Using Paintbrushes

1. Get a plain t-shirt and wash to remove any shrinking. Even if the label on your shirt
says "pre-shrunk," it would still be a good idea to wash it. This will remove any potential
starch or stiffener that might prevent the paint from sticking properly.

1. Set up your work area. Spread some newspaper on a table, and get anything that
might get ruined out of the way. It might also be a good idea to have some paper
towels (for blotting) and a cup of water (for rinsing the paintbrush) handy as well.
 3.Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt. The cardboard should be about the
same size as the shirt. You want it to slip inside the shirt easily without stretching it. This
will prevent the paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt.
 You can also use a folded up newspaper for this. Even an old magazine or catalogue
will do in a pinch.
 Paint your design using fabric paint. If you are nervous about free-handing the
design, you can always trace your design first using a stencil and a permanent marker,
and then fill it in. Consider using a few paintbrushes in different shapes and sizes; a flat
brush will give you some nice, crisp edges while a pointy brush is great for detail.
 If you want your design to have multiple colors, such as a smiles face, do the
background color first. Let the paint dry, then do the details.
 Try to get paint brushes meant for painting fabric. They usually have stiffer bristles
made from taklon. Avoid natural brushes, such as camel hair, as they will be too soft to
hold the thick paint and create nice designs.
 Let the paint dry. If you'd like, you can speed up the drying process by blowing the
paint with a hair dryer. Do not remove the cardboard inside the shirt until the paint is
completely dry.
 Once the paint dries, you can flip it around and paint the back as well. Keep the
cardboard inside the shirt and let the paint dry.
Remove the cardboard. If the paint is sticking to the cardboard, don't panic. Simply
wiggle your finger between the shirt and the cardboard to pry it apart. Discard the
cardboard when you are done, or save it for another project.

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Finished.

Using Stencils

Wash your shirt. This will remove any potential shrinking and starch. It will make the paint stick
to the shirt better.

Set up your work area. Cover up your table with lots of newspaper. You might also want to
have some paper towels, cups filled with water, and paper plates (or palettes) handy.
1.
Place a sheet of cardboard inside your t-shirt. This will keep the paint front
transferring to the back of the shirt. If you don't have any cardboard, you can also use a
folded up newspaper or an old magazine. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles.

Position your stencil, and make sure that it is secure. You can use a fabric painting
stencil, a regular stencil, or you can make your own out of thin plastic, freezer paper, or
cardstock. You can even use painter's tape to create geometric designs! Make sure that
the stencil is laying flat against the shirt, or the paint will bleed under the edges.
 If you are using a stencil meant for painting fabric, it will likely have a sticky back. All
you have to do is smooth it down.
 If you are using a regular stencil, or if you made your own, coat the back of the stencil
with repositionable adhesive spray, then press the stencil down.[1]
 If you are using freezer paper, iron the paper shiny-side-down onto the t-shirt. Peel it
away after you paint the shirt

Squirt the paint out onto a paper plate. If you'd like to work with multiple colors, it might be a
good idea to use a larger plate, or a several smaller plates—one for each color.

Dab your foam brush into the paint. You can also apply the paint using a mini paint roller
(preferably rubber).[3] Lastly, you can also use a paintbrush. This will be great for delicate
stencils.

Tap the paint onto the stencil.[4] Keep dabbing and tapping until you get the coverage you
want. If you are using a paint roller, simply roll it on. Try to work inwards, going from the stencil's
edges towards the middle. This will prevent the paint from accidentally leaking under the
stencil.[5]

1. Remove the stencil before the paint dries. Fabric paint will form a thick layer as it
dries, and if you remove it too late, you will run the risk of the paint tearing.

Let the paint dry completely, then set the paint using a clothing iron, if desired.This will
give you a longer lasting design. Place a piece of cotton fabric over the design, then press an
iron over it

Remove the cardboard from inside the shirt. Now your shirt is ready to wear and show off!

Using Spray Paint

 1.
Wash your t-shirt to remove any shrinking.[7] Even if your shirt says "pre-shrunk" on
it, it would still be a good idea to wash it. T-shirts are also coated with a starchy material
to help them lay more smoothly in the store. This starchy material can prevent paint
from sticking.

2
Tuck a folded up newspaper or cardboard inside the shirt. This will keep the spray
paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt. The newspaper or cardboard should be
big enough to fit inside the shirt without stretching it. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles
of ripples.[8]

3
Position your stencil, and secure, if necessary. You can use a stencil meant for
fabric painting, or a regular stencil. You can also make your own out of thin plastic,
freezer paper, or cardstock. You can even use painter's tape to create chevron stripes!
Make sure that the stencil is laying flat against the fabric. If it isn't, the paint will seep
under the edges and create a blurred design.
 If you are using a fabric painting stencil, it will probably have a sticky back. Simply press
it onto the shirt and smooth it down.
 If you are using a regular stencil, or if you made your own, spray the back of the stencil
with repositionable adhesive spray, then press it down onto the shirt.
 If you are using freezer paper, simply place the stencil shiny-side-down onto the shirt,
then run a clothing iron over it.
2.

4
Move to a well-ventilated area and get set up. Ideally, you should work outside, but if
you can't, a large room with lots of open windows might do. Cover your work area with
 lots of newspaper, and put on some old clothes or an apron. Lastly, consider putting on
a pair of plastic gloves; spray painting can get messy.[9]
 If you are working indoors and start to feel lightheaded, take a break and go outside for
some fresh air.

5
Spray the shirt. Shake the can for 30 to 60 seconds first, then hold it 6 to 8 inches
(15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the stencil. Spray the paint on using a long,
sweeping motion. Don't worry if the paint is not thick enough. You can always do
another layer or two.
 Consider spraying the design using clear sealer first. This will give you better control
over the paint and prevent it from soaking into the fabric. Be sure to let the sealer dry
before applying the paint.[10]

6
Let the paint dry for 15 minutes before doing a second coat.[11] You can speed up
the drying process with a hairdryer. [12] Once the paint is dry, spray on a second coat;
you should see the paint going on thicker now. If you'd like, you can do a partial layer
instead using a different color for a tie-dye effect.

7
Let the paint dry for another 10 to 15 minutes before removing the stencil and
newspaper/cardboard. Be very careful when removing the stencil, as some of the
paint might still be wet, especially towards the edges.[13] Unlike with fabric paint, you can
let spray paint dry before removing the stencil. This is because spray paint doesn't form
a thick layer that might tear—like fabric paint does.

8
Let the shirt finish drying for a few more minutes.[14] Once the shirt is dry, you can
pull the cardboard out and wear your shirt.
Fabric Painting

Painting does not start and end with canvas and paper or landscapes and portraits. In fact, you
can take your passion for art and your crafting skills anywhere you desire. You can turn a coffee
table into a masterpiece, a window into a work of art and even transform clothes into
fashionable forms of self-expression with fabric painting. With the thrilling craft of painting on
fabric you can give makeovers to your old t-shirts, bags, even furniture fabric like cushions!

Add your individual artistic flair to everyday fashion pieces or add a bespoke design to
houseware or objects in your office by painting on fabric. Have you been feeling inspired lately?
Take that inspiration and spill it out onto the backpack that’s been sitting in the back of your
wardrobe or the t-shirt you were going to take down to the local charity shop.

Fabric painting is the ultimate way to put those well practiced arty skills to the test as well as
giving everyday items your own magic touch. A great group activity or simply taking some alone
time to unwind, it is something everyone will enjoy. One of the best parts of fabric painting is
that you can display your beautiful masterpieces by wearing them, you are the canvas.

Best Brushes for Fabric Painting

One of the first steps in fabric painting is deciding what tools you need which may be a case of
digging through your craft box or adding something new to your collection. It is important to
know which brushes work best for fabric as material can be a tricky surface to work with.
Luckily, some of our Reeves paint brushes are designed to work perfectly with all types of
fabric.

Be sure to choose the correct brush for the job as they all have their own individual
characteristics that make them useful for achieving specific looks and effects. If you are painting
on cotton or linen, you may find larger brushes easier as the material is more durable than the
likes of silk where smaller, finer brushes will work better on the smooth and soft surface.
Flat brushes are ideal for filling in large sections of your design whereas round brushes are
useful for achieving tiny details and thin strokes. Once you have completed your textile
masterpiece, be sure to wipe your brushes off followed by washing them but don’t let them soak
for too long as this could damage their delicate bristles.

Brush Techniques for Painting Fabrics

Because fabric is delicate and slightly more trying than say, canvas or cardboard you may find
it challenging to apply common brush techniques to your textile piece. However, there are no
rules here so open that creative mind of yours and see where your imagination can take you.

It is recommended, especially for beginner artists, to draw your design with a pencil on to your
fabric before you being to paint. For beginners, why not practice your pencil techniques by
sketching your design out on paper before taking on the fabric. Once you are happy with your
design you can begin to follow the sketch with paint. This gives you a better guideline and
lessens your chance of unfixable errors.

If you want to break away from the lines and try some freehand work, you can apply some
commonly used techniques that we would usually see with canvas or paper work. Work
different tones with gradient blending – commonly seen on canvas or paper can be carefully
applied to fabric to create a beautiful effect of colours blending from one shade to another in a
transitional fashion.
Give those couch cushions some extra oomph or spice up the handbag you were going to throw
away. This can be done with most brushes but our Reeves flat brushes are recommended.
Control your brush precisely so that the centre of the gradient is half and half of each colour. A
tricky task but with determination and practice you will soon be a blending superstar.

Don’t be afraid to try new techniques when fabric painting or even methods you have mastered
in other art projects such as scumbling or flicking. These techniques can give your project a
contemporary twist and you might just be the fashion envy of all your friends.

Fabric Painting Techniques

Fabric painting is an easy-going project that allows you to be open with your creativeness and
use your own concepts and artistic mind to be in control of your own designs. Before you take
on any textiles make sure they are clean and thoroughly washed. Iron out any wrinkles or this
could be a decorating disaster and place a piece of card under your chosen material before
painting to ensure smooth lines and avoid paint seeping through to the other side.

The activity of fabric painting is a fun one, so enjoy it, let your creativity fly high and use your
personal traits and talents to take control and create unique pieces that you can wear around
town and display around your home with pride. Fabric painting is the ultimate way to express
your unique style and inspiration. Design, embellish, bedazzle your fabrics – there are no limits
to how far you can go on the exciting journey of turning plain items into bespoke masterpieces
of colour and beauty.

One of the first steps in fabric painting is deciding which type of brushes work best.
Important to know each brushes has their own characteristics.Following type of brushes
should be used for fabric painting,

1. Angle flat wash,

2. Round,
3. Liner,
4. Stoke
5. Grainer
6. Flat shader
7. Angle shader
8. Bright shader
 9. Cats tonque etc.,

An artist may decide to paint on fabric for a variety of reasons, from embellishing T-shirts, to
making fabric signs, to decorating a backpack or pair of shoes. The type of paint to be used will
depend on the project. Before beginning a project on fabric, be sure to wash and (if necessary)
pre-shrink the cloth--and plan ahead.

 Email
An artist may decide to paint on fabric for a variety of reasons, from embellishing T-shirts, to
making fabric signs, to decorating a backpack or pair of shoes. The type of paint to be used will
depend on the project. Before beginning a project on fabric, be sure to wash and (if necessary)
pre-shrink the cloth--and plan ahead.
 00:12

Fabric Paint
If you are painting on clothing, an obvious choice of medium is fabric paint. Fabric paint is
widely available in craft stores and sometimes in art supply stores. It may come in different
forms, including spray cans or plastic squeeze bottles for application with a paint brush. Because
it is designed specifically for application on fabric, it is the best choice for most projects. Fabric
paint is designed to bond to fabric without compromising the integrity of the fabric and without
cracking or fading.

 Email
An artist may decide to paint on fabric for a variety of reasons, from embellishing T-shirts, to
making fabric signs, to decorating a backpack or pair of shoes. The type of paint to be used will
depend on the project. Before beginning a project on fabric, be sure to wash and (if necessary)
pre-shrink the cloth--and plan ahead.
 00:12

Fabric Paint
If you are painting on clothing, an obvious choice of medium is fabric paint. Fabric paint is
widely available in craft stores and sometimes in art supply stores. It may come in different
forms, including spray cans or plastic squeeze bottles for application with a paint brush. Because
it is designed specifically for application on fabric, it is the best choice for most projects. Fabric
paint is designed to bond to fabric without compromising the integrity of the fabric and without
cracking or fading.
Oil Paint
Oil paint has been used to paint on fabric for hundreds of years. Starting with the Renaissance,
oil paints were applied to canvas on stretcher bars. Unfortunately, fabric painted with oil paints
will deteriorate over time, and that is why canvases must be primed before use with oil paints. To
"prime" a canvas is to apply one or two layers of acrylic gesso to the canvas before beginning a
painting. If you are painting on a t-shirt or other clothing, oil paint will eventually rot away the
fabric unless it is primed. As it dries, oil paint becomes brittle, and for this reason it may
eventually crack. However, you may want to paint an image on fabric using oil paint because of
its superior blending abilities and its color quality. If this is done, clear or white gesso can be
applied to the fabric to prime it.

Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint dries quickly, is available in a nearly limitless assortment of colors, and is
permanent once dry. It is colorfast and relatively flexible, and thus is suitable for use on fabric. If
fabric paint is not available, acrylic paint is an excellent stand-in.