How to Dye Cotton Fabric With Watercolor Paint

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Piece of plywood

  • Watercolor paints

  • Bowls of water

  • Large, round paintbrush

  • Spray bottle

  • Blow dryer

Fabric dyed with watercolors often has an ethereal quality.

Dying cotton fabric with watercolor paints is a quick, easy, and fun project. The watercolor paints will give the fabric a unique look not possible with any other kind of paint or dye. Once the fabric is dyed, it will be suitable for any number of sewing projects, or you may choose to simply display the fabric.

Advertisement

Step 1

Lay the cotton fabric on a flat piece of plywood or on another even work surface which you will not mind getting paint on it, should the paint drain through the fabric.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Mix each watercolor paint with enough water in a bowl to give the paint the richness of color you desire.

Step 3

Use a large, round brush to apply a wash, or strokes, of paint to the fabric in a pattern of your choosing. Long strokes work best.

Step 4

Spray an even mist of water from the spray bottle onto the fresh paint, allowing it to soak and spread through the fibers of the fabric. This allows for the creation of the unique watercolor effect.

Advertisement

Step 5

Repeat the process with the different paint colors until you have covered the fabric to your satisfaction. Remember, more water sprayed on the material means that the paint will spread more and soak throughout the fabric.

Step 6

Use the blow dryer to dry the paint. Allow the fabric to sit undisturbed for 24 hours before using, in order to insure that it is fully dry.

Tip

Wash the cotton fabric first to allow it to shrink and to remove any sizing left over from the production of the fabric.

After applying a wash of paint, you can use the blow dryer to prevent the paint from spreading beyond where you wish it to.

Warning

Watercolor paints on cotton are not color-fast. Do not launder watercolor-dyed fabrics.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references