How to Paint on Cotton Clothes

Using fabric paint is an easy way to add a custom look to any clothing item. When painting fabric, it is best to use machine washable fabrics such as cotton blends, as the paint is most compatible with these types of fabrics. Learning how to paint on fabric requires following a few basic guidelines that can result in beautiful, original garments.

Things You'll Need

• Shirt or pants
• Washer
• Dryer
• Large trash bag
• Scissors
• Pushpins
• Acrylic fabric paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the garment completely prior to painting the fabric to ensure that it fully shrinks or stretches. Do not use fabric softener in the washing machine.

2. Cut the trash bag down each side seam and along the bottom, separating it into two pieces. Spread one half of the bag on your work surface.

3. Place the shirt or pants on the trash bag, then slide the other half of the bag inside the garment to prevent paint from seeping through to the back of the garment. Use pushpins to hold the garment to the work area.

4. Brush a small amount of paint on an inside part of the fabric that will be hidden during wear. Allow the paint to dry. This shows you how the paint looks on the fabric.

5. Squeeze paint into a small dish, dip the tip of your brush into the paint, and gently brush the paint onto the fabric. Start slowly, until you are used to the consistency of the paint.

6. If you are painting directly from the bottle, tap the tip of the bottle on the table to eliminate bubbles, hold the bottle at an angle as you would hold a pencil, and touch the tip of the bottle to the fabric. Squeeze gently while moving the bottle along the fabric.

7. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Store the garment in a safe place away from pets or children.

Tips & Warnings

• Store paint bottles upside down to prevent air bubbles from forming. Before beginning a new project, squeeze a small amount of paint onto a paper towel or practice surface and wipe the bottle tip clean.

• Use sponges, glitter, rhinestones, buttons, rubbers stamps or any other type of accessory to embellish the paint.

• Do not wash a painted garment until at least 72 hours after the paint has dried.

• Any debris in the air, such as pet hair or dust, will stick to wet paint.

References

• FAQs About Fabric Painting