fabric paint - new user could use some tips

I'm trying to decorate some t-shirts, and I am using fabric paint
(tulip dimensional paint is what I currently have).

I have made some templates with some clear plastic sheets that were
intended for templates. I tape the templates onto the t-shirt, and then
fill in the holes with paint.

The problem is that the paint is seeping underneath and not staying
within the lines.

Any recommendations for how I can have nice sharp edges on my designs?
It looks like I can't draw, and I want them to look nicer than that. I
totally ruined the first one, and I have tried 3 more, with varying
amounts of leakage.

Should I be using something heavier for the template? Or a different
paint?

Thanks.

In article . com,
says...

Should I be using something heavier for the template? Or a different
paint?

You should probably be using a heavier-bodied paint.
I use a brand of fabric paint that is sold in small
squeeze bottles in the craft dept of Walmart. It is
very easy to "draw" with - you can write your name
with it. I like the irredescent colors that are sold
in this line of paints. The trick is to apply it and
leave it undisturbed until thoroughly dried.

I think that I have the same kind. I bought it at walmart, and they had
a great selection of colors. It just seems to escape a little outside
my template. It has already escaped by the time the I finish the
t-shirt. And by that time, it is too late.

I think the problem is the template. I am doing a paw print, and there
are some large holes for the pads of the print, but very small areas
between them. So, not much is holding the template down in the middle.

In article .com,
says...

I think the problem is the template. I am doing a paw print, and there
are some large holes for the pads of the print, but very small areas
between them. So, not much is holding the template down in the middle.

Are you brushing it on? You might try just squeezing a bead
from the bottle if you're using the one with the fine tip
that is shaped like a cake decorating nozzle. Let the bead
dry around the outer edge before filling in the color in
the middle. Just a suggestion. Otherwise, you might be better
off using regular dyes like those used for batiquing. I'm
surprised someone else with fabric painting experience hasn't
weighed in on this. Good luck.

I'm trying to decorate some t-shirts, and I am using fabric paint
(tulip dimensional paint is what I currently have).

I have made some templates with some clear plastic sheets that were
intended for templates. I tape the templates onto the t-shirt, and then
fill in the holes with paint.

The problem is that the paint is seeping underneath and not staying
within the lines.

Any recommendations for how I can have nice sharp edges on my designs?
It looks like I can't draw, and I want them to look nicer than that. I
totally ruined the first one, and I have tried 3 more, with varying
amounts of leakage.

Should I be using something heavier for the template? Or a different
paint?

Hi
I have done a lot of fabric painting in the past and have used the tulip
demensional many times.
I don't generally keep the template, or stencil or what ever on there. I
trace around with
either a pencil or one of those disappearing ink markers. Trace around the
markings with a
bead of paint, then let that dry. I have never had any problems with the
paint seeping. Then I go
back and fill in the center if that is the effect I'm looking for. If you
want to leave the template on there
then I would stretch out the shirt on a piece of cardboard, with plastic
wrap between the shirt
and board and tape it well in the back to keep it taut, (I do this for any
fabric painting), then tape your
template, or stencil down. Go around the outline of the openings, with a
bead of paint, then let it sit
undisturbed to dry before attempting to fill in the center. When I do the
centers I very often will us
a fabric brush to smooth it out, so the paint isn't too thick. If it is too
thick, in too big of an opening
it will crack over time, as it is washed.
Then when the shirt is done I leave if to set for a full 24 hours.
HTH
Sharon

You might try spraying the stencil lightly with 3M Photo Mount spray.
This should hold it to the fabric while you paint it and can be reused again
and again.
Good Luck,
Jerry

wrote in message
ups.com...
I'm trying to decorate some t-shirts, and I am using fabric paint
(tulip dimensional paint is what I currently have).

I have made some templates with some clear plastic sheets that were
intended for templates. I tape the templates onto the t-shirt, and then
fill in the holes with paint.

The problem is that the paint is seeping underneath and not staying
within the lines.

Any recommendations for how I can have nice sharp edges on my designs?
It looks like I can't draw, and I want them to look nicer than that. I
totally ruined the first one, and I have tried 3 more, with varying
amounts of leakage.

Should I be using something heavier for the template? Or a different
paint?

Thanks.

In article .net,
says...

I'm trying to decorate some t-shirts, and I am using fabric paint
(tulip dimensional paint is what I currently have).

My suggestion would be to use a soft pencil to draw the design
and then paint over it using either the type of fabric
paint that comes in squeeze bottles with a tip
applicator, or a regular brush application. Use the template
only as a guide while penciling in the design.

Tee shirts that are sold commercially with designs are silk
screened - which is a whole different ball game
from what you're attempting.

says...

I'm trying to decorate some t-shirts, and I am using fabric paint
(tulip dimensional paint is what I currently have).

Whenever I paint t-shirts, I transfer the image right to the t-shirt...then
I put a bead
of paint all around the image and let that dry. I think if you are using
stencils then
you could do the same...put a bead of paint around. It acts as a barrier and
also helps bring out the image. Then go back and fill in as desired. Hope
this
makes sense.
Sharon