I want to paint on fabric using FolkArt® Acrylic Colors. How do I make sure it will adhere and remain durable?

When using FolkArt® Acrylic Colors or Apple Barrel paint on fabric we suggest that you also use our FolkArt Textile Medium. The medium helps to keep the paint soft, flexible, and fade resistant.

When using FolkArt, FolkArt Artists’ Pigments, or Apple Barrel paints, create a combination of 2 parts paint to 1 part Textile Medium. For FolkArt Metallics, you will need 3 parts paint to 1 part Textile Medium. When painitng with metallics mix 1 part to 3 parts paint to 1 part Textile Medium.

Follow the steps below when painting on fabric:

1. Pre-wash your fabric with soap and water. Do not use fabric softener. Line dry or use dryer but do not use a dryer sheet. If necessary iron wrinkles; do not use spray starch. It is not necessary to pre-wash decorative fabrics.
2. Pre-mix your paints with the FolkArt Textile Medium.
3. Scoop your paint onto your brush and then spread the paint. You need to use a lot of paint when painting on fabric to ensure that the paint goes into the fibers. For very heavy or coarse material, you may want to scrub the paint into the fibers. (If you are painting with One Stroke, you will need to load your brush very heavily. You can go over the area if needed, but you’ll need to do so while the paint is still wet.)

Heat Setting Your Fabric
Wait 24 hours after you have painted your project before heat setting. To make the paint adhere to the fibers and to make it more durable for washing use a cloth that has been dampened with white vinegar - a piece of old sheet works great. Place the cloth over the painting. Then, using a dry setting on your iron, steam the vinegar soaked cloth to set the paint.

Caring for your Painted Fabric
If you must wash your project, we suggest that you wait 72 hours and then wash in a mild soap such as Ivory Snow. Do not use a heavy detergent or Woolite.