Fabric Paints & Dyes

Discover a whole new world of Fabric Paints & Dyes with ArtStore Online.

At ArtStore Online, we seek to bring you the best Fabric Paint & Dye brands available and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world. Discover our Fabric Paint & Dye brands including Jacquard, Pebeo, PERMASET, Posca, Zig and more! 

Browse through our extensive range of supplies for Fabric Paint, Fabric Markers, and Tie Dye. Whether you are an avid crafter, DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever Fabric Paints & Dyes you need.

What are fabric paints and dyes?

Fabric paints and dyes are materials used to colour or decorate fabrics. Here's a brief explanation of each:

Fabric Paints: Fabric paints are specially formulated paints designed to adhere to fabric surfaces. They come in various forms, including acrylic-based paints, fabric markers, and fabric spray paints. Fabric paints offer permanent colouration and are often used for creating detailed designs, patterns, or illustrations on fabric. They may require heat setting or curing to ensure durability and wash-fastness.

Fabric Dyes: Fabric dyes are colouring agents that penetrate the fibres of the fabric, permanently changing its colour. Unlike fabric paints, which sit on the surface of the fabric, fabric dyes become a part of the fabric itself. They come in different types, such as fibre-reactive dyes (ideal for natural fibres like cotton and linen), acid dyes (suitable for protein-based fibres like silk and wool), and direct dyes (used for cellulose fibres like cotton and rayon). Fabric dyes are often used for larger-scale projects or for achieving uniform, solid colours across the fabric.

Both fabric paints and dyes offer versatility in terms of colour choices and application methods, allowing artists and crafters to customise and personalise fabric items such as clothing, accessories, home decor, and more.

What’s the difference between fabric paint and other types of paint?

Fabric paint is specially formulated to adhere to fabric fibres, offering durability, flexibility, washability, and colourfastness that other types of paint may lack on fabric surfaces. Unlike acrylic or oil paints, fabric paint remains flexible even after drying, ensuring comfort and maintaining the fabric's texture. Additionally, fabric paint is wash-resistant, meaning it can withstand laundering without fading or washing out, making it ideal for decorating clothing, accessories, and other fabric items.

Does fabric paint need to be sealed?

Whether fabric paint needs to be sealed depends on the specific type of fabric paint used and the desired outcome of the project. Some fabric paints require heat setting or curing to become permanent and wash-resistant, while others may benefit from additional sealing for added durability or protection against fading.

In general, many fabric paints do not require sealing if they have been properly heat-set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Heat setting typically involves ironing the painted fabric or placing it in a dryer for a specified amount of time to ensure that the paint bonds with the fabric fibres.

However, if extra protection or longevity is desired, especially for heavily used or frequently washed items, sealing the fabric paint with a fabric sealant or fixative may be beneficial. Fabric sealants can provide an additional layer of protection against wear, fading, and washing out, helping to preserve the painted design over time.

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the specific type of fabric paint being used, as well as any additional sealants or fixatives, to ensure the best results for your project.

What are some tips for using fabric paint and dyes for beginners?

Preparation is Key: Wash and dry your fabric before applying paint or dye to remove any sizing or finishes that may interfere with adhesion. Iron the fabric to remove wrinkles and ensure a smooth surface for painting or dyeing.

Test Before Starting: Always test your fabric paints or dyes on a scrap piece of fabric before applying them to your main project. This allows you to see how the colours will look and how the fabric will react to the paint or dye.

Use a Barrier: Place a piece of cardboard or plastic between the layers of fabric to prevent bleed-through when painting or dyeing. This will help ensure crisp lines and prevent colours from mixing unintentionally.

Start Light: When using fabric dyes, start with a lighter colour and gradually build up to darker shades. It's easier to darken a colour than it is to lighten it, so err on the side of caution when adding dye to your fabric.

Blend Colours: Experiment with blending different colours of fabric paint or dye to create custom shades and gradients. You can blend colours directly on the fabric or mix them on a palette before applying them.

Allow for Drying Time: Let each layer of paint or dye dry completely before adding additional layers or moving on to the next step. This will prevent smudging and ensure that the colours remain vibrant and true.

Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fabric paints or dyes you are using, including any recommendations for heat setting, curing, or washing.

Protect Your Work Surface: Lay down a plastic drop cloth or old towel to protect your work surface from spills and splatters when painting or dyeing fabric.

Clean Up Properly: Clean your brushes, palettes, and any other tools immediately after use to prevent the paint or dye from drying and hardening on them.

Have Fun and Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, colours, and effects when painting or dyeing fabric. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!

By following these tips, beginners can achieve beautiful results when using fabric paints and dyes for their projects.