Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Dec 12, 2008 03:32am | #1

   What kind of paint are you using? If you are using fabric paint or acrylics, use the method that watercolour painters use. (1) old toothbrush, immersed in the paint, but not dripping, (2) run your thumbnail, a palette knife or some such across the bristles held above the fabric.

   It is possible to get tiny spatters with this method. If you want larger spatters, (1) load a paintbrush - large watercolour or small ordinary brush, (2) hold it in one hand and tap the back of your hand.

   P.S. It pays to try it a few times before working on the primary project!

   
   

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   Edited 12/11/2008 7:32 pm ET by starzoe

1. 
   bss7 | Dec 12, 2008 07:31pm | #2

   Thanks for the help,  I will practice.   I am looking at the jacquard paints, and I am wondering if they need to be diluted, or put on undiluted. 

1. 
   starzoe | Dec 12, 2008 08:44pm | #3

   I am not familiar with "jacquard paints" - are they fabric paints? What effect are you trying to get with the spattering? Some fabric paints are pretty thick, some quite liquid. Some can be diluted with water, some need their own brand of thinner, so not knowing this particular paint, I cannot advise you on that.

2. 
   Teaf5 | Dec 12, 2008 10:42pm | #4

   Good suggestions so far; here are a couple more that might help:
   If possible, do this project outside! A lawn in a great base, as the blades of grass hold the fabric off the surface so that the paint doesn't travel after it hits the fabric.

   It is very difficult to prevent oversplat indoors, but if you must do so, use a room-sized, heavy canvas painter's drop cloth to contain the mess (perhaps with a plastic dropcloth beneath that.

   Be sure to prepare the fabric according to the instructions on the paint; at the very least, you need to pre-wash it to remove the sizing, which might interfere with the paint adherence.

   Also, paint spattering looks best when it's fairly random, but it's hard for humans to create truly random patterns. For this reason, it's best to do several light coats rather than fewer heavier ones, and it's best to have space to move around the project so that the "heads" and "tails" of the spatters vary.

   Oh, and be sure to follow directions for setting the paint as well. Have fun and post photos of your new design!

1. 
   bss7 | Dec 12, 2008 11:42pm | #5

   Thank you all!

3. 
   fiberfan | Dec 13, 2008 08:54am | #6

   Jacquard's Textile Paint is probably too thick for paint spatters, Dye-Na-Flo is a thinner paint and will probably work better.  I have done some sampling with both as well as painting a scarf with the Textile Paints in a workshop.  I am pretty sure the Textile Paints can be thinned with water, you might want to check the Jacquard Products web site for more info on both paints.

   Joanne

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Dec 13, 2008 11:00am | #7

   http://www.dharmatradingco.com might have instructions for you.  Is your fabric prepared for dying?  Most fabrics come with a finish that needs to be washed out completely before dying or painting.  You will need to "set" your paint in the method recommended also. 

   (Another thought is to dilute the paints with whatever medium is recommended and use a spray bottle to spritz it?  It wouldn't be as dramatic as the splatter method though.) I've spritzed but not splattered yet, sounds like fun!  Good luck!