How to Do Spray Painting on Fabric

A can of spray paint.

Using spray paint is a fun, simple way to transform fabric. Start with a simple item, such as a plain cotton T-shirt, before moving on to more adventurous projects. Give a plain T-shirt a new look by spraying on a funky design, either one you have created yourself or one of many available to download and print from the Internet. You do not need to purchase special fabric paint; any spray paint will do the job.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• T-shirt
• Masking tape
• Stencil
• Newspaper
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Place a piece of cardboard inside your T-shirt, directly behind the chest area (or whatever part you want to spray). Fold the fabric behind the cardboard and stick it down with masking tape. This prevents other parts of the fabric from getting sprayed and prevents paint seeping through to the back of the T-shirt.

2. Spray the back of your stencil with a light coat of spray mount, which helps the stencil stick to the fabric. Position the stencil on the T-shirt and press it down firmly.

3. Cover areas of fabric outside of the stencil with newspaper and secure it with masking tape.

4. Shake your spray paint thoroughly to mix the paint and activate the propellant. Spray a sheet of newspaper a couple of times to clear the nozzle.

5. Spray a layer of paint over the stencil. Repeat several times to build up layers of paint and create a solid, intense color.

6. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended drying time. Peel off the stencil when the paint is completely dry to reveal your completed design on the T-shirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Always hand wash your spray painted T-shirt to prevent the design fading over time.

• Wear a mask to prevent you inhaling the paint fumes.

References

• Blog.Spoon Graphics: Create a Custom T-Shirt Stencil Design
• "Funk it Up: Customize Your Clothes and Decorate Your Accessories with Paint, Dye, Bleach and Transfers"; Petra Boase; 2002