Clothing paint is a water-based, nontoxic alternative to fabric dye that allows you to create your own unique designs on clothes, shoes, bags, and other textiles. These paints bond to the woven fibers of your fabric, resulting in durable, washable designs that last for years. There are a variety of colors and finishes available, so choose the type that will best suit your desired look. You can also use a variety of other materials and mediums in conjunction with the paint to create different effects. For example, marker and spray paints work well for fine linework, stenciling, and covering larger surface areas, while block printing inks are great for screen printing.

If you’re new to painting on fabric, it’s helpful to practice first on a scrap piece of fabric before tackling your actual project. This will give you a feel for the paint, its application process, and how it interacts with your specific fabric. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as blending and layering, to see which ones you prefer. Once you’re comfortable with your results, it’s time to start creating your masterpiece!

Before you begin, make sure that your fabric is prewashed without any fabric softener. New fabrics are coated in a chemical called sizing to help prevent wrinkles and stains, and this can interfere with the paint’s ability to adhere to the fabric. Also, be sure to place a barrier board, such as cardboard or a cutting mat, underneath your work area, to protect it from bleed-through.

You’ll also want to select a paint that is designed for fabric. Standard acrylics and watercolors work well on fabric, but they don’t hold up to washing or drying as well as a paint that is made specifically for this purpose. Choose a brand that specifies that it’s flexible drying and machine washable, such as Tulip ColorShot Fabric Spray Paints.

Once your fabric is painted, let it dry completely before removing it from the barrier board. It’s important to wait until the paint is fully set before you wash it, as washing too soon can cause the paint to crack or fade in the wash. If you’re worried about accidentally smudging wet paint, you can iron it to set it after it’s dried, but only on low heat.

While most clothing paints are permanent, you can apply a varnish over your finished product to extend the life of the paint and protect it from moisture. This is especially important if your garment will be laundered often. For best results, let your fabric dry completely before applying the varnish and only apply a few thin coats to avoid overdoing it.