DO'S AND DON'TS for Painting on Clothes - MISTAKES TO AVOID!

Summary

In this video, the host shares common mistakes beginners make when painting on clothes. The video covers topics such as sketching designs on fabric, selecting the right fabric paint, applying base layers, and mixing different paint brands. It emphasizes the importance of using transfer paper, understanding fabric types, and applying paint in thin layers to avoid stiffness. The host also advises against mixing paints from different brands, not letting layers dry, and not waiting long enough before heat-setting the paint. Finally, it encourages beginners to explore inspiration and creative possibilities to improve their customizations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use transfer or carbon paper instead of sketching directly on fabric when you're a beginner to avoid mistakes and damage.
• 😀 Fabric paints for light clothes have lower opacity and are best for thin fabrics, while opaque paints are necessary for dark clothes for better coverage.
• 😀 Always apply a white base layer on dark fabrics (like black denim or sweatshirts) to ensure bright colors, but don't overdo it to avoid stiffness.
• 😀 Don't use soft pencils for sketching on fabric, as it can leave dark, hard-to-remove marks. Instead, use hard pencils or transfer paper.
• 😀 Avoid mixing fabric paints from different brands, as their formulas may not be compatible and can lead to fading or peeling after washing.
• 😀 Don’t apply too many layers of paint; stick to 4-5 thin layers for the best flexibility and durability without cracking.
• 😀 Make sure each layer dries before applying the next one, either using a hair dryer or air-drying to prevent sticky, tacky finishes.
• 😀 Be cautious when ironing painted fabric. Don't use an overly hot iron, and always iron through a thin cloth to avoid damaging the paint or fabric.
• 😀 Allow fabric paint to dry for at least 24 hours before heat setting it with an iron or hair dryer for long-lasting results.
• 😀 Beginners often miss the potential for creative customization, like using different fabric areas (e.g., sleeves, front, or even bleaching) to enhance designs.

Q & A

What is the first mistake beginners make when painting on clothes?

The first mistake is attempting to sketch the design directly onto the fabric. Beginners should instead use transfer paper or carbon paper to transfer their design from paper to fabric, as drawing directly on fabric can be difficult and lead to issues like damaging the fibers or leaving dark pencil marks that are hard to remove.

Why is it important for beginners to use transfer paper instead of sketching directly on fabric?

Transfer paper helps beginners avoid the mistakes of drawing directly on fabric, such as applying excessive pressure that can damage the fabric or leaving dark, permanent marks that are hard to erase. Transfer paper ensures a clearer and more precise design.

What kind of fabric paints should you use for dark clothes?

For dark clothes, you should use fabric paints that are opaque and provide good coverage. This ensures that the colors remain vibrant without requiring too many layers, which can make the fabric stiff and uncomfortable to wear.

What is the difference between fabric paints for light and dark clothes?

Fabric paints for light clothes tend to have a thinner consistency and less coverage, making them ideal for light-colored fabrics like white or light denim. Fabric paints for dark clothes are designed to be more opaque, ensuring that the colors stand out on dark fabrics like black or dark denim.

When should you apply a base layer of paint on fabric?

You should apply a base layer of white fabric paint when working with dark fabrics, as it helps lighter colors show up more vibrantly. However, you don't need to apply a base layer on light fabrics, as they allow colors to show up well without it.

What is the correct way to apply a base layer on dark fabric?

When applying a base layer on dark fabric, use a thin layer of white paint. It should be just enough to lighten the fabric slightly, creating a good surface for the colored paint to adhere to, without making the fabric too stiff.

Why is it important not to mix fabric paints from different brands?

Mixing paints from different brands can result in compatibility issues, as each brand may use a different formula. This can lead to problems such as the paint not bonding properly to the fabric, causing the design to wash off after a few uses.

What is the maximum number of paint layers that should be applied to fabric?

The maximum number of paint layers to apply is generally four or five. Applying more layers can cause the fabric to become stiff and crack, ruining the quality and flexibility of the design.

Why is it important to let each layer of paint dry before applying the next one?

Letting each layer dry is crucial because applying wet layers on top of each other can cause the paint to become sticky and uneven. It also prevents the layers from bonding properly to the fabric, which can result in cracks or peeling after washing.

What should you do to fix the paint on fabric after completing your design?

After finishing your design, you should heat set the paint to fix it onto the fabric. This can be done by ironing the fabric with a not-too-hot iron, or using a hair dryer. It's essential to wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry before heat setting.