What type of dye works well on clothing?

Question

I've been wanting to stencil different things on to shirts, etc, and I have no clue what type of dye or paint to use. I just need to know what will work well and where I can possibly find it.

Answer 1

There are fabric "paints" and there are fabric "dyes."

Fabric paints are basically acrylic paints with "textile medium" added to them so they'll be more flexible once they're dry.  Those are fairly permanent if applied correctly (fabric must be clean and free from sizing or fabric softener) and not washed for at least a week after drying.  The colors may "soften" a bit over time though.  You can buy your own acrylic paint and textile medium then mix them together as well.  

Fabric "dyes" come in various types.  I'm not that familiar with them, but I know that regular Rit dye won't stay well unless it's applied really hot.  The "real" fabric dyes are brands like Procion (think that's right) and those will stay saturated and bright forever but I think the fabric needs to be prepared with some kind of solution first, and/or a mordant afterward, etc.

The *type* of fabric used will make a difference too though.  Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen and rayon will take common dyes a lot better than artificial fabrics like polyesters, etc, will.  

Check out these links too:

http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+dy...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyes

HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Fabric paints change the hand of the fabric (make it stiff).  They are good for stencils.  They often need to be heat set (ironed) to make them permanent.  Low quality paint comes off after a while.

Dyes are often liquid and so they will bleed if you try to stencil with them.  To use them you can buy thickener to make them more of a paste.  They are permanent (if you use good dye not RIT), and don't change the hand of the fabric (fabric feels the same when you are done).  It will be more expensive because you have to add other things to make the affects of it better (like soda ash and salt) and you would have to get it online.

A great site id dharmatrading.com

Answer 3

Go to a store that carries fabric.

You will find paint that specifically says "Fabric Paint".

Many stores like Target, Joan Fabric, etc. will have it.

Also - many web sites sell it. Just type "fabric paint" in Google.