How to Paint Canvas Bags
It can be fun to use your painting skills on a different medium like canvas bags. Paint the canvas bags and use them as book bags, reusable grocery bags, overnight bags or even over-sized purses. When painting the bags, make sure to use paint made just for fabrics. Use a variety of puffy-type paint and regular flat fabric paint. This will ensure the paint adheres to the bag even after you have washed it. Get the kids involved with the project and have them paint bags of their own.
Things You'll Need
- Old tablecloth
- Drop cloth
- Cardboard
- Wax paper
- Tape
- Fabric paint
- Paint brushes
Instructions
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1
Purchase a plain, canvas bag from your local craft store. Pre-wash your canvas bag and do not use fabric softener. Tumble dry the bag on low or let it air dry.
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2
Put an old tablecloth or drop-cloth over your work area.
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3
Tape a piece of wax paper to a piece of cardboard. Place the waxed cardboard inside your canvas bag, with the wax side facing up. Tape the cardboard into the bag so it won't slip around when you are painting. This will prevent the paint from seeping through from one side of the bag to the other.
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4
Paint your bag with flat fabric paint and puffy fabric paint.
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5
Let the bag dry for about an hour and paint over any areas that may need more paint. The canvas may soak up more paint than a different medium. This may require more coats of paint.
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6
Dry the canvas bag overnight. If there are spots on the bag that are thickly painted, you may want to wait a bit longer.
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7
Remove the wax paper and cardboard from the inside of the bag. Discard the wax paper and tape a new piece to the cardboard. Flip the canvas bag and follow Steps 3 to 6 when painting the other side.
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8
Wait at least three days before washing the canvas totes. Put your washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle and turn the totes inside out to wash them.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
