When you paint something, you will want the design to last and be soft. For it to withstand wear and washing you will want to use the best fabric paint.
Fabric paint is a great way to customize all different types of fabric. Paint can bring new life to old items. You can use it to personalize gifts or shirts for special occasions. But not all paint is made the same.
What is Fabric Paint?
Fabric paint is a kind of paint designed for use on fabrics. It is made from pigment and a binding agent. The binding agent adheres the paint to the fibers. Without it, the paint would crack and flake off. Most fabric paints must be heat set to make them permanent.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Fabric Paints in 2024
Overall Best Paint Fabric
The Tulip COLORSHOT Permanent Spray Paint makes painting fast. It can be used with or without a stencil. Add graphic to your project or create a beautiful tie-dye shirt in no time at all.
Tulip COLORSHOT Permanent Spray Paint for Fabric
Premium Choice
Arteza paints are high-quality and vibrant. They will not harden your fabric, crack or peel.
Arteza Permanent Fabric Paint, Set of 24 Colors
Great Value
Emooqi Paint Fabric Markers are a good choice for adults and children alike. With this set, you get 24 markers at an affordable price.
Fabric Marker Pen , Emooqi 24 Permanent Colors Fabric Paint
Different Types of Fabric Paint
There are four main types of fabric paint. They are:
- Dimensional Fabric Paint
Dimensional fabric paint is also referred to as puffy paint. It usually comes in a bottle with a small tip applicator. Shortly after the paint is applied to the fabric it puffs up, creating a 3-dimensional look.
They are often used to add small details to a project. They cannot be mixed.
- Liquid Fabric Paint
Liquid fabric paint can often be found in jars or tubes. It is comparable to regular craft paint in many ways. You can use it to paint large areas or make precision lines. Paints can be mixed to create new colours.
- Fabric Spray Paint
Fabric spray paint is liquid-based and comes with a pump sprayer or in an aerosol can. Fabric spray paint is often used with stencils or on tie-dye projects.
- Fabric Paint Markers
Fabric paint markers can make precise lines. They are often used when creating small details or lettering. They are often recommended for children because they are not as messy as other paints.
Fabric Paint Projects
Fabric paint can be used on many types of projects, such as:
- Clothing
- Tote Bags
- Hats
- Pillows
- Place Mats
- Bed Sheets
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Shoes
- Rugs
- Tablecloths
- Curtains
- …and More
Can You Make Your Own Fabric Paint?
Yes, you can make your own fabric paint at home. And it is easy. To make your own fabric paint you will need acrylic paint and a fabric medium such as Liquid Professional Effects Medium. To mix the paint, follow the directions on the medium.
The medium will help dilute the paint so it is easy to work with. If you use a good high-quality medium, you will not lose any pigmentation. The medium also softens the feel of the paint and helps it adhere to the fibres of the fabric.
8 Best Fabric Paints for 2024
1. Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint Pack
Tulip makes some of the best Dimensional Fabric Paint on the market, and they have a wide variety of colours.
Why We Like the Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint:
This dimensional fabric paint is vibrant and works well on a large variety of surfaces.
- Easy Squeeze Bottles
The bottles are easy to squeeze. This gives you the ability to get a get an even flow.
- Fine-point Tip
The fine-point tip is perfect for creating precise lines.
- Works on a Variety of Surfaces
This fabric paint is not only for fabric. You can also use it on posters, glass and wood.
Pros and Cons of the Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- 20 Paint colours
- Nontoxic
- Easy squeeze bottles
- Vibrant neon colours
- Fine-point tip
- Flexible
- Machine washable
- Works on a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Takes a long time to dry
- Bottles do not last long
2. Crafts 4 All Fabric Paint 3D Permanent 24 Colors Set
The Crafts 4 All kit comes with 24 vibrant coloured paints. You can apply the paint straight from the bottle or use a paint brush.
Why We Like the Crafts 4 All Fabric Paint:
This paint is versatile and can be used as a 3D paint or a 2D paint. You can also use it on a variety of different surfaces.
- 24 Bright Colours
There are a lot of beautiful colours to choose from.
- Can be Used as 2 Dimensional Paint
You can use this paint as 2D paint just by using a brush to brush it on.
- Application
You can apply this paint with the applicator or with a paint brush.
Pros and Cons of the Crafts 4 All Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- 24 Bright colours
- 3 Paint brushes
- Can be used as 2D paint
- Odourless
- Nontoxic
- Works on a variety of surfaces
- Customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Paints seem to dry out quickly
- Bottles are small
- Takes a long time to dry
3. Arteza Permanent Fabric Paint, Set of 24 Colors
Arteza’s permanent fabric paint can be used on cotton, linen, denim and canvas. It is fade resistant and permanent.
Why We Like the Arteza Permanent Fabric Paint:
The paints are vibrant with a semi-transparent appearance. After the paint has dried and been heat-set set with an iron, it will not crack, peel or harden.
- Metallic Paints
Arteza’s permanent fabric paint set comes with 2 metallic colours; light gold and silver.
- Stays Soft
Your soft fabrics will stay soft with this fabric paint.
- Dries Quickly
You will not have to wait for days for this paint to dry. It dries quickly.
Pros and Cons of the Arteza Permanent Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- Keeps your fabric soft
- 18 Classic paint colours
- 4 Neon colours
- 2 Metallic colours
- Will not crack or peek
- Holds up to repeated wear and washes
- AP Certified Nontoxic
- 100% Guaranteed
Cons:
- Thinner than other paints
- Light colours require multiple coats
- Paint seals can be hard to open
4. Jacquard Products JAC1000 Textile Color Fabric Paint
This set of Jacquard paints includes primary colours, secondary colours, black and white. You can mix these paints to get the exact colour that you want.
Why We Like the Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint:
These paints are durable will not chip, crack, or peel. The paint can be used by itself, mixed with other paints, or diluted with water.
- Mix Easily
These paints mix easily and smoothly. You can also mix them with other Jacquard brand paints.
- High Saturation
These Jacquard Paints are vibrant when used on light coloured fabrics.
- Durable
You will be able to wash your garments several times without any fading or cracking.
Pros and Cons of the Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- Professional grade
- Mixes easily
- Thick
- 8 Colours
- Durable
- High saturation on light coloured fabrics
Cons:
- Not best for dark fabrics
- Pricey
5. Tulip COLORSHOT Permanent Spray Paint for Fabric
You can get an even coverage with this aerosol fabric spray. It works great all over or with stencils.
Why We Like the Tulip COLORSHOT Spray Paint:
The Tulip COLORSHOT permanent spray paint for fabric is easy to use and can be applied to natural and synthetic materials.
- Aerosol Can
By being aerosol you can get a smooth application of paint you cannot get with a pump sprayer.
- Dries Quickly
The paint dries in as little as 30 minutes.
- Colours can be Blended
You can spray the paints on top of each other to get a smooth ombre effect.
Pros and Cons of the Tulip COLORSHOT Spray Paint:
Pros:
- Includes 6 colours
- Dries quickly
- Great for stencils
- Colours can be blended on fabric
- Even coverage
- Easy to use
- No drips or splatters
Cons:
- Does not work well on dark fabric
- Has a wide spray pattern
- Have to shake can for a minute
6. Tulip Fabric Spray Paint, Multicolor
If you are looking for a fabric spray paint for a tie-dye project, this is the paint for you. The colours are vibrant and fun. The aerosol can makes it easy to get even coverage.
Why We Like the Tulip Fabric Spray Paint:
The Tulip tie-dye spray paint is simple to use and has an even coverage
- Even Coverage
These cans of spray paint provide an even coverage.
- Great for Tie-dye
The fun vibrant colours were designed to create beautiful tie-dye projects.
- Easy to Use
Simply shake the can, and then spray smooth even strokes over our fabric.
Pros and Cons of the Tulip Fabric Spray Paint:
Pros:
- 6 Different colours
- Colours blend easily
- Even coverage
- Will not drip or splatter
- Dries quickly
- Great for tie-dye projects
Cons:
- Does not work well on dark fabrics
7. Fabric Markers Pens Permanent 24 Colors Fabric Paint
Paint markers are a fun craft idea for children. They do not make the mess of regular paints, and children can doodle and be more creative. They will not be applying paint everywhere just because they can.
Why We Like the Fabric Markers Pens Paint:
These paint pens are fun and colourful. They are great for those looking for a pen that can create smooth precise lines.
- Precision Tip
The Crafts 4 All Markers were designed for artists that want to create fine precise lines.
- Fade Proof
These fabric markers are fade proof, so you will be able to enjoy your creations for a long time.
- Bright Colours
When you paint fabric, you want to use bright colours that stand out. These paint markers are made with high quality German ink.
Pros and Cons of the Fabric Markers Pens Paint:
Pros:
- 24 Colours
- Fine bullet tip
- Nontoxic
- Fade proof
- Weatherproof
- Perfect for drawing
Cons:
- Do not blend well
- Not designed for colouring large areas
- The can bleed
- Not goof for dark fabric
8. Emooqi 24 Permanent Colors Fabric Paint
With all the colour options available you will not have to buy any additional paint pens.
Why We Like the Emooqi 24 Fabric Paint:
The Emooqi fabric paint pens are dual-tipped. This gives you the ability to control the thickness of the lines and be more precise.
- Dual Tip
You can use either side of this fabric paint pen. One side has a fine tip for details and the other side has a chisel tip for larger areas.
- 24 Colours
This fabric marker pen set comes with 24 different colours.
- Great for Children
These pens are perfect for children. You will not have to wash brushes or clean up spilled paint when they are done.
Pros and Cons of the Emooqi 24 Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- 24 Colours
- Sunproof
- Waterproof
- Odourless
- Non-toxic
- Dual head
Cons:
- Colours do not match the caps
- Not as vibrant as some other paints
- Not good for dark fabric
Looking for more painting projects? Check out our Faux Stained Glass Effect Painting, Shoe Painting Ideas, Painting Stones Ideas and Macrame Mandala patterns. Or you can also check our review for the Best Airbrush for Miniatures
UPGRADE YOUR OLD PATIO FURNITURE OR PERSONALISE A TSHIRT WITH THE BEST FABRIC PAINT.
Fabric paints are versatile and fun. They are often applied with a brush or with a spray can. But there are other techniques you can use to apply your paint.
Get creative and try rubber stamps, foam stamps, sponges and rollers. The possibilities are endless.
You can liven up old clothes and fabric furniture with a little fabric paint. But do not buy any fabric paint. Only the best fabric paints will give you the results you are looking for.
