Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is easy to use and is permanent when it is applied to fabric and allowed to dry. Lay a piece of pre-washed cotton fabric on a solid surface, such as a countertop, laminated table top or piece of plexi-glass. Tape the edges with masking or painter's tape to keep it secure while you work. Dilute acrylic paint with water and brush it on to the surface. Applying paint with a dry brush to dry fabric will reveal streaks and brush strokes, while applying watery paint to a damp piece of fabric will create a blended, tie-dye effect. The style choice is yours. Allow the fabric to air dry. Wash on a gentle cycle to soften the hardened paint.
Wax and Pigment Painting
Draw on a piece of cotton fabric with crayons. Press firmly to create bold, thick lines and marks. When you're finished with your design, lay two or three sheets of newspaper on top of the fabric and press with a warm iron. Keep the iron moving across the newspaper. Remove the newspaper; you should see wax residue and some of the color on it. Repeat this process until you no longer see wax or pigment residue. The result is a painting with intense color and fuzzy, blurry edges.
Resist and Batik
To create a resist design, you can use specialty batik supplies from an arts and crafts store, or use more common items from around the house. Draw on a piece of pre-washed, white cotton fabric with a white crayon or a white candle. You can also brush melted wax on with a small paintbrush. You will need to press firmly if using a crayon or candle.
Soak the piece of fabric in a dye bath or apply fabric dye onto the fabric with a paintbrush. The fabric will resist color where the white lines were drawn. Place the fabric between sheets of newspaper and press with a warm iron. Lift the newspaper to reveal the wax residue. Continue this process until you no longer see the oily, wax residue. Your resulting image will be colorful with white outlines.
Spray and Splatter
Use this technique for small or large pieces of fabric, such as sheets and curtains. Hang a piece of fabric on a outdoor wall and protect the surrounding area with tarps, newspaper or drop cloths. Fill a spray bottle with water that has been dyed with fabric dye or acrylic paint. Spritz the fabric randomly and allow it to dry. Repeat this process with additional colors. Allow each application to dry to prevent the colors from blending and becoming muddy.
