Fabric paint can be expensive- so today, I’m going to show you how to paint on fabric WITHOUT fabric paint! It’s going to be a game changer!
Let’s be real. I have a wall of acrylic paint! So when I wanted to recreate a fun paint splatter shirt (Inspired by my sticker envelopes)
I didn’t want to have to go out and buy all the fabric paint. INSTEAD- I purchased one bottle of textile medium and now I have all the colors I could possible need! I can’t wait to paint pillows and shirts and maybe even curtains!
Here is what you need
- acrylic paint
- THIS textile medium
- shirt or pillow to paint
- piece of cardboard
- paintbrush
This textile medium will turn your acrylic paint into fabric paint! (I just noticed- the amazon price is high! I bought it for $6.00!
It’s one part textile medium to two parts acrylic paint. Mix it up well. I didn’t think it changed the color at all. It did make it a little more liquidy (technical term) but it worked out great because it was easier to apply to the fabric!
How to paint on fabric
First, you are are going to want to put a piece of cardboard in between the fabric layers. It will give you a sturdy base if you are painting a real design and protect the back layer.
I wanted a splatter effect- so I dipped the paintbrush into the paint and flicked it all over the shirt. It makes a mess. So make sure you are outside and have covered the surrounding area. There are two ways to flick. One is just a quick wrist- channel your inner harry potter and act like you have a wand in your hand. I occasionally dipped my brush in water to make the splatters spread easily. I did get quite a bit of paint on my brush as well. The second way to flick is to hit the paint brush handle against your other hand. This creates lots of little tiny flecks. I don’t even think you can tell how many cool little flecks of colors are all over this shirt!
After the paint dries, you are supposed to set it with an iron and not wash it for 7 days!
I used the same technique for my art apron- I love it so much!
I can’t get enough of this shirt! It’s soft and not stiff which is what you would get if you used the acrylic by yourself! And I love that I can wear it crafting….and if paint gets on it…who cares?!
Fyi- If you follow me on instagram–you get sneak peeks on all the things I’m working on! Make sure to head over and become my insta friend!
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