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Best Fabric Spray Paints in 2022 Reviewed

Everyone crafter will at some point, find a new project that requires the use of fabric spray paint. Not only is this one of the easiest ways of finishing off a craft project, but they quickly cover a large surface area, and come in a variety of colors. This makes them a popular option, so we have decided to help shed some light on the better products.

To help stop you from searching for hours, we have created a list of the best fabric spray paints. Each one comes from a reputable company, lasts a long time, and will do an excellent job of bringing fabric to life.

Summary of the Best Fabric Spray Paints
Reviews

Editor’s Choice: Tulip ColorShot Instant Fabric Color Interior Upholstery Spray 8 oz – Ocean

This is the best fabric spray paint, an accolade that is shared by hundreds of positive reviews and it is easy to see why. It dries soft and offers even coverage on a variety of fabrics. It can be used on both absorbent natural fibers and synthetics which are not usually absorbent. The even application ensures there are no drips or splatter – a trait that is one of the main reasons to use fabric spray paint.

Because it dries fast, it doesn’t take long before it is possible to move onto the next stage of a craft. Because it allows the weave of the fabric to show, the result is a more natural look than when using other brands. It offers a coverage area of a square yard for two light coats and is available in a variety of colors.

PROS:

  • Fine for various fabrics
  • 8 oz for a good price
  • Dries fast
  • Even coverage
CONS:

(none)

Best Multipack: Tulip Permanent Fabric Spray Paint, 7 Pack, Neon, Nontoxic, Non-Aerosol

For various colors in one pack, this is the best fabric spray paint for variety and quality. They come in vibrant neon that gives the fabric a bit of pop and are nontoxic without the use of an aerosol. With 7 in the pack, there are plenty to choose from making them fun for group activities for children or personal use.

Each color is a 0.81 fl oz pump spray so they are easy to control and when dry, the colors are machine washable, maintaining their vibrancy. They are as compatible with stencils as some of the other options but offer a fun way to create designs with some vibrancy.

PROS:

  • Pack of 7
  • Neon colors
  • Machine washable
  • Non-toxic
CONS:

  • Not as good for stencils

Best For Garments: Tulip ColorShot Instant Fabric Color 3oz. Red

With a wide variety of colors to choose from, these 3 oz bottles are some of the most popular fabric spray paints on the market. They are ideal for smaller projects so a t-shirt or a cushion cover is fine. There is no odor and they are ideal for using with stencils since they offer accurate spray and even coverage that won’t result in drips. Because they are machine washable, these permanent paints can be used on garments.

Fine to use on natural or synthetic fabrics, they dry fast and dries soft to touch. We like them because there are so many great colors with everything from this vibrant red, to bubblegum pink, and cafe brown. It is best to shake the can well for a minute before using and hold it around six inches from the fabric before bringing a design to life.

PROS:

  • Machine washable so fine for fabrics
  • Accurate spray
  • Dries fast
  • Great color selection
CONS:

  • Some people need more than 3 oz

Best For Vinyl: Rust-Oleum 248919 Automotive Enamel Fabric & Vinyl Spray Paint, 11 Oz, Flat Black

An excellent fabric spray paint that is also excellent for vinyl materials. This makes it a popular product with car upholstery although it has other uses for different crafts as well. A lot of people use it to bring a new life to their car interior, as well as the mats and panels but other people, tend to use it on indoor furniture.

What impresses the most is that it is dry to touch within 10 minutes and has a generous coverage of 12 sq ft, more than most in the range. There is a no peel promise included so expect it to provide a generous coating that lasts a long time. The comfort tip makes it easy to spray at any angle and for an 11 oz container, it is a good value.

PROS:

  • Great for car interior or vinyl furniture
  • Dries in 10 minutes
  • 12 sq ft coverage
  • Comfort tip for easy spraying
CONS:

  • Not as many uses as other brands

Best Value: TULIP Bulk Buy ColorShot Outdoor Upholstery Spray Paint 8 oz, Navy, 4-Pack, 12 Oz

This multipack has more than enough for larger projects as there are 4 x 12 oz of fabric spray paint. It is recommended for use on upholstery and can be applied to synthetic and natural fabrics so it doesn’t matter how absorbent they usually are. The spray goes on evenly so there is no risk of splats or drips and the pigment has been enriched so it offers protection against UV rays.

To stop it from rubbing off on clothing, it dries fast and the ergonomic spray pump ensures it won’t cause any pain in the hand when applying a lot on one go. It is soft to touch and allows the weave to be left uncovered so there is some texture in the upholstery when finished.

PROS:

  • 4 pack is good value
  • Lasts a long time
  • Even coverage
  • Rich pigment protects against UV rays
CONS:

  • Not as good for smaller projects

Best Affordable: Tulip ColorShot Instant Fabric Color 3oz. Brights Variety 3 Pack

For a bit of variety at a reasonable price, the variety 3 pack from Tulip offers enough to get started with. The colors included are part of their neon range with pink and blue combining with purple to give fabric instant color. The colors can be blended on fabric with a little practice and they dry fast.

There are 3 fl oz included and when sprayed, the paint comes out evenly so there are no drips or splatters to worry about. Because they are machine washable, they are great for clothes and projects where kids can create designs. Because of this, they are best used on lighter colored fabrics

PROS:

  • Good value
  • Dries fast
  • Vibrant colors
  • Great for clothes
CONS:

  • Runs out fast
Fabric Spray Paint Buyers Guide

When looking to bring an old piece of furniture back to life, or try your hand at crafting your own t-shirt design, there are a few more convenient ways of painting than with fabric spray paint. These products are designed to be accurate and because there are plenty of brands out there, the choices can be overwhelming.

This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you’ll feel confident of picking up a quality product. Since a lot of them are difficult to get off once dried, it is important to get this purchase right the first time. 

What To Look For In A Fabric Spray

Compatibility

Not all fabric spray paints are designed for use on the same fabrics. Some are universal and can be used on a variety of materials whereas others are tailored for certain projects. Any spray that is designed for use in a car may be better on vinyl but not so useful for painting a garment. Tulip is a brand that makes products that can be used on both synthetic and natural fabrics making them a good brand for a beginner. 

UV Resistance

It doesn’t matter if the project involves spray painting a stencil on a cushion or t-shirt, or a larger project, the paint needs to have a level of UV resistance. Otherwise, the paint will start to fade. It is all down to the pigments in the color so the more the better. 

Non-Drip

Cheap fabric spray paint will be more likely to spill in clumps, causing the paint to drip or splatter as it sprays. This results in uneven coverage and can be a pain to correct, if not impossible. The better products have even coverage so that the finished article looks consistent.

Fast Drying

Anyone who has juggled craft projects around children and pets will know that the faster the fabric spray paint can dry the better. Not only does it make accidents less likely, but it means that the garment or upholstery can be used sooner. 

Machine Washable

Particularly important for a garment if you are looking for a permanent fabric spray paint, but also for upholstery as you never know when there might be a spill that needs cleaning up. The paint should be able to withstand regular washing after drying.

Color Options

It’s not very fun if there are only a few color options so if you are looking for bright neons, only certain brands make them. However, there are plenty of options for a regular palette which usually makes it easy to match another decor for upholstery.

Value

This comes down to how long the product lasts and what it is needed for. A 2 oz bottle is not going to be useful for large craft projects, whereas an 8 oz bottle is going to last longer. The product needs to be able to complete two light coats so check the coverage and plan accordingly. 

Do Fabric Spray Paints Work?

As with any paint, it depends on the brand. When using a reputable company, the user can expect vibrant colors that are UV resistant and even coverage. Some brands are made for kids’ crafts and whilst these are fun, they may not have the lasting effect that is needed for upholstery.

How To Use Fabric Spray Paint

The process is easy, and it all starts with a pre-washed (without softener) and dried fabric. It is always a good idea to protect any surfaces with old newspaper and slide a piece of cardboard under the garment to prevent any paint from bleeding through. Test the spray on a cutaway or something similar to ensure the distribution is even.

Now it is time to spray onto the fabric, aiming for an even coating. Allow it to dry for the recommended time which is usually around 10 minutes. That is the basic method. Some people like to blend colors, twist the fabric, and use stencils to get creative.

Tips For Using Fabric Spray Paint

We always advise starting with a small craft project such as a child’s t-shirt before embarking on a larger one. Not only does this help you to manage the distribution of the spray but it can save money as you make mistakes with a smaller container. When you are ready, it is best to purchase more than you need rather than being caught short in the middle of a design.

Using stencils is an easy way of making fun designs and there are plenty available online. For most projects, natural fibers are best as they are more absorbent. Be sure to check the compatibility of the fabric spray paint and the item you are looking to craft. 

Can You Use Spray Paint On Upholstery?

With a dedicated fabric spray paint it is possible to transform upholstery and give it a new lease of life. It is always easier to work on lighter colors but it is still possible to cover most shades with enough layers. When using a quality product, it should still be possible to feel the texture of the fabric. 

Always check that the spray paint is compatible with the fabric you intend to use it for. 

How Much Does Fabric Spray Paint Cost?

This is part of the reason these products are so popular. Much cheaper than reupholstering, fabric spray paint can be as little as $15 for a large container. It may be necessary to purchase more than one for larger projects but most people find it is one of the cheapest ways of re-inventing old upholstery.

What Is The Best Fabric Spray Paint?

After considering multiple products, we found the best to be Tulip ColorShot Instant Fabric Color 8oz. One of the main reasons is that it is compatible with a variety of fabrics from synthetics to natural. It is also great for even coverage and the 8 oz container goes a long way. In terms of quality, the colors are vibrant, and only require a couple of coatings to bring out their best. Tulip is the go-to brand for many crafters for good reason. 

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