TECHNIQUES
FABRIC PAINTING
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A more
unusual form of fabric painting - artwork
created by artist Hugh Oliveiro for Jeans
for Genes Day.
These sold for an amazing $18,000!
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It is possible to apply Matisse Colors to the vast
majority of fabrics without the addition of any mediums.
If the image is to be applied to a garment, a T-shirt
for example, MM13 Fabric
Fixative will allow the Matisse Colors to stand
up to laundry detergents, regular machine washing and
the constant rigours that a garment may be subjected
to during its life.
PAINTING ON FABRIC
The Matisse
Flow Formula mixed in equal parts with the MM13
Fabric Fixative has the perfect consistency for
fabric painting.
When painting fabric, do not build up a 3-dimensional
surface but rather let the paint penetrate the fabric
and flow out flat. If the paint is built up thickly,
it may tend to crack and peel.
Heat fix the fabric as per instructions below.
AIRBRUSHING ON FABRIC
It is possible to airbrush on fabric using the MM13
Fabric Fixative mixed with Matisse
Flow Formula. Use up to 2 parts Fabric Fixative
to one part Matisse
Flow Formula to give a very thin consistency
which will flow easily through an airbrush. (See
Airbrushing with Matisse Acrylics.)
Heat fix the fabric as per instructions below.
SCREEN PRINTING ON FABRIC
Matisse Colors can be used with brilliant effect
on most fabrics to give a permanent finish with the
addition of MM13 Fabric
Fixative. Use one part MM13
Fabric Fixative to one or two parts Matisse
Structure Formula. Mix thoroughly with Matisse
Structure to keep a relatively thick consistency
which will reduce bleeding.
Heat fix the print as per instructions below.
This mixture will last for several months if kept
in an airtight container, in a cool dry place. Do not
leave exposed to heat or let the mixture freeze.
Silk screen system: It is important to make sure the silk screen blockout
or stencil system that is to be used is compatible
with water-based products (some are completely resistant
to many solvents but water will destroy them).
Mesh size: Generally speaking, the
best mesh size for fabric printing is 10T to 25T (monofilament).
A coarser mesh screen is required for fabric than for
paper, as more ink is required because fabric tends
to be more absorbent.
CHOICE OF FABRICS
Best results are obtained from absorbent fabrics;
avoid waterproof fabrics as they tend to inhibit penetration
of the paints which will affect their washability.
Wool in general should be avoided unless thoroughly
cleaned as the wool grease (lanolin) can repel the
water-based colors.
Fabrics containing starch, size, fillers, softeners
or creaseproof treatments should be washed prior to
printing/painting. Fabrics containing waterproofing
treatments may not accept the paints and may result
in mottling, poor color adhesion or patchy printing
and may not remain washproof.
HEAT FIXING IMAGES
It is necessary to heat fix the image if it is to
be washproof. Heat fixing can take many forms; the
main points to be observed are:
-
The image has been air dried before it is heat
fixed.
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When heat fixing, the heat is applied evenly over
the image.
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The heat is applied continuously for the required
time over the image.
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Be sure not to scorch or burn the image or garment.
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Any type of heat can be used. Heat tunnels, ovens
and even the humble household iron can all be used.
If using contact heat (for instance an iron), use
a tea towel or another piece of cotton cloth over
the image to iron on. Do not use the iron in direct
contact with the image.
HEAT FIX TIMES AND TEMPERATURES
Heat fixing times and temperatures vary. However,
a guide is as follows:
Cotton, calico, linen, rayon - 4-5mins at 140°C -180°C
Synthetics, nylon, polyester, tetron, acrylic - 5-8mins at 115°C -130°C
Important projects warrant a test. Tests
should always be done on the fabric to determine temperature
and time required to make the image fast but without
scorching the particular fabric.
Test by heat fixing a test strip and washing in a heavy duty cycle.
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