Like a skilled artist wielding a brush, you’ll need the right fabric medium to transform your acrylic paints into wearable art. You’ve probably noticed that regular acrylics can crack and peel on fabric, but that’s where fabric mediums come in. They’ll turn your standard acrylics into flexible, durable, and washable fabric paint. Let’s explore the top options that’ll help you create lasting textile masterpieces.
GAC 900 Professional Heat-Set Fabric Painting Medium (8 oz)
For artists and crafters who want their acrylic paint designs to survive countless washes, GOLDEN’s GAC 900 Professional Heat-Set Fabric Medium transforms regular acrylic paints into durable fabric paint. This clear, liquid medium works well for brushing, airbrushing, or screen-printing applications.
You’ll find this 8-ounce bottle provides excellent versatility for your fabric painting projects. When blended with acrylic paints, it creates a soft, flexible finish that won’t stiffen your garments. With a high 4.7-star rating from over 2,000 customers, GAC 900’s effectiveness is well-proven. Simply mix it with your acrylics, apply to fabric, and heat-set for washable, long-lasting designs.
Best For: Artists and crafters who want to transform regular acrylic paints into permanent, washable fabric paint for clothing and textile projects.
Pros:
- Excellent durability after heat-setting, surviving multiple wash cycles
- Maintains fabric flexibility without stiffening
- Versatile application methods including brushing, airbrushing, and screen-printing
Cons:
- Requires heat-setting process for permanence
- Limited to indoor use only
- Higher price point compared to standard fabric mediums
Amazon Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes, 24 count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
Artists seeking a versatile starter set will find the Amazon Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes an excellent choice, featuring 24 vibrant colors in convenient 0.74-ounce tubes. These water-resistant paints offer smooth, creamy texture for easy application on most surfaces.
You’ll appreciate the rich, bold colors that typically require just one coat and dry quickly. While they’re perfect for rock painting and general art projects, be careful as the paint can stain clothing. Some users report tubes exploding, but Amazon’s protection policy covers such issues. At 12 x 5.8 x 2 inches, the gift box packaging could be sturdier, but the paint quality and value make this set worth considering for both beginners and experienced artists.
Best For: Beginning artists, hobbyists, and crafters seeking an affordable, versatile acrylic paint set for various surfaces and projects.
Pros:
- Rich, vibrant colors that dry quickly and usually require only one coat
- Smooth, creamy texture makes application easy on most surfaces
- Excellent value with 24 different colors in convenient squeeze tubes
Cons:
- Paint tubes may explode or leak if not handled carefully
- Gift box packaging could be more sturdy
- Can permanently stain clothing and other materials
Nicpro 18 Colors Permanent Fabric Paint Set (250ml)
This inclusive 18-color fabric paint set from Nicpro delivers professional-grade results for both novices and seasoned crafters. You’ll get 250ml bottles of vivid, waterproof paint that won’t crack or fade after washing.
Whether you’re customizing t-shirts, sneakers, or canvas bags, these non-toxic paints work on multiple fabrics including cotton, polyester, and denim. You can apply them through freehand designs, stenciling, or block printing. The set includes a color wheel to help you organize and blend shades effectively.
After an 8-hour cure time, your designs become permanent and flexible, maintaining their glossy finish through regular wear and washing.
Best For: Crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and artists of all skill levels looking for a comprehensive, high-quality fabric paint set for customizing clothing, accessories, and home textiles.
Pros:
- Large 250ml bottles provide excellent value and plenty of paint for multiple projects
- Versatile application methods and compatibility with various fabric types
- Durable, waterproof formula that maintains color vibrancy through washing
Cons:
- 8-hour cure time may be longer than some alternatives
- Gloss finish might not suit all project preferences
- Initial investment cost higher than smaller paint sets
Mont Marte Fabric Paint Medium (8.5 fl.oz)
Crafters seeking to transform their acrylic paints into fabric-safe colors will find Mont Marte’s Fabric Paint Medium an essential addition to their supplies. This water-based, non-toxic medium blends with acrylic paint in a 1:1 ratio to create flexible, fabric-ready colors that won’t flake.
You’ll get versatile results on clothes, tote bags, cushions, and fabric shoes. After painting, simply let it dry completely, then iron the design for 3-5 minutes at 212ºF to set. The 8.5 fl.oz bottle offers a matte or satin finish, though the paint isn’t waterproof. Remember to wash painted items inside-out on cold cycles to preserve your artwork.
Best For: Crafters and artists who want to create custom fabric designs using their existing acrylic paints and need a flexible medium that works on various fabric items.
Pros:
- Easy to mix with acrylic paints in a simple 1:1 ratio
- Non-toxic and water-based for safe, easy cleanup
- Creates flexible paint that moves with fabric to prevent cracking or flaking
Cons:
- Not waterproof, requiring careful washing on cold settings
- Requires heat setting with an iron for permanence
- Limited to indoor use and non-water-resistant applications
Professional Effects Fabric Medium for Acrylic Paint (8 oz)
Perfect for DIY fashion enthusiasts, the Professional Effects Fabric Medium transforms regular acrylic paint into a flexible fabric paint that won’t crack or peel. This 8-ounce bottle mixes easily in a 1:1 ratio with your acrylics, increasing transparency while maintaining viscosity.
You’ll appreciate that there’s no heat setting required, and your painted items become machine washable once dry. It’s versatile enough for various fabrics, from clothing to shoes and bags. While it leaves hands sticky, it effectively improves the washability of markers and colored pencils too. Most users report excellent results, noting that a small amount goes far in preventing paint from chipping on fabric projects.
Best For: DIY crafters and fabric artists who want to transform regular acrylic paint into flexible, durable fabric paint for clothing, accessories, and textile projects.
Pros:
- Prevents cracking and peeling of acrylic paint on fabric
- No heat setting required and becomes machine washable when dry
- Versatile use across different fabric types and works with markers and colored pencils
Cons:
- Leaves sticky residue on hands
- Must be mixed in specific 1:1 ratio with paint
- Some users report issues with adhesion and cleanup
DecoArt Crafters Acrylic Paint, 2-Ounce, Fabric Medium
Ideal for artists who want to transform regular acrylic paint into fabric-friendly media, DecoArt’s Fabric Medium offers a reliable solution in a convenient 2-ounce bottle. This non-toxic, water-based medium helps your acrylic paint brush on smoothly and evenly, ensuring consistent coverage.
You’ll find this versatile product works well for various surfaces, including fabrics and ceramics. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not waterproof, so plan accordingly for your projects. The matte finish maintains the fabric’s natural look, and the lightfast pigments help preserve your artwork’s vibrancy. Though some users mention wanting a larger size, the 2-ounce bottle is perfect for testing or smaller projects.
Best For: Artists and crafters looking to transform regular acrylic paints into fabric-friendly media for small-scale textile and craft projects.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and water-based formula makes it safe for various craft projects
- Creates smooth, even coverage when mixed with acrylic paints
- Versatile application across multiple surfaces including fabrics and ceramics
Cons:
- Small 2-ounce bottle size may not be sufficient for larger projects
- Not waterproof, only water-resistant
- Requires mixing with paint before use, adding an extra step to the crafting process
Nicpro 14 Colors Large Bulk Acrylic Paint Set (1000ml)
Artists and DIY enthusiasts working on large-scale projects will find exceptional value in the Nicpro 14 Colors Large Bulk Acrylic Paint Set. With 1000ml per color, you’ll have plenty of paint for extensive work across multiple surfaces, from canvas to ceramics.
The set includes 14 vibrant colors that dry quickly and maintain their intensity over time. You’ll get essential hues like Mars Black, White, and various blues, reds, and greens, plus helpful accessories like a palette knife, sponge, and color wheel. The paint’s smooth, creamy texture offers excellent coverage and tinting power, while its non-toxic formula makes it safe for all age groups.
Best For: Artists, teachers, and craft enthusiasts who need large quantities of paint for big projects, group activities, or multiple pieces of artwork.
Pros:
- Large 1000ml bottles provide excellent value and ensure you won’t run out mid-project
- Versatile paint works on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, glass, and ceramics
- Non-toxic formula and quick-drying properties make it safe and practical for group settings
Cons:
- Gloss finish might not be suitable for all projects or preferences
- Limited color selection compared to professional artist-grade paint sets
- Large bottle size may be impractical for storage or occasional users
Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 473ml (16-oz) Bottle, White
This versatile gesso surface prep medium from Liquitex BASICS provides essential surface preparation for both acrylic and oil painting projects. You’ll appreciate its heavy body consistency that retains peaks and brush strokes, drying to a matte satin finish.
The 16-ounce bottle offers medium coverage and is completely intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Colors and mediums. It’s water-repellent but not waterproof, making cleanup easier. With an ACMI AP Seal certification, it’s safe for educational use. You’ll need to allow 24 hours for full curing, and it’s recommended for indoor use across multiple surfaces.
Best For: Artists, students, and hobbyists seeking an affordable, reliable surface preparation medium for acrylic and oil painting on various surfaces.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage and adhesion for both acrylic and oil paints
- Safe for educational use with AP Seal certification
- Versatile application across multiple surfaces with good texture retention
Cons:
- Not waterproof, only water-repellent
- Requires 24-hour full cure time
- Limited to indoor use only
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Fabric Medium
Serious crafters looking to paint on fabric or unprimed canvas will find Liquitex Professional Effects Medium indispensable. This 4-oz French-made medium enhances your acrylic paint’s blending and workability while ensuring strong adhesion to fabric surfaces.
You’ll appreciate that it requires no heat setting and reduces paint stiffness, keeping your fabric flexible after it dries. The satin finish medium controls bleeding when you thin your paints, and its acrylic polymer formula guarantees lasting results. Whether you’re working on clothing, bags, or raw canvas, this non-toxic medium’s versatility makes it a reliable choice for transforming regular acrylics into fabric-friendly paint.
Best For: Artists and crafters who want to paint on fabric or unprimed canvas with acrylic paints while maintaining fabric flexibility and requiring no heat setting.
Pros:
- No heat setting required, making it convenient for immediate use
- Controls paint bleeding and enhances blending capabilities
- Non-toxic formula safe for ages 12 and up
Cons:
- Relatively small 4-oz size may require frequent repurchasing
- Limited to fabric and canvas applications only
- Higher price point compared to standard acrylic mediums
DecoArt DAS10-3 Americana Mediums Fabric Acrylic Painting, 2-Ounce
Crafters seeking professional-quality fabric paint will find DecoArt’s DAS10-3 Americana Fabric Medium an essential addition to their supplies. When mixed with acrylic paint, this 2-ounce medium creates a permanent, washable formula that won’t crack, peel, or fade on your fabric projects.
You’ll appreciate how this non-toxic medium improves paint adhesion while maintaining color vibrancy. It’s particularly effective for both clothing and home décor applications, helping your designs penetrate fabric fibers for lasting results. The liquid formula enhances color blending and detail work without diluting pigments, making it ideal for intricate fabric painting projects.
Best For: Fabric artists and DIY crafters who want to transform regular acrylic paints into permanent, washable fabric paints for clothing and home décor projects.
Pros:
- Creates permanent, washable results when mixed with standard acrylic paints
- Prevents cracking, peeling, and fading while maintaining color vibrancy
- Non-toxic formula safe for use on clothing and home décor fabrics
Cons:
- Small 2-ounce bottle size may require frequent repurchasing
- Must be mixed with acrylics rather than ready-to-use
- Takes longer to complete projects compared to pre-made fabric paints
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fabric Medium for Acrylic Paint
When you’re selecting a fabric medium for acrylic paint, you’ll want to check the paint-to-medium mixing ratio and guarantee the product offers good washability with proper heat setting for your specific project. You should match the medium to your fabric type and consider the drying time, as different brands and formulations can vary significantly in how long they need to cure. The medium’s flexibility properties are also essential, as you’ll need a product that allows your painted designs to stretch and move with the fabric without cracking or peeling.
Paint-to-Medium Mixing Ratio
Understanding the right paint-to-medium mixing ratio is crucial for successful fabric painting projects. While a 1:1 ratio is typically recommended, you’ll find that adjusting these proportions can help you achieve different effects in your work.
When you’re mixing your paint and medium, remember that more medium creates a thinner, more transparent application, while less medium results in a stiffer finish. You’ll need to examine your desired outcome, as these ratios affect not only coverage but also drying time and workability. It’s best to check your manufacturer’s instructions, as some mediums require specific mixing ratios.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proportions until you find what works best for your project. The perfect ratio will give you ideal paint consistency, coverage, and flexibility.
Washability and Heat Setting
The durability of your fabric painting projects boils down to two critical factors: washability and heat setting. While some fabric mediums don’t require heat setting to become washable, those that do often provide superior durability through multiple wash cycles.
You’ll need to contemplate whether you want a medium that’s machine washable or one that requires gentle hand washing to preserve your designs. The heat-setting process plays a pivotal role in determining your project’s longevity, as both temperature and heating duration affect the paint’s flexibility and adhesion to the fabric.
When choosing your fabric medium, pay attention to how it interacts with your acrylic paint. This relationship directly impacts how well your painted fabric will hold up to repeated washing and drying cycles.
Fabric Type Compatibility
Selecting the right fabric medium requires careful consideration of your fabric’s unique characteristics. When working with natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, you’ll need a different medium than what you’d use for synthetics like polyester and nylon.
For stretchy fabrics, choose a pliable medium that won’t crack or peel during movement. If you’re painting on heavyweight materials like denim or canvas, opt for thicker mediums that provide strong adhesion and coverage. Keep in mind that your fabric’s porosity affects how well it absorbs the medium – highly absorbent materials may require specific formulations designed for better penetration. You’ll also want to check if your fabric needs pre-treatment before applying the medium, as some textiles require sizing to create an ideal painting surface.
Drying Time Requirements
When choosing a fabric medium for your acrylic paint projects, drying time can drastically impact both your workflow and final results. You’ll need to evaluate whether quick completion or extended working time better suits your painting technique.
Water-based mediums dry faster, making them ideal when you’re working on simple designs or need to complete projects quickly. However, if you’re creating intricate patterns or blending colors, you might prefer slower-drying formulas that give you more time to work with the paint.
Contemplate how the medium’s drying characteristics affect the final texture. Quick-drying options often produce a softer, more flexible finish, while slower-drying mediums may result in stiffer fabric. If you’re using a heat-set medium, remember to factor in the additional time needed for ironing to achieve proper curing.
Paint Flexibility Properties
Because fabric constantly moves and flexes during use, choosing a medium with appropriate flexibility properties safeguards your painted designs remain intact and durable. You’ll need to evaluate how much movement your painted fabric will endure to determine the required level of flexibility.
For clothing and frequently used items, you’ll want to select a highly flexible medium that allows the paint to stretch and move freely with the fabric. This prevents cracking and peeling during wear and washing. If you’re working on decorative pieces that won’t experience much movement, a medium with standard flexibility will suffice. Assess the fabric’s end use and how often you’ll launder it. Some mediums also improve the fabric’s softness, which is particularly important for wearable items where comfort matters.