with a simple floral design I think I could copy. I'd like to paint the flowers on a neutral background so that they look like printed linen.

If you've painted on fabric, what kind of paint did you use and did you use any other medium? And do you by any chance have a picture of what you painted? Could I please have a look?

Any dos or don'ts or other general advice is welcome!

Thanks!

Julie

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Comments (9)

lilliepad
16 years ago
I have done it many times! Sorry I don't have a way to post pictures but I can tell you how to do it.I use just regular acrylic craft paint from Wal-Mart.You could buy fabric paint but I always used the regular stuff mainly because it was what I already had on hand,and never had a problem with it.You will need a bottle of fabric medium to mix with the paint.Wal-Mart has that too.I like the gel type because it doesn't thin down the paint.Just mix it according to the directions on the bottle.It is usually recommended to wash and dry the fabric before painting but if it isn't something you will be wearing and washing often there's probably no need to do that.I have done some things like wall hangings and chair covers that I didn't wash first and they held up very well.Most fabric paints will tell you to iron the painted area after it is dry to set the paint.Just follow the directions for using the medium.Paint as you would any other surface.I use my regular acrylic brushes.You may need to apply the paint a little heavier,depending on the fabric.
Hmmmmmmmm.........Now I want to paint something! Have fun!
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
16 years ago
parhelia,
I had an Art Clothing business at one time. (Another Life) What Lilliepad said is correct. I used regular Acrylics also.

I layed wax paper under the fabric to protect the surface the fabric was on.

If you have a real silky type fabric, you may want to use an embroidary hoop to hold the fabric steady and taunt.

Have Fun!

Gayle
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Linda Wayman
16 years ago
I used to paint on fabric a lot, but it was mostly denim, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Back when I was doing it I never saw any paint made for fabrics, but there was a medium for that purpose that could be mixed with the acrylics I used. A few years ago I saw paints made for use on fabric and bought some, but never had time to use it. I threw it away two weeks ago because it was so old.
I'd like to see your fabric when you paint it. I'll bet it's going to be so pretty.

Linda
tami_ohio
16 years ago
I used to paint on sweatshirts. I used regular acrylic paints mixed with textile medium. I laid a piece of cardboard under it, covered with wax paper so it wouldn't stick to the cardboard to keep the work surface clean. Use painter's tape to hold the fabric in place so it won't shift as you paint. I heat set mine in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes.

I think if I were you, I would buy a small piece of the fabric you like, and experiment. That would be far cheaper in the long run, instead of buying the amount you need to cover the furniture, painting it, then finding out you didn't like the way it looked or felt.

Tami
lilliepad
16 years ago
I'm glad someone mentioned putting something under the fabric! It was late when I wrote my reply and my brain was not working too good.LOL
Good idea Tami.It would be bad to buy all that fabric then not be satisfied with the results!
FlamingO in AR
16 years ago
I wonder if fabric dye wouldn't be the way to go? Every time I painted on fabric, even with the medium, it was sort of thick and crunchy and I don't think that's what you'd want on furniture. Fabric dye might give you more of a watercolor effect. Put it into little squeeze bottles and go for it! I'll be interested to see whatever you end up doing and finding out about your technique.
kacram
16 years ago
If you do try the dye, you can buy a resist to stop the flow of the dye into another part of the design
kacram
16 years ago
wo, what have you decided? How about stamps?
jemdandy
16 years ago
Watch Donna Dewberry and her "one stroke painting" on PBS stations. She decorates just about any surface with paints including cloth. She specializes in floral designs and her brush work is simply amazing.

Painting on fabric--have you done it before?

Comments (9)

lilliepad

Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle

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