How to Paint on Silk

Painting on silk is a wonderful way to create unique articles of clothing, beautiful wall hangings or window treatments. You can create complex designs, or just allow the colors to mix together in their own way. No matter what kind of silk painting you choose, you must get the proper equipment and prepare your silk for painting.

Things You'll Need

• Silk
• Silk stretcher
• Gutta or resist
• Stop-flow primer
• Dye or paint
• Paintbrushes
• Chemical fixative

Instructions

1. Choose and pre-wash the silk item you are going to paint. Silk scarves and wraps are a popular choice for beginner silk painters.

2. Create your design on paper and transfer your design to the silk by hanging the design on a window with the silk piece positioned over the design. Trace the design lightly onto the silk.

3. Stretch your silk by using a silk stretcher, or secure your silk using stretching bars and push pins.

4. Trace your design with gutta or resist or prime your silk with a stop-flow primer. Gutta and resist act as a barrier to keep the dye or paint in a contained area. A stop-flow primer stops the dye from bleeding which allows you to paint more intricate designs without the use of gutta or resist.

5. Apply the dye or paint to your silk piece with soft bristled brushes or foam tipped brushes.

6. Allow your silk painting to dry and then set the color. Depending on the paint or dye you used, the color is set by steam, a chemical fixative or heat.

7. Remove resist by hand washing in warm water and hanging the silk painting to dry. To remove gutta, you must dry-clean your finished, set product.

Tips & Warnings

• When filling in an area surrounded by gutta or resist, apply the dye or paint to the center of the object and allow it to spread. Applying the dye or paint too close to the gutta or resist may cause the dye to travel outside the outlined area.

• Work quickly when painting large areas. Once the dye dries, it leaves a line.

• Always read the instructions on your dye or paint. Different brands of dyes and paints must be set in different ways.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• For a detailed description of how to properly create your own silk stretcher and for information about dyes and paints, go to dharmatrading.com.