how to paint t-shirts with markers
Markers are useful for creating different designs and can be used on various surfaces, including t-shirts. So, if you want to renew some boring garment that you have at home, painting with them can be an original and fun option. All you need is fabric markers, stencils, pencils, a steam iron, and a lot of willpower.
To paint on fabric, the most appropriate thing is to use textile paint, because it is the most suitable instrument to create designs with colors on different fabrics, but currently there are fabric markers, which are an alternative with a variety of colors that allows you to paint on fabric of the most comfortable and simple way you can imagine, since the technique is similar to when we paint on sheets of paper.
Fabric markers are special to use in projects that require precision in the strokes, as well as in those cases in which it is necessary to draw outlines of figures or regular or complex patterns. Although if you have to paint large shapes, it will be more comfortable to work with textile paint. Next, we will explain how you can paint your t-shirt with markers.
What can I do with textile markers?
One of the most practical applications in which you can use textile markers is to personalize your children’s clothes. Using a cute template, you can spice up those plain t-shirts that kids have or those baby bodysuits. You could also take advantage of this craft to involve the little ones in the house, so that they can make their own designs on their shirts or sheets. For them it will be an adventure and they will be very excited to know that they participated in this activity of transforming your clothes.
But not only on t-shirts or sheets can you use the markers, the range of action goes much further, since you can personalize your jackets, shoes, skirts, bags and any accessory. What is appropriate if you want to have unique garments that will make a difference with the rest of the people and even make them look at you when passing by.
What materials do I need to paint my t-shirts with markers?
First of all, to obtain good final results in your project, you should acquire those that are considered the best markers of 2022, preferably they should be appropriate for painting on fabric and of the permanent type. For this reason, it is convenient to look for those that are clearly identified as textile markers.
Likewise, it is advisable to have a white T-shirt on hand (preferably) and one that is not 100% cotton, because this material does not allow optimal color fixation, so it is advisable to purchase a T-shirt that contains 50% polyester and 50% cotton. % cotton, in order to obtain a good finish in the strokes.
It is also very important to be clear about the design you want to paint, for which you need templates, pencil, paper, scissors, tape, etc. Another necessary material in this craft is a steam iron, since it will help you in the process of fixing the design to the fabric once the painting is finished.
Steps to follow to paint the shirt
Once you have the materials you will need ready, it is time to start making your design. Next, we will give you some steps to paint the shirt:
- before painting
It is necessary to prepare the work area before starting to paint the shirt, to avoid staining other surfaces or our clothes. In this case, it is recommended to use a painting smock (it can be made of plastic), or to wear old clothes that can easily get stained. To use as a support for the piece to be painted, we will need a piece of hard cardboard, which can be inserted inside the t-shirt and must be fixed with tweezers, which will prevent it from moving during the painting process. You can also use a piece of wood as a base, what is required is that it be firm and that the color does not pass through to the other side of the fabric.
In addition to the above, it is important that the shirt you plan to use for your creation is clean, without stains or dirt. It is also advisable to avoid washing the garment with fabric softener before applying the paint. This is because the ink is repelled by this product and prevents it from setting properly.
- Use the templates for the designs
The advantage of doing these crafts yourself is that you can design your own templates. At this point, the process of making the sketch of the drawing that you want to transfer to your shirt comes into play. If you are not so expert in drawing freehand, it is advisable to previously create the design on paper, cut it out and then proceed to transfer the drawing from paper to fabric. For this procedure, the soft pencil is useful to mark the design on the shirt, here take all the time necessary to capture your drawing and do it carefully.
If you want to use letters for your design, it is recommended to transfer them to the sheet of paper turning the drawing upside down, so that when you cut it out and stick it on the garment, the letter is right side up.
- start painting
After you have firmly held the template on the garment to be painted, proceed to choose the colors you plan to use. If your work will be with children, it would be advisable to let their creativity flow freely, without constantly guiding them. Let them enjoy their work and choose the colors they want to use.
The first thing you should do is paint the largest areas that have color and you could use textile paint, according to the drawing captured, using the markers only to outline. Although this whole process depends a lot on your pulse, so you can choose the option that is easiest for you. But in short, you must make firm and slow strokes, trying to fill the entire drawing.
- Drying and fixing process
After you have finished painting your drawing, comes the process of drying and fixing the paint. To do this, you need to heat the steam iron and you must place the shirt inside out. Using an old cloth on the garment, proceed to pass the hot iron over the design. It is important to remember that, if we want the design to last for a long time, we must wash our shirt with cold water and always iron it on the wrong side, so that the heat allows the ink to fix better to the fabric.
