All sorts of people use textile paint.
Crafters of all ages use fabric paints, markers and dyes to create customized pre-made items as well as produce beautiful artistic compositions and designs on fabric.
Tulip Paints is a well-known resource for all types of paint and embellishments for the fiber artist.
They produce a wide range of products that are reasonably priced.
Their website also features how-to instructions and videos, so a beginner can feel confident trying out new materials and techniques.
Tulip Fabric Dyes
To a craftsman, dyeing fabric is far more than soaking a length of cloth in a bucket filled with colored water. There are myriad techniques and tools to create unique designs that are pieces of art themselves, or are used in conjunction with sewing, decoupage and soft sculpture.
Batik and tie-dye are two common techniques used in fabric design. They are both a form of dye resist, and each has unique features for various types of work.
Batik
Using a resist product, such as Fashion Art Resist, the artist applies a coating to areas that will not be dyed. This product can be squeezed from a tube for drawing fine or thick lines. It can also be used with stencils to make patterned motifs. When the design is finished, the resist applied and has dried, it is time to color the piece. The article can be colored using a dip, bath or spray bottle.
Dipping allows the artist to move the piece from color to color, dyeing various parts of the fabric with different color solutions. Successive layers of resist can be applied to the fabric to produce a complex design. The first application of resist preserves the original color of the cloth. It is then dyed with the lightest color that is used. Each dye application is darker than the prior color, ending with the darkest tone selected. As each step requires the item to dry completely before applying the next layer of resist, this process is very time consuming.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye is a controlled, random method in which the fabric is twisted, folded and tied tightly before adding color. The effects are random, as the twisting will vary. It is controlled, since you can determine the areas that you are choosing to fold, twist and tie. String or rubber bands are used to secure the fabric and is cut away after dyeing.
Tulip has both hot and cold-water dyes, as well as kits for tie-dyeing and single color dyes. There is a variety of hues in the line, although additional colors can be custom mixed by the artist.
Tulip Soft Fabric Paints
Artists apply these paints with either a brush or a sponge. There is matte, metallic, neon, pearlized, velveteen and 3-D formulations, each with a variety of colors for designing colorful, creative clothing and craft projects.
Painting with a brush, the artist will use the paint just as it comes from the container, or add water to thin the consistency. It may require multiple applications if the paint is thin, but may be desirable for creating a watercolor effect. This is typically freehand painting, much as an artist would do upon a canvas.
Sea sponges can be used to create random patterns on the fabric. Dip a moist sea sponge into paint, dab on a paper towel to remove excess and pressed onto the fabric. This can be done with multiple colors, creating lovely cloud-like effects.
Use high-density synthetic foam to create stamps with which you can paint motifs. Cut compressed foam into shapes, moisten and dip into paint. This style of stamping is great for children to decorate t-shirts, pants and even sneakers.
Sponges can also be used to paint stencil designs. Use Tulip’s Sticky Fabric Stencils, or create your own from removable adhesive-back stencil material. The stencil stays in place while tamping the sponge to fill the area with paint. Stencils can be reused several times for repeating the motifs.
Tulip Matte Finish Paints are the standard paints for most projects. They are available in 23 colors and are easily mixed to create custom hues. Neon and metallic colors, as well as the pearlized lines add an extra punch and excitement as highlights and focal points in the designs. These colors work well with the matte finish colors as well as the 3D Fashion and Soft Velveteen Lines from Tulip Fabric Paints.
Tulip 3D Fashion Paint
This product is available in many colors and comes in individual tubes or sets. It has a thick consistency and maintains its shape when dry, adding a three dimensional quality to the artwork. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with other fabric paints and dyes.
Tulip Soft Velveteen Paint
Soft Velveteen Paint adds texture to your painted surface. After application, the painted surface is steamed with an iron to puff the paint into a textured finish.
Tulip Fabric Markers
Fabric marking pens allows the artist the control of a pen and the durable colorfast qualities of fabric paint. The markers are available in over 20 colors, in several different sets.
An artist may utilize this type of fabric paint to do pen-like finish work, incorporating it with other techniques and paints. The markers are also a great mess-free choice for young artisans, keeping the work area safe from paint spills.
Fabric painting and ornamentation is a craft that any age can enjoy. Little ones can take their first artistic steps, painting and decorating their favorite t-shirts and shirts. Teens and older children love to experiment and show off their artistic leanings. This is a great way for them to express themselves, while leaving the neighborhood buildings unscathed by graffiti.
Artists are always looking for new techniques with which to express themselves. If you haven’t tried fabric art, put it on your to-do list for a craft that is economical, easy and fun for the whole family.
