With arts and crafts being more in demand than ever, fabric paints have become some of the most popular at-0home projects. Not only can they be enjoyed by the whole family, but the results can be impressive when using a quality brand. Any creative can appreciate the therapeutic benefits of painting, and the rewards of being able to wear a new design make it even better.
This is only going to be the case when using a reliable product, which is why we have created the following list of the best fabric paints. Each one comes from a reputable brand, and there s something for every budget. Some are fast-drying, others are good value and have a variety of colors, but all have the quality to make them a worthwhile purchase.
- Editor’s Choice
Jacquard Products JAC1000 Textile Color Fabric Paint (8 Pack), 2.25 oz (Amazon) – Review - Best Matte
Tulip 20403 Soft Fabric Paint 4oz Matte Ebony (Amazon) – Review - Best For Kids
Tulip Washable Slick 3D Fabric Paint Set (Amazon) – Review - Best Value
Castle Art Supplies 3D Fabric Paint Set – 24 Premium Vibrant Colors (Amazon) – Review - Best Glow In The Dark
Fabric & Textile UV Paint Set | Set of 8 Neon Black Light Glow Paints | Fluorescent Clothing Colors (Amazon) – Review - Best Affordable
Fabric Creations Soft Fabric Ink Paint, 2 oz, Sour Apple 2 Fl Oz (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: Jacquard Products JAC1000 Textile Color Fabric Paint (8 Pack), 2.25 oz
One of the most reputable brands in the world of fabric paints, Jacquard has created a good value pack of 8 paints that include both primaries and secondary colors. Each one contains 2.25 oz making there enough for plenty of different projects, each one leaving the fabric soft.
What most people want is a paint that can be applied straight out of the bottle which is what this product offers. This can be via a brush or stamp and are fine to go onto garments, furniture, crafts, and even shoes. Even when washed, they maintain their color well compared to a lot of the alternatives. There is plenty to like, as well as the reasonable price considering the quality, it’s no wonder why they are so popular with professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- Good value
- 8 colors included
- 2.25 oz bottles
- Colors wash well
- Multiple uses
Best Matte: Tulip 20403 Soft Fabric Paint 4oz Matte Ebony
This is part of a quality set of paints from Tulip and although they are sold individually, the quality is high. This can mean it becomes more expensive should the user wish to combine multiple colors, but the matte finish is among the best available. Securing the paint in place is easy with a steam iron held half an inch above the painted area.
It is best that the fabric is pre-washed before painting to ensure there is no risk of shrinking and each paint is permanent and able to withstand multiple washes whilst maintaining the color. They can also be mixed with water to create a watercolor effect. Otherwise, enjoy the high opaque vibrancy and a soft texture that looks great.
- High-quality paint
- Matte finish
- Can be used as a watercolor
- Soft texture
- Not sold as a set
Best For Kids: Tulip Washable Slick 3D Fabric Paint Set
Anyone looking for a set of arts and craft style fabric paints can appreciate the good value of this product, Included in the pack are six of the most commonly used colors and are easily mixed to make more. Because they are non-toxic, they are perfect for the whole family to get involved and when dried, they create a permanent and durable design that can withstand multiple washes.
The print doesn’t peel or crack when dry for a consistent finish and because the bottles squeeze easily, making designs can be simple. When squeezed, they can leave a 3D effect that is fun for kids, and this will still last. Easy on the wallet and popular with personalizing cute baby garments,
- Nontoxic
- Easy to use
- Ideal for kids
- Great value
- Can be used to make 3D designs
- Not as much variety as other brands
Best Value: Castle Art Supplies 3D Fabric Paint Set – 24 Premium Vibrant Colors
When it comes to value, there are no better than this 25 pack of fabric paints from Castle Art. The vibrancy is there to be seen from the first application, but also after several washes, and the number of colors in a set means there are plenty of ways they can be used. They can be brushed on or squeezed to make 3D designs and are fine to paint t-shirts or be used in arts and crafts involving wood and glass.
They dry fast and are nontoxic making them fine to be used by kids, and there are 3 additional brushes included. Each bottle contains 29 ml of paint which means there is plenty to go round, and the bottles themselves are easy for kids to hold.
- Ideal for kids
- Great value in the 24 colors
- Can be used on wood and glass as well
- Includes 3 additional brushes
- Some people want bigger bottles
Best Glow In The Dark: Fabric & Textile UV Paint Set | Set of 8 Neon Black Light Glow Paints | Fluorescent Clothing Colors
For kids and even some adults, what can be better than fabric paints? The answer is glow in the dark fabric paints. The wide selection of colors makes this a great value product and one that still yields impressive results. The vibrant colors come to life under UV lights but every design is still visible in the day.
It doesn’t matter what the color of the fabric is, these fabric paints will still come to the forefront, showing off your unique designs and patterns no matter what is underneath. These are not a one time only paint, they can withstand multiple washes and are fine to iron when dry. Although some people suggest applying an additional coat to bring out the color, there is a lot to like about this fun fabric paint.
- Glow in the dark
- 8 colors included
- Can be painted over any color fabric
- Washable
- Not everyone wants glow in the dark paints
Best Affordable: Fabric Creations Soft Fabric Ink Paint, 2 oz, Sour Apple 2 Fl Oz
With a variety of colors to choose from, these are some of the most impressive fabric paints available. They can be used on a wide variety of fabrics for multiple types of projects and are all fine to be mixed to create new shades and colors. Each 2 oz bottle of paint is machine washable and is nontoxic and water-based.
Some people use them to paint designs on their shoes so they are versatile and some of the other colors available include grapefruit pink, deep teal, marigold, and more. They are also easy to clean should you make a mistake before the paint dries, just use soapy water.
- Water-based so correcting mistakes is easy
- Lots of colors available
- Can be used on a variety of fabrics
- Not a multipack
It doesn’t matter what type of fabric being used, decent paints should be able to go on easily and make creating designs fun and rewarding. There is more to a fabric paint than color variety, and the difference in quality can make a huge difference to the lasting vibrancy of the colors.
Because of this, we have created the following buyer’s guide. It details everything you need to know about fabric paints so by the end of it, you can make a sensible decision.
Variety
This can be difficult with some brands, especially those that only sell individual paints. Some products are tailored for kids, and this s where variety is key to keep them entertained. Even for adults, having multiple colors opens up more possibilities and can save money on what will otherwise be an expensive hobby.
Fast Drying
There is nothing wrong with leaving a freshly painted T-shirt to dry for a few hours, but the faster the paint dries the better. This can mean you get to wear it sooner, but also there is less risk of it being knocked onto the floor or the colors smudging.
Water-Based
Unless intended for professional use, water-based fabric paint is usually best. Not only does this make it easier to correct mistakes, but they tend to be safer for kids. As long as the formula ticks the other safety boxes, that is.
Non-Toxic
This is part of what we mean by child-friendly, but even n adult will do well to stay away from paints with toxic ingredients in their formula. A non-toxic product will be easier to apply without the need for safety equipment and leaves the user to enjoy the process without worrying.
Opacity
This is important when it comes to painting over dark colored fabrics as the greater the opacity, the more it will show up. This becomes less important on lighter shades but still, it can provide a strong color that lasts. the more transparent the color, the more difficult it will be to see. Also, an opaque color could be watered down effectively depending on the brand.
Washable Colors
Along with the quality of the colors, being washable is one of the most important traits. Most people don’t purchase non permanent fabric paints which means they should last a long time. Go for a brand that even after multiple washes, still offers vibrant colors. The time it takes for the garment to be washable is another consideration. Although some paints dry within a few hours, they are no ready to be washed for the first time yet. Check that this isn’t going to take several days when you want to be able to wash the garment as soon as possible.
This depends on the type of paint used, but expect to have to heat set acrylic fabric paints. Of course, it is important to check that the fabric itself is fine to be treated by heat and it will usually involve holding an iron close to the fabric. Before getting started on this, be sure that the paints actually need to be heat set, and follow the instructions provided.
Although the most common on our list is the water-based products, there are a few available, each one has their plus point to consider. Readily available is an alcohol-based paint that often is more transparent than it is opaque. This is fine when working with light-colored fabrics but not ideal for darker shades.
Acrylic-based fabric paints are known for their lasting colors, even after multiple washes and hold up well even when exposed to light. This makes it one of the most popular and reliable types of fabric paint. Some people opt for fabric dye, but whilst these are ideal for tye dye projects and other crafts, they are not so well suited to making intricate designs.
They can be great for kids as a gift or a craft on a rainy day. Wehtehryou want to bring some life to an old kids’ t-shirt or have them paint over a new, fresh garment, fabric paints are the sort of product that are great to have around. Kids love planning and creating their designs, and some products are better for creating fun than others.
This is where glow in the dark fabric paints are ideal, or a 3D paint that can be squeezed directly onto the fabric is lots of fun.
Typically, fabric paint will dry within 12 – 48 hours although this can vary depending on the brand. Although they may be fine to wear after this time, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are ready to be washed yet, so check the time that needs to elapse before putting them through a first wash.
It is not as easy to find non-permanent fabric paints as most people want to create lasting designs. Every product is different which is why it is important to check the label before using but as a general rule, expect a fabric paint to be permanent.
Having examined the best the market has to offer, we found the 8 pack of Jacquard Products JAC1000 Textile Colors to be the best. Not only did they offer decent value in the multi-pack, but the quality of the paints is unrivaled. They wash well and the colors have a good opacity making them fine to be usd on most shades of fabric.
We also like them because they can be used on a variety of fabrics and surfaces including shoes and furniture.
This depends on the product, but expect to be able to pick up a quality multi pack for around $25. This will ensure the quality is still high but if this is stretching the budget, consider buying individual colors. Buy too many though and this can see the cost jump up.
