For painting on fabric, textile and acrylic paints are used, which are quite easy to apply and durable. It is recommended to use a special contour paste together with them.
What is a "contour"?
A special relief paint is a contour. If you draw a line with it, it will be slightly convex. When creating an image, a 3D effect occurs.
Using the outline, it is easy and simple to create a unique design. For example, decorate a plain T-shirt by applying an author's drawing or inscription to it. If desired, you can give a second life to an outdated thing, transforming it into an avant-garde work of art.
When starting work, one must not forget about preparing the material and, in particular, about washing. Usually the fabric is washed, ironed and the surface is cleaned for the drawing.
Important! There should be no fluff on the surface, otherwise the outline will lie unevenly.
In addition, do not forget that the outline is intended not only for drawing, but also for creating a "dam" that prevents the dye from flowing onto unpainted areas. Therefore, when applying, you need to ensure that the line is not interrupted and goes evenly. This painting resembles a classic stained glass window, which looks great on various items - clothes, cosmetic bags, bags, pillows, and even sneakers.
Often, an image is outlined to highlight it against the background of the material. Elements of the drawing are also highlighted. For example, if you need to draw a flower, its core is highlighted.
Images applied using volumetric contours have an original look and a distinct texture. Experienced needlewomen show off their imagination to the fullest. Using mother-of-pearl, you can create an image in the fantasy style. For example, it can be a butterfly or a fairy with wings. The contour gives the picture volume if you highlight dots, drops, spots, etc.
How to use the outline
It is important to choose the right outline. Masters recommend that beginners in painting use tubes with a long tip. Before buying, you need to inspect the outline. Feel free to remove its cap to examine the hole. Ideally, it should be smooth - without nicks.
How to work with fabric:
- The contour should be held at an angle of 30 degrees to the surface. When it is held at a right angle, it prevents the contents from escaping.
- It is not recommended to draw a line away from you, as the edge of the tip may smudge it.
- In case of a mistake, do not erase the applied fragment. Let it dry, then carefully pry it off with a stationery knife so that it comes off easily.
- When filling, the contour paste goes into the paint, so you don’t have to worry about part of the image being higher in level. After drying and fixing, the drawing will become visually more even, but will retain its relief.
Lifehacks from the master
- To create a large drawing, you will need a tube with a spout whose diameter corresponds to it. If the hole is small, then the problem is easy to solve - just mark the right place and cut off the tip with a sharpened stationery knife. This procedure can be done more than once, changing the diameter of the spout on the same tube - for different pictures.
- Beginner fabric artists should avoid using glitter outlines, as it requires some skill to apply them correctly. After a few tries, your hand will become steady and you can experiment with glitter paints.
To use a contour to highlight the edges of a drawing, you need to:
- trace the image using a stencil;
- apply contour mass to its borders;
- wait until the drawing dries;
- paint the internal areas in the desired tone;
- consolidate the result.
The form of the product depends on the manufacturer. Usually, the contour paste is contained in a tube with a pointed tip, which allows you to draw as if you were using a brush.
In order to highlight certain elements of the drawing, the work should be done in stages.
Progress of the process:
- First, you need to smooth out the canvas and secure the stencil with tape along the edge. It is acceptable to use spray adhesive for temporary fixation. A waterproof pad should be placed between the two layers of the product (if, for example, painting is done on a T-shirt).
- Now the main paint is applied with a brush. The main rule of application: if the drawing is multi-colored, then the tones should be arranged in order - from white to black, from yellow to red, that is, from light to dark.
- After removing the stencil, you can use the outline to add expression to the design.
The image must be fixed after all work with the outline is completed.
Fixing the outline image
Without fixation, the pattern will not stay on the fabric for long. The paint contains special resins that adhere to the fibers after heat treatment.
During the drying and fixing process it is necessary:
- dry the picture for 12-24 hours;
- iron it from the wrong side of the material for at least three minutes;
- turn over and secure from the outside, covering the painted area with a piece of fabric.
The temperature of the iron should correspond to the type of material. You need to iron the product slowly and without lingering in one place. And to protect the ironing board, put a piece of cloth under the painted fabric, otherwise there will be a mark.
Operating tips
The advantage of the outline is that the painted item can be used without fear. When the paint dries and sets, the item can be washed.
To keep the design for a long time, you need to follow the care instructions:
- When washing, it is not recommended to heat the water above 40°C;
- Machine washing of natural fabrics is possible provided that a delicate mode is selected;
- Synthetics are washed better by hand;
- The faster the washing process, the better the image is preserved;
- It is strictly not recommended to use bleach;
- It is preferable to iron a dyed item from the inside out.
Fabric contour Decola
The products of the Nevskaya Palitra company have proven themselves to be reliable and easy to use. The Decola contour is suitable for painting cotton, synthetic and silk materials. The product is characterized by an optimal consistency, due to which it does not spread, and is also distinguished by light resistance.
The product should be used as follows:
- apply directly to the design area;
- After application, allow to dry for 24 hours;
- iron the fabric on the no steam setting from the inside for 5 minutes (iron through paper or cloth, but take into account the temperature that is suitable for the type of fabric);
- The product can be washed after 48 hours of ironing (at a temperature of 30°C to 40°C, using a gentle method);
- Another 48 hours after the painting is completed, machine washing is permitted (at a temperature of 30-40 degrees, in hand or delicate mode).
Using the Decola contour, you can paint the product using different techniques.
Of these, the most commonly used are:
- stencil painting;
- free painting;
- cold batik.
One tube is enough to process several products. The contour is ready for use - you can open it and start working.
The choice of fabric contours is widely represented on the market. In addition to the mentioned fabric contour, which is produced by Decola, there is a choice of similar products on the market.
Popular brands:
- C.KREUL;
- MARABU;
- STAMPERIA;
- TAIR.
French manufacturer Pebeo produces contours with a "swelling" effect. With their help, it is possible to create real masterpieces in 3D format. The peculiarity of this product is the possibility of relief painting. In this case, you can achieve an impressive effect - mother-of-pearl or phosphorescent shimmer.
Painting on fabric using contour allows you to create three-dimensional pictures that our vision perceives as reality. And to achieve mastery in this craft, no special talents are required, except imagination.
