|
Fabric
Painting
Instructions,
hints
and
tips
I made
this
fabric paints come in a wide
variety of colours that allow you to create a fantastic Fabric Painting project.
Below are some hints that you should consider before embarking on your Fabric
Painting. Click here on Fabric painting ideas to transfer to ideas on
adults and children’s projects using
I
made
this
Fabric Paint.
Tip 1. Selecting your fabric painting project
Instruction a) Which fabric should I use for fabric painting?
The best fabric for painting on is 100
per cent cotton or a polycotton mix with a tight weave. But good results can be
obtained with rayons and silks too. If you want to try another material, the
best thing to do is to try a sample square to check the results. If a fabric is
loosely woven, paint tends to seep through the threads before it's dry. This
tends to reduce the intensity of the colours. A finely woven fabric is easier to
paint detail on than a loosely woven one. Like other brands,
I
made
this
brush on fabric paints should
ideally be used on light colour fabrics. However, our
3D fabric paint and
puff fabric paints
can be used on darker as well as lighter materials
Tip 2. Preparing your material for fabric painting
Instruction a) Why Pre-wash the fabric?
The reason for pre-washing fabric before painting it is to remove any sizing
from its manufacture which may prevent the paint from adhering to the surface.
It also gives it a chance to shrink, if it's going to. To test whether a piece
of fabric really needs pre-washing, drop a little water on it. If it beads up on
the surface, it needs washing. If it sinks in, so should paint. If you do wash
the fabric, don't add fabric softener! You're trying to get rid of chemicals,
not add new ones.
Instruction b) Get rid of Wrinkles?
Take the time to iron the fabric well.
Wrinkles can create havoc on a design.
Instruction c) Two-Sided Fabric Painting Designs
When painting a t-shirt or pillow case
where you see both sides, insert something – a few sheets of newspaper, a bit of
card or plastic – inside the shirt so the paint doesn't seep through onto the
back.
Instruction d) What do I need to start my fabric painting project?
Fabric Paints
Fabric Brushes
Overalls/overall - (fabric paint is permanent)
Sponges/Stencils
Design: Stencils, patterns, drawing to trace/copy, or draw freehand
Plastic sheet or paper to prevent paint from seeping onto the other side
of the t-shirt or your work surface.
Masking Tape: Holds fabric in place on the work area. Straight pins,
large clothes pegs or clips may also be used.
Water Container: For rinsing brushes in clean water.
Kitchen roll: To remove excess water from the brushes.
Palette: Something to mix the paint in to increase the shades available.
Tip 3. Making your fabric painting design
Preprinted—to colour in an existing design
I made
this
provides a selection of
pre-designed T shirts for
fabric painting that enable children to colour in their favourite
design.
Design your own—freehand
I made
this
provides a
special fabric pen.
This pen allows you to make your design, erase any mistakes and when you first
wash your fabric after painting it all the pen marks wash out.
Tracing
Many older children love this option. They take designs that they like from
books, comics or the internet, put them under the material and trace the design
using the 'I
made
this'
special fabric pen.
Tip 4. Fabric painting techniques
Instruction a) Brush on paint used with 3D paints
When using 3D and
brush-on fabric
paints together, we suggest that you apply the brush-on paints first; allow
your work to dry for an hour. The 3D paints can then be used to outline the
design and cover up any rough edges created with the brush -on fabric paints.
Instruction b) 3D paint used as a brush on paint
The 3D fabric paints can also be used like a brush-on fabric paint by
applying the paint to a brush and brushing the 3D fabric paint on to the fabric
or by applying a ‘blob’ of paint to the design and spreading it with a paint
brush. It is worth trying one of the pens on a piece of paper first so that you
get used to its flow.
Instruction c) Watercolour techniques—Brush on paint
Wetting the fabric with clean water
before painting it encourages colours to flow into each other, like in a
watercolour. But don't add too much water, as it will dilute the colours; the
fabric should be damp, not soaking. If you do not want tthis effect or the paint
to seep, make sure that the T shirt is completely dry before painting.
Instruction d) Stencilling—Brush on paint & 3D paints
Stamping and stencilling on fabric
work best if you're working on a lightly padded surface – an old towel works
well. . When stamping with a sponge, always pour your paint onto a plate or
palette. Dip your sponge into the paint, making sure the flat side is covered
with paint. Blot paint on a paper towel to remove excess paint. Press the sponge
onto your fabric with slight pressure. Several impressions may be achieved with
one application of paint. An alternative way to apply paint to your sponge is to
paint it onto the stamping surface with a flat brush.
Instruction e) Bleaching-Out Colours—Brush on paint
Bleach can be used to remove the
colour in a fabric, with unexpected and unpredictable results (do a test
square!). Obviously it works best with dark colours. To stop the action of the
bleach, rinse in a mix of one cup of white vinegar to half a bucket of water, or
wash the fabric straight away. Use a cheap brush to apply bleach, as it'll
quickly ruin it.
Tip 5. Finishing your fabric painting project
Instruction a) How do the paints set?
There is no need for ironing after completing your design to set it.
’ I
made
this
’ paints
require 24 hrs to dry and then 72 hours before washing. Puff paint can be
activated after 6 hours by either heating it with a hairdryer or by ironing the
reverse of the cloth.
Instruction b) Washing
Wash on a cool setting (ideally not over 30 degrees). If you put it on too
high a wash (e.g. 60 degrees) the 3D paint will occasionally peel away from the
fabric due to the heat. The brush-on paint will withstand washing at a higher
temperature. It is not recommended that you tumble dry fabric painted clothes.
Instruction c) How do I iron my master piece?
Do not iron directly onto the paint. Only iron the rear of the artwork or
around the artwork.
Tip 6. Showing off your fabric paint artwork
Displaying in our gallery
We would love to display your work on our website. Please email a
photo to info@wardoliver.com with your age when you are finished and we will
display it in our gallery.
| 
