Fabric Paint Guide & Techniques

Why Regular Paint Doesn’t Work

Regular Acrylic Paint: Stiffens fabric, cracks when bent, washes out or flakes off, uncomfortable to wear

Fabric Paint: Stays flexible, moves with fabric, permanently washable, comfortable against skin

The Result: Regular paint ruins in the wash—fabric paint lasts for years

Fabric Paint vs. Fabric Markers

Fabric Paint: Covers large areas, thicker coverage, works on dark colors, creates texture

Fabric Markers: Better for details and writing, less mess, more precise, no brushes needed

Best Approach: Use both together—paint for backgrounds, markers for details

All-Purpose Textile Paint

What It Is: Classic fabric paint for general use on light-colored fabrics

Characteristics:

• Translucent to semi-opaque coverage
• Works best on white and light colors
• Wide color selection available
• Soft hand feel after drying
• Most affordable option
• Easy to mix custom colors

Best For: T-shirts, tote bags, pillows, canvas projects, general crafts

Popular Brands at Joann: Tulip, Plaid, DecoArt, Delta

For Dark Fabrics

What Makes It Special: Full coverage in fewer coats, shows up on dark colors

Characteristics:

• Thick, creamy consistency
• One to two coats for solid coverage
• Works on black and dark fabrics
• Slightly stiffer than regular paint
• More expensive than standard paint

Best For: Black t-shirts, navy hoodies, dark denim, colored fabrics

Note: Essential if working on dark colors—regular paint won’t show

Puffy, Raised Designs

What It Does: Creates raised, 3D lines and designs that stand up from fabric

Application: Comes in squeeze bottles with fine tips for precision

Uses:

• Outlining designs
• Adding texture and dimension
• Creating puffy letters
• Decorative accents
• Kids love the 3D effect!

Drying: Takes longer to dry than regular paint, remains slightly raised

Popular With: Kids’ clothing, craft projects, adding accents to painted designs

Sparkle and Shine

Special Effects: Metallic sheen or glitter particles mixed into paint

Colors Available: Gold, silver, bronze, copper, plus multi-color glitters

Best For:

• Holiday projects
• Party wear
• Accent details
• Glamorous designs
• Special occasion clothing

Consideration: Slightly stiffer than regular paint, may require extra coats

Bold, Bright, and Glowing

Neon Paint: Ultra-bright fluorescent colors perfect for bold designs

Glow-in-the-Dark: Charges in light, glows in darkness

Perfect For:

• Kids’ projects
• Party clothing
• Safety gear
• Fun novelty items
• Stage costumes

Works Best On: White or light fabrics show brightest colors

Expands When Heated

What Makes It Unique: Paint puffs up and expands when heat is applied

How It Works: Apply paint, let dry, then heat with heat gun or iron to puff up

Texture: Creates soft, pillowy, raised designs

Popular Uses: Kids’ clothing, craft projects, textured designs, novelty items

Fun Factor: Kids love watching it puff up!

Airbrush and Spray Effects

What It Is: Fabric paint in aerosol cans for spray application

Advantages:

• Covers large areas quickly
• Creates gradients and ombre effects
• No brush strokes
• Works with stencils beautifully
• Professional-looking finish

Best For: Large projects, backgrounds, tie-dye effects, stencil designs

Important: Use outdoors or in well-ventilated area

Thinner, More Liquid

Consistency: Thinner than regular paint, more like dye

Effect: Soaks into fabric rather than sitting on top

Advantages:

• Maintains fabric drape and softness
• No stiff feeling
• Blends and flows like watercolor
• Creates subtle effects

Best For: Garments, flowing designs, watercolor effects, tie-dye looks

Natural Fiber Fabrics

Best Paints: All fabric paints work well on natural fibers

Fabrics: Cotton, linen, muslin, canvas

Why: Paint absorbs into fibers beautifully, creates lasting bond

Coverage: May need 1-2 coats depending on paint type

Synthetic Fabrics

Best Paints: Look for labels that say “works on polyester”

Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, acrylic, blends

Challenge: Some paints don’t bond as well to synthetic fibers

Test First: Always test on inconspicuous area

Stretchy Fabrics

Best Paints: Extra-flexible fabric paint or fabric medium mixed with regular paint

Fabrics: Jersey knits, spandex, athletic wear, t-shirt material

Why Special: Regular paint may crack when fabric stretches

Add Flexibility: Mix fabric medium into paint for extra stretch

Dark Fabrics

Best Paints: Opaque fabric paint specifically formulated for dark colors

Why: Regular paint is translucent and won’t show on dark backgrounds

Alternative: Use multiple coats of regular paint (time-consuming)

Test: Check color visibility on fabric scrap before starting

T-Shirt Designs

Recommended: Standard fabric paint for light shirts, opaque for dark shirts

Techniques: Stenciling, hand-painting, stamping, screen printing

Tip: Place cardboard inside shirt to prevent bleed-through

Popular Ideas: Custom graphics, band names, quotes, artwork

Tote Bags and Canvas

Recommended: Any fabric paint works great on canvas

Coverage: Heavy canvas may need 2-3 coats

Tip: Canvas is very absorbent—buy extra paint

Ideas: Bold graphics, quotes, florals, geometric designs

Kids’ Clothing and Projects

Recommended: Non-toxic, washable fabric paint

Fun Options: Dimensional paint, puffy paint, glitter paint

Safety: Choose certified non-toxic paints for children

Ideas: Handprints, footprints, simple shapes, colorful designs

Pillows and Home Décor

Recommended: Any fabric paint—home décor washes less often

Coverage: Can use multiple coats for richer colors

Techniques: Stenciling, freehand painting, stamps

Ideas: Quotes, patterns, seasonal designs, family names

Shoes and Accessories

Recommended: Fabric paint mixed with fabric medium for flexibility

Works On: Canvas shoes, fabric belts, hats, bags

Prep: Clean surface thoroughly before painting

Seal: Use fabric sealant spray for extra protection

Before You Paint

Step 1: Wash and dry fabric to remove sizing and oils

Step 2: Iron fabric completely smooth—wrinkles show through paint

Step 3: Place cardboard or plastic sheet inside/under fabric

Step 4: Stretch fabric taut—tape edges to table if needed

Step 5: Plan your design and gather all supplies

Why: Proper prep prevents paint from bleeding through and ensures even coverage

Brush Painting

Technique: Apply paint with brushes in smooth, even strokes

Coverage: Use foam brush for large areas, fine brush for details

Layers: Let each coat dry completely before adding another

Tip: Don’t overwork paint—let it dry between layers

Stenciling

Technique: Hold or tape stencil firmly to fabric, dab paint through openings

Best Tool: Stencil brush or foam pouncer works better than regular brush

Motion: Up-and-down dabbing motion prevents paint from seeping under stencil

Tip: Use very little paint on brush—too much causes bleeding

Stamping

Technique: Apply paint to stamp, press firmly onto fabric

Paint Application: Use foam brush or roller to coat stamp evenly

Pressure: Press firmly and evenly, then lift straight up

DIY Stamps: Make stamps from sponges, potatoes, or foam sheets

Freehand Painting

Technique: Paint directly on fabric like painting on canvas

Sketch First: Draw design lightly with fabric pencil or chalk

Start Light: Easier to add more paint than remove excess

Build Layers: Add depth with multiple thin coats

Color Mixing

Custom Colors: Mix Joann fabric paints together to create unique shades

Start Small: Mix test batches before making large quantities

Keep Track: Write down ratios if you need to recreate color

Lighten: Add white paint to lighten colors

Darken: Add black sparingly—a little goes a long way

Blending and Gradients

Wet Blending: Apply two colors next to each other while wet, blend where they meet

Ombre Effect: Gradually transition from dark to light or one color to another

Spray Technique: Use spray paint for smoothest gradients

Tip: Work quickly while paint is still wet

Tie-Dye with Paint

Method: Dilute fabric paint with water, apply to tied or scrunched fabric

Tying: Use rubber bands to create patterns

Application: Squirt or pour diluted paint onto fabric

Vs Traditional Dye: Less mess, more control, faster process

Make It Permanent

Why It’s Critical: Heat-setting makes paint permanent and washable

When: After paint is completely dry (wait 24-72 hours for thick paint)

Method 1 – Iron:

• Place clean cloth or parchment paper over painted area
• Set iron to highest heat safe for fabric (usually cotton/high)
• Press (don’t slide) iron over design for 3-5 minutes
• Iron from back of fabric for delicate paints

Method 2 – Dryer:

• Place item in dryer on hottest setting
• Run for 30-45 minutes
• Less reliable than ironing but works for items that can’t be ironed

Check Instructions: Some paints have specific heat-setting requirements

Hand-Painted T-Shirts

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 1-3 hours

Supplies: Plain t-shirt, fabric paint, brushes, cardboard, stencils (optional)

Ideas: Simple shapes, names, handprints, geometric patterns

Perfect For: Birthday parties, camp activities, family reunions, gifts

Painted Tote Bags

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 2-3 hours

Supplies: Canvas tote, fabric paint, stencils or stamps

Ideas: Monograms, quotes, simple graphics, florals

Tip: Canvas absorbs paint—have extra on hand

Stamped Pillowcases

Skill Level: Beginner | Time: 1-2 hours

Supplies: White pillowcase, fabric paint, stamps

Ideas: Repeating patterns, border designs, scattered shapes

Perfect For: Gifts, bedroom refresh, kids’ rooms

Painted Denim Jacket

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 4-8 hours

Supplies: Denim jacket, opaque fabric paint, brushes, chalk for sketching

Ideas: Back panel artwork, floral designs, abstract patterns, personalized graphics

Popular: Custom painted jackets are trendy and unique

Painted Canvas Sneakers

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 3-5 hours

Supplies: White canvas shoes, fabric paint mixed with medium, fine brushes

Ideas: Custom designs, florals, patterns, themes

Seal: Use fabric sealant spray when finished

Fabric Wall Art

Skill Level: Intermediate | Time: 3-6 hours

Supplies: Canvas fabric stretched over frame, fabric paint, brushes

Process: Paint like traditional canvas art but with fabric paint

Perfect For: Custom wall décor, nursery art, personalized gifts

Hand-Painted Quilt Squares

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 15-20+ hours

Concept: Paint individual quilt squares, then sew together

Ideas: Family memories, travel themes, nature scenes, story quilts

Technique: Combine painting skills with quilting

Custom Painted Curtains

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 8-12 hours

Supplies: White or natural curtain panels, fabric paint, large stencils or stamps

Ideas: Border patterns, repeating designs, ombre effects

Challenge: Working on large surface area requires planning

Painted Fabric Furniture

Skill Level: Advanced | Time: 10-15+ hours

Projects: Upholstered headboards, chair seats, ottoman covers

Technique: Paint fabric before upholstering or paint existing upholstery

Seal: Use multiple coats of fabric medium for protection

Fun Paint Projects for Kids

• Handprint Art: Paint hands, press on fabric (30 minutes)
• Painted Capes: Create superhero designs (1-2 hours)
• Sponge Painting: Use sponges for easy patterns (45 minutes)
• Fabric Flags: Paint personal flags or banners (1 hour)
• Tie-Dye Style: Diluted paint tie-dye technique (2 hours)
• Painted Aprons: Kids design their own art aprons (1-2 hours)

Wait Period

Timing: Wait at least 72 hours after heat-setting before washing

Why: Gives paint maximum time to fully cure

Check: Make sure paint feels completely dry and set

Patience Pays: Waiting prevents paint from washing out

Keep Colors Vibrant

Water Temperature: Cold or warm water—hot water can soften paint

Detergent: Gentle detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals

Turn Inside Out: Protects painted surface from friction

Wash Cycle: Gentle or normal cycle, avoid heavy-duty

First Wash: Wash alone in case any paint hasn’t fully set

Frequency: Wash only when needed to extend life

Dry with Care

Best Method: Air dry flat or hang to dry when possible

Machine Drying: Low heat if using dryer

Avoid: High heat, over-drying, leaving in dryer

Ironing: Can iron on reverse side if needed, avoid direct contact with paint

Fix Faded or Damaged Areas

Minor Fading: Touch up with same paint colors, re-heat-set

Cracking: Usually means paint wasn’t flexible enough—add fabric medium next time

Peeling: Indicates poor adhesion—make sure fabric was properly prepped

Prevention: Follow all preparation and heat-setting steps carefully

Paint Bleeding Through Fabric

Problem: Paint soaks through to other side

Causes: No barrier, paint too thin, fabric too absorbent

Solutions: Use cardboard inside, thicken paint, use less water

Stiff, Cardboard-Like Feel

Problem: Painted area feels hard and uncomfortable

Causes: Too much paint, paint not meant for fabric, need fabric medium

Solutions: Use thinner coats, buy quality fabric paint, add fabric medium to regular paint

Paint Cracking or Peeling

Problem: Paint cracks when fabric bends or washes

Causes: Wrong paint type, didn’t heat-set, paint too thick, used regular acrylic

Solutions: Use fabric-specific paint, heat-set properly, add fabric medium for flexibility

Colors Look Different When Dry

Problem: Paint dries darker or lighter than expected

Cause: Normal! Fabric paint changes slightly as it dries

Solution: Test colors on scrap fabric and let dry before committing to project

Uneven Coverage

Problem: Splotchy or streaky appearance

Causes: Paint too thick or thin, uneven application, wrong brush

Solutions: Thin paint slightly with water, use foam brush for even coverage, apply multiple thin coats

What Makes Good Fabric Paint

• Labeled “Fabric Paint”: Specifically formulated for textiles
• Permanent and Washable: Clearly states these properties
• Soft Hand: Won’t stiffen fabric excessively
• Good Coverage: Opaque or semi-opaque depending on type
• Non-Toxic: Especially important for kids’ projects
• Name Brand: Trusted brands have consistent quality

Paint Sets

Advantages: Lower cost per color, good variety, convenient storage

Best For: Beginners, general use, trying fabric painting first time

Popular Sets: 6-color basics, 12-color assortments, 24+ deluxe sets

Watch For: Sets may include colors you rarely use

Individual Bottles

Advantages: Buy exactly what you need, replace favorites, no waste

Best For: Specific projects, experienced painters, stocking up on favorite colors

Sizes: Usually 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, or larger bottles

Joann Tip: Stock up during sales—paint doesn’t expire if stored properly

Budget Paint ($5-10 per bottle)

What You Get: Basic colors, adequate performance, may be less opaque

Good For: Kids’ projects, experimenting, practice

Limitations: May require more coats, could stiffen fabric more

Mid-Range Paint ($10-20 per bottle)

What You Get: Name brands, good coverage, reliable results

Good For: Most projects, gifts, wearable items

Best Value: Joann’s mid-range options offer excellent quality for price

Premium Paint ($20-40+ per bottle)

What You Get: Professional quality, superior coverage, widest color range

Good For: Professional work, items for sale, heirloom pieces

Worth It When: Quality and longevity are priorities

Trusted Paint Brands

Tulip: Wide variety, reliable quality, specialty finishes available

Plaid/FolkArt: Good value, consistent colors, beginner-friendly

DecoArt: Quality paints, good color selection, easy to work with

Delta: Professional quality, excellent coverage, durable

Jacquard: Artist-quality paints, sophisticated colors, premium option

Joann Signature: Budget-friendly store brand with good performance