Fabric paint: how to colour fabrics and textiles

There are numerous options depending on which type of textile or fabric you want to paint. Whether it's spray paints, acrylic paints or specialist fabric paints and dyes, there's a solution for every project!

Painting clothes

If you're looking to customise a garment, such as a bag, scarf, shoes, etc., then opt for specialist textile arts & crafts paints. You can also make use of acrylic paints by adding a special textile medium.

Painting upholstery

Finding it hard to part with your old sofa or your grandmother's lovely armchair, or maybe a lamp shade, and would rather give them a second chance? This can be done with spray paint or acrylic paint.

Painting a large surface area

Has the colour of your bedsheets faded? It's a good idea to opt for dye that can be used in the washing machine directly. However, if you're trying to make a banner, a sign or a flag, acrylic paint is the most suitable.

Painting a T-shirt or sweatshirt

To do this, it's preferable to use specialist textile paints because these can be fixed with the heat from an iron and are washing-machine resistant. We recommend you put cardboard inside your garment to prevent the paint from penetrating through to the other side. Then let your imagination run wild using stencils or freehand designs.

As for tools, you can use a brush or foam roller. There are also special markers which are permanent and withstand machine washing. They come in especially handy for detailing.

Painting a handbag

As with clothes, use a specialist acrylic paint or an acrylic paint that you add a special medium to. Release your inner designer, and accessorise with rhinestones, sequins or tassels!

Painting shoes

Want to give a makeover to a much-loved pair of shoes? Your shoes can enjoy a new lease of life thanks to acrylic paints or even spray paints! Why not also accessorise them with rhinestones or by changing the colour of your laces?

Painting a sofa or armchair

Save yourself some money by painting your sofa! Take care though - if you opt for acrylic paint, thin it with a special textile or fabric medium, otherwise the sofa fabric will harden, the seat will become stiff and it won't be very comfy. Nowadays you can find specialist spray paints designed for textiles, just make sure you properly seal off the parts you don't want to paint, such as arm or back rests.

Painting a lamp shade

To give your table lamp a new look or a revamp, why not paint the lamp shade? The advantage here is that you can choose any paints you like as long as they're acrylic, to avoid fumes once the lamp is on and the shade heats up. You can also use a spray paint, but either way, make sure to use an LED bulb, because these bulbs consume less power and heat up less, saving you money!

Painting a curtain

As with other fabrics, acrylic paint will do. You can add some pouring medium to it or just choose a specialist paint. To customise your curtains, use a spray paint. If you want to completely change the colour of your curtains, opt for either a fabric dye for washing machine use or get some new curtains.

Painting a bed sheet

For bed sheets, fabric dye is best, especially if you want to be comfy given that with paint, they might be too stiff, even if you add a medium. Unless of course, you'll be using them for another purpose.

Painting a wall covering or banner

Do you need to make a banner for an event or demonstration? The easiest thing is to use a basic acrylic paint - no need to break the bank with fancy specialist paints. With a brush, a roller, a pad or a sponge, you can paint your banner to your heart's content!