Is it possible to paint on fabric with regular acrylic: how to use and how to draw

Properties and features of acrylic dyes

Is it possible to paint with acrylic paints on fabric? Yes, acrylic painting on clothing is one of the most famous ways to create a unique and striking item. There are different shades of paints for painting on fabric. Acrylic is also produced in different forms - in jars, tubes or spray cans.

Working with acrylic paints

Painting with acrylic does not require any special skills or equipment. To work, you will need brushes, a container with diluting liquid or water, and the item itself.

Dilution liquid

Acrylic is a “thick” paint and can be applied in several layers, adding detail or mixing with the underlying shade. Moderate application of the liquid makes it thick and suitable for working with fabric, but contours should be used.

This material has many advantages:

They dry fairly quickly.
You can mix colors, get new ones and use them in painting.
Acrylic can be purchased at any craft store.
The design lasts for a really long time and does not wash off;
The patterns come out bright.

Important! Acrylic paints are safe for children, but you need to be careful not to get the dye in your eyes, mouth, or damaged areas of skin that have not yet healed.

There are also several other important details associated with the use of this paint:

It is worth paying attention to the expiration date of paints. Over time they dry out and can no longer be used for painting.
It can spread on the fabric, which will greatly spoil the design. Therefore, before work, it is recommended to draw an outline on the thing and have a sketch of the future finished work on hand.
It is not always possible to immediately obtain the desired color when mixing.

Otherwise, working with acrylic paints is simple and suitable for beginning artists.

Dyeing different materials

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of dye and method, it is worth learning how to dye fabric at home.

Cotton

It fades quickly and fades. You will need durable cotton dye and soft water, melt or rain. How to dye cotton fabric:

store-bought product is diluted in accordance with the specified proportions;
the composition is heated to 50 degrees, the item is poured;
cook for 20 minutes, add calcined salt;
continue cooking for 35 minutes;
take out and rinse with warm water.

At the end, the cotton fabric is rinsed at a cool temperature with the addition of a 5 liter spoon of vinegar.

How to dye a cotton jacket: the principle is the same, but add a few tablespoons of salt after boiling. This is necessary to reduce shedding.

Linen

Fabric paint, how to use with flax fibers:

throw the pigment into the water and mix;
place the item and cook for half an hour with the addition of a spoonful of salt;
the finished product is rinsed with cold water and vinegar;
it is wrung out and laid out on a towel.

Tip: if you need the fabric urgently, you can iron it after 35 minutes.

How to dye wool

How to dye: Aniline dye is best.

How to dye a woolen item at home:

one sachet is dissolved in 0.5 liters of water;
add warm water to the composition;
place the product in the container and wait until it boils;
after 25 minutes, add 75 ml of acetic acid.

How to dye fabric brown: boil it in onion peels at the rate of 400 g of peel per 100 wool. Rinse in the same way.

The finished clothes are placed over the bathtub/basin and left so that the bulk of the dyeing liquid is glassed off. Then rinse with cold water. The last rinse is accompanied by lemon juice.

How to dye cashmere: the rules are the same, but use a special dye marked “for wool.” However, it is better to take such a delicate item to the dry cleaner.

Silk

Dyeing of silk products:

wash new material in case it is soaked in something;
dilute the dye slowly with water, adding a little liquid to form a thick paste;
pour the product into 0.5 liters of water, stir and strain through a clean cloth;
dilute according to instructions;
to dye a silk skirt or dress faster, add a spoonful of salt per liter;
the composition is boiled, the heat is reduced and the clothes are placed;
after 30-40 minutes, turn off the stove and leave the item in the pan for half an hour.

Freshly dyed fabric is washed at a hot temperature many times, and finally at a cold temperature.

Synthetics

How to dye synthetic fabric:

dilute 20 ml of formic acid 85% in 10 liters of water;
the dye is dissolved in the composition;
stir thoroughly and place the synthetic product;
cook at a temperature of 40-45 degrees, no more;
After half an hour, rinse with cold water.

You need to know not only how to paint synthetics. The finished item will have to be washed separately at least three times, it will fade noticeably.

The dye for tulle should be durable and bright. This polyester material does not absorb pigment easily. Tulle can be starched for dye fastness.

Polyester

How to dye polyester:

soak clothes with washing powder for half an hour at temperatures up to 40 degrees;
rinse with the addition of ammonia;
use only a special dye for polyester, diluted strictly according to the instructions;
the time and method indicated on the packaging differ from one manufacturer to another.

In order not to spoil a synthetic item, you must completely follow the instructions and not use natural dyes. Faded fabric made from polyester fibers is easier to dye.

Viscose

How to dye viscose at home:

combine the dye and calcined salt;
paint for artificial fabric is the same as for natural fabric;
dilute in hot water;
put half of the liquid into a pan, place viscose material;
slowly bring to a boil, add a little salt;
after a quarter of an hour, they take out the item, pour the second half of the dye into the dish;
How to dye viscose fabric further: boil for 20-30 minutes.

An unevenly colored item is rinsed in a powder solution, then in clean water.

Choosing fabric for painting

Before you begin, you need to know which acrylic fabric paints you should buy and how to use them depending on the fabric. Determining the right acrylic is not difficult.

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Fabrics made from natural materials are ideal for painting.

To understand what kind of paint you need to purchase, you should look at the label.

Silk sign. This means that the stiffness of the fabric will not be affected, and the dye is suitable for light and thin items, such as chiffon or silk.
Textile sign. This dye is suitable for dense and stiff fabrics (jeans, leather, linen), it does not spread as much and is easy to work with on such a surface.

The paint packages indicate what kind of fabric they are suitable for.
For work, it is best to select things from light or white fabric - this way, the acrylic colors retain their original color.
On a dark product, shades may change.

Types of painting

Painting on fabric using special dyes (including acrylic) is called batik. Batik involves applying paint to fabric using a fixative (reserving composition).

Acrylic is often used in batik and there are many tutorials available online

There are several types of staining:

Hot batik. Quite a complex process that requires skills. During painting, a wax coating is used, which is then removed, leaving behind either a white or colored background.
Cold batik. The paints are applied using clearly defined lines, so the acrylic does not wash off or smear from the fabric. Stencils are often used for this technique; you can also take paint in a spray can.
Knot batik. Small knots are tied on the fabric using thread or cord, onto which paint is then applied. After drying, new knots are made and so on until the pattern is completed.
Free painting. A sketch of the future design is applied to the fabric and then painted with paints. Sometimes you can do work without a preliminary sketch, working from inspiration and getting unusual patterns. To consolidate the result, apply a reserve composition.

With free style you can create a real masterpiece

Folk remedies

You can also use household products to paint things.

Do you want to restore the black color of the item? The black tint will fade over time, but the original brightness can be restored. Use the tobacco solution in the following proportion: one and a half liters of boiled water – fifteen grams of tobacco. It is recommended to first clean clothes from stains and contaminated areas, wash and dry completely. To remove dust particles and remaining dirt, wipe the item with a soft brush. Then carry out the procedure using warm tobacco solution, filtered through a sieve.
Tobacco allows you to add original brightness to brown clothes.
Light brown can be stylish. Use the peel of a young nut to obtain it. Minor proportions of the coloring solution will give a light tint to the color.
White clothes can be dyed cream . Use tea infusion.
The golden color adds sophistication to clothing. This shade will be obtained thanks to strong, freshly prepared tea. Please note: the proportions should be slight so that the color does not turn out deep.
White lace will take on a yellowish but attractive tint if you rinse the lace item in water with the addition of brewed coffee.
Are you planning to rinse plain colored items? Add mascara of a suitable color to the water.
Use onions in home dyeing of clothes. The color can be yellow, greenish or brown. If you want to get yellow tint, use half a kilogram of onion peels per hundred grams of skeins of wool. More husk will be needed to achieve a green or brown
Do you want to prevent your dyed clothes from fading? Prepare a special solution: add a couple of tablespoons of salt to water. Use vinegar for the final rinse. Both products have decent characteristics that eliminate unnecessary risks.
Shades of the blue color spectrum will be obtained using blueberries, blackberries, and sage (except for the roots of the plant).
The green color scheme will appear with the help of juniper and elderberry.
For a vibrant red color, use ripe elderberries.
A brown tint will appear with the use of sorrel root.
Sea buckthorn will give an orange color.
Cinnamon will contribute to the appearance of a gingerbread shade that will cause admiration. Use powder or sticks to process the material.
The mustard color will appear with the help of brewed tea.

Natural methods can be useful, but you must keep in mind that the appropriate shade will only appear on white clothes. Colored items cannot be dyed with improvised means.

For your event, choose a natural product. Grind thoroughly and then boil in soft water. Evaporate the coloring solution and strain. Then soak the item in the prepared solution. If important nuances are taken into account, it will be possible to ensure that the desired effect is achieved and the subsequent long-term preservation of color.

Methods of applying acrylic paint

There are several different ways to paint a design on fabric using acrylic paints. They are suitable for both beginners and people who have been drawing for a long time.

Copying. The simplest method, which does not require any specific skills. The most necessary thing for this method is the ability to clearly transfer the pattern onto the thing. The desired design is first printed (preferably the outlines are thick and dark), then the fabric is stretched over a piece of cardboard or plywood and fixed. The printed drawing is placed under the product and the outline is redrawn. After this they begin to paint.

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Drawing with stencils

Another fairly simple way is to use special stencils. You can make them yourself from paper, or you can buy them in a store. This technique is suitable for those moments when the same design needs to be copied (for example, for uniform T-shirts or original fabric napkins). The stencil is attached to the desired location, and paint is applied on top.
A more complex method is to draw a sketch by hand and then paint it. If you have enough imagination and skills, you can try this method. Some professionals don't even sketch and work straight away with color, but it's better to start with a pencil drawing. First, you should also sketch your future work in an album or sketchbook in order to know exactly the location of the sketch, its size, etc.

Thanks to manual work, unique things are obtained.
To start working with a certain method, you should consider some recommendations:

Before purchasing, be sure to check the price, manufacturer and expiration date. This will help you avoid purchasing low-quality and old paints.
The presence of toxins and allergens in dyes and the presence of an unpleasant odor are also checked.
Before dyeing, apply the dye to some unwanted fabric to check the color and the nature of the application.
Brushes, sponges and rollers are made from synthetics.
A new layer (if there is no purpose of mixing paints) is applied only after the lower one has dried.
A day after the picture is ready, iron it for 5 minutes.

High-quality dye remains stable after heat treatment.
To begin any work, the artist must have the following tools and materials:

The paints themselves (there are different dyes in stores; they can be labeled “acrylic paints” or “acrylic”, and will differ little).
Soft synthetic brushes.
Pins, clothespins, hooks.
Frame, hoop, plywood or piece of cardboard.
Thinner (also available at art stores).
Sponges, cotton swabs.
Palettes, containers for diluting paints and water.
Hairdryer and iron.

The work room should be spacious and bright, well ventilated

How to care for a painted product

Once the item has been painted and dried, it is followed by proper care, thanks to which the paint will last a long time and remain bright.

The product should only be washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
The amount of powder should be minimal; the product is used without bleach.
When washing by hand: do not twist the fabric or rub in the area where the pattern is located.
Before washing, the product is turned inside out, and then straightened out and hung on a clothesline.
The item cannot be soaked.
Iron carefully, from the inside out.

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If you follow the recommendations, acrylic painting on fabric will last a very long time.

How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Fabric

It is necessary to remove acrylic from fabric in different cases. This could be paint that accidentally got on clothes or unsuccessful acrylic drawings on fabric that you want to remove.

Acrylic is washed off from fabric in different ways

If a stain has just appeared on clothing, you should immediately begin cleaning before it gets stuck:

Small drops of paint are removed with a teaspoon, plastic utensil, or butter knife.
The item of clothing is turned inside out and placed under cold water until the dye fades. Then it is washed.
You can also soak the item in cold water, and during this time prepare a soap solution. Use a sponge to wipe off the stain.

In the case when the dye has dried (for example, a finished painting or a long-standing stain), the following remedies can help:

A mixture of ammonia and vinegar 1:1. The product is applied to a sponge and the stain is scrubbed, then the item is soaked and washed.
Acetone. A sponge is soaked in the substance and rubbed into the stain, after which the product is washed.
Scotch. In some cases this method is suitable. The adhesive tape is applied to the drawing, smoothed and carefully removed.
Alcohol. The cotton wool is moistened with alcohol and applied to the stain for 15-20 seconds, after which it is rubbed a little more. Residues should be wiped off with dry cotton wool. The item needs to be washed and dried.

Stains are removed with alcohol.
Sometimes dried stains can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent and a sponge (or soft brush).

Is it possible to paint with acrylic on fabric and do it in different ways? Definitely yes, and this option is great for working with kids or creating your own unique piece. High-quality paints will not only not cause harm, but will also adhere well to the fabric and last a long time.

Is it possible to dye a Bolognese jacket?

Before painting the jacket, it must be soaked in hot water. This is necessary to ensure that the paint is evenly distributed throughout the product. You can soak it in the bathtub or in a basin. After this, take out the jacket and smooth out all the creases so that the paint adheres correctly. Heat water in a large saucepan; there should be enough water to completely cover the item.

Important! The jacket should float in the water so that the pigment is evenly absorbed. It is advisable to choose a very large pan. Over medium heat, boil water. Next, pour water into a large basin and put the jacket there.

Painting a nightgown

The water temperature should be approximately 70 degrees. Add paint to boiling water and stir quickly. One package of pigment requires at least 10 liters of liquid. For a less vibrant color, less water is needed. The paint is dissolved in a separate container. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the powder packet and stir. Even liquid dyes are first diluted with water. To make the color more saturated, you can add a spoonful of vinegar to the water. Dye the jacket for about 2 hours.