Acrylic paint is beloved for its vibrant color, versatility, and fast-drying qualities—but what happens when you apply it to fabric? Whether you're customizing a tote bag, designing your own t-shirt, or experimenting with textile art, using acrylic paint on fabric opens up creative possibilities. However, without the right preparation and technique, your design could crack, peel, or wash away. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to make acrylic paint stick to fabric—and stay there.
Technically, yes—acrylic paint will adhere to fabric without medium. However, the results are often stiff, uneven, and prone to cracking after washing. Acrylic paint is plastic-based, and once it dries, it becomes rigid. Fabric, by contrast, is flexible. This difference in elasticity is why cracks appear over time.
To get the best results, it's strongly recommended to mix your acrylic paint with a textile medium. Textile medium softens the paint's texture and helps it bond with the fibers of the fabric, improving flexibility and washability. Without it, the paint tends to sit on top of the fabric rather than absorb into it.
You can find a variety of versatile acrylic paints in our painting collection, including options ideal for mixed-media and fabric use.
The key to lasting results lies in proper preparation. Before painting, always wash the fabric to remove any finishes or coatings (like sizing) that may prevent the paint from adhering. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue. Once dry, iron the surface flat to ensure a smooth canvas.
Next, place a piece of cardboard or plastic inside the fabric (for example, inside a shirt) to prevent paint from bleeding through. For fabrics with high texture or absorbency—like canvas or linen—it’s helpful to apply a light base coat of white acrylic or gesso to make colors pop and reduce over-absorption.
Preparing your surface properly will also make it easier to work with your brushes. We recommend exploring our brushes collection for a wide variety of shapes and sizes suited to fabric painting.
Once your design is fully dry (usually 24 hours), you’ll need to heat set the paint to make it permanent. This step ensures the pigments fuse to the fabric fibers, reducing the risk of fading or flaking after washing.
There are two reliable methods to heat set acrylic paint:
Ironing: Place a thin cloth or parchment paper over the painted area, then iron for 3–5 minutes on medium-high heat (no steam). Keep the iron moving to avoid scorching.
Clothes Dryer: Some fabrics can be heat set by tumbling in a hot dryer for 30–40 minutes. This works well for large batches or bulk projects.
After heat setting, allow the fabric to cure for at least 72 hours before washing. Always wash on cold, gentle cycles, and air dry when possible to preserve vibrancy.
For beginner-friendly textile painting, our art kits collection includes curated sets that are perfect for first-time fabric artists.
Avoiding a few common errors can help you get professional-looking results:
Skipping the wash: Pre-washing fabric is essential. Skipping this step can lead to poor adhesion.
Using thick paint: Heavy layers of unmixed acrylic will dry stiff and are more likely to crack. Always thin paint with water or textile medium.
Not heat setting: This step locks in the paint. Skipping it will cause your design to fade quickly in the wash.
Wrong tools: Using synthetic or stiff brushes can lead to streaky application. Choose soft brushes made for fabric or multi-surface use.
You can avoid these pitfalls by selecting the right materials and following tested techniques. See our full drawing collection for compatible tools and accessories.
While nearly any acrylic paint can be adapted for fabric use with the right medium, some paints perform better than others straight from the tube. Look for:
High-pigment formulas that offer bold color payoff
Soft-body acrylics that flow easily on fabric
Brands labeled for mixed-media or textile compatibility
Many of these options can be found in our wide-ranging painting collection. Whether you're customizing clothing or experimenting on canvas tote bags, starting with the right paint will save time and improve results.
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