How to Paint Fabric

Prep Fabric

Always prepare your fabric before painting to help the paint last longer and prevent peeling and fading down the road. The preparation will depend on the type of fabric paint you use. Each paint bottle will typically have instructions on how to prep your fabric before use. That’s the best resource, but there are a few general rules: Pre-wash your fabric without any fabric softeners to eliminate surface chemicals and starches, dry it, then iron it to get rid of wrinkles. If needed, remove all dust and debris using a vacuum and/or lint roller.

After you’ve cleaned your fabric, dry and iron it to get rid of any wrinkles and to create a smooth working surface.

Tape off Sections

Protect parts of the furniture with painter's tape. If you’re painting fabric, you likely only want to apply it to the fabric part of your furniture or design piece, so tape off sections of wood or metal as needed to avoid getting paint on them.

Pencil on Designs

If you’re painting a design onto your fabric, use a pencil to draw it out first. This will help you avoid mistakes when you’re painting with permanent fabric paint later on. If you make a mistake drawing on the pencil, you can always erase it. That’s not true when you begin painting.

If you’re painting your fabric a solid color with no designs, feel free to skip this step. You can also skip this if you’re going to be using a stencil to paint on your design.

Place Cardboard Underneath Fabric

Place a piece of cardboard or thick paper underneath the fabric to ensure the paint doesn’t bleed through onto your work surface. This step is especially important if you’re painting a two-layer object, like a t-shirt or a tote bag. If you skip this step, your paint can bleed through and make a mess. 

Paint

Dip your paintbrush in your fabric paint or grab your fabric paint marker and begin painting. Start at the top and work your way down section by section to minimize the risk of accidentally smudging wet paint with your hand while you work.

Start with a thin, even layer of paint—just enough to cover the area or complete the design. If you desire deeper colors, you can always add another coat later.

Paint in long, even brush strokes in the same direction as the fabric texture. Continue painting in this same direction until all the fabric is coated evenly.

If you’re painting furniture, dab paint into seams and buttons to ensure that all fabric is completely covered.

Allow It to Dry

Once your fabric is completely covered with paint, set it out to dry and do not touch it to prevent any wrinkles and smudges. To get it to dry more quickly, set it in a well-ventilated area, like your garage or even backyard. Just make sure it’s protected from the elements. Let it sit for at least 12 hours or the amount of drying time specified on your fabric paint product label.

Paint Another Layer If Needed

If you desire a deeper color or want to touch up a few spots, you can dip your brush in fabric paint or open your paint marker and get started on another layer. Again, make sure everything is coated evenly to ensure it dries properly and the color looks even. Only paint another layer after the first coat is completely dry.

Heat Seal

Remove the painters tape and seal it with heat to ensure the paint lasts long. Lay a cotton sheet over your dry, painted fabric and gently run a hot iron over top. This will prevent paint from chipping off in the wash. 

Alternatively, you can seal your painted fabric by setting it out in the hot sun for a few hours or gently blowing over it a few times with a hair dryer.