A Paintstik Chemistry Lesson
Occasionally, someone raises questions regarding the safety of using an oil-based paint product directly on fabric. A brief discussion of this issue is included in the Paintstiks on Fabric book. This page provides additional information. If you still have questions about the chemical properties of paintstiks, please send a message and I will attempt to…
Read MoreAbout Fabric
You can use almost any type of fabric with paintstiks, including cotton, rayon, linen, silk and synthetic fibers. You will find that stenciling and other masking techniques work on many fabrics including heavy fabrics, but rubbings are limited to lighter weight fabrics. Heavily textured fabrics will not react the same as smooth fabrics, but that…
Read MoreAbout Paintstiks
Shiva Paintstiks are “self-sealing,” which means that a protective film forms over the surface of the paintstik when it is not in use. To remove the film, you can peel it away with a paper towel, rub it gently on a rough surface, or carefully pare it away with a knife.
Read MorePreparing to paint
A smooth work surface is helpful when working with paintstiks. Any texture placed under your fabric will show through as you apply paint to your fabric. You may wish to cover your work area with plastic to keep your work surface free from stray paint. Paintstik colors are permanent once they are dry. Wear old…
Read MoreApplying paintstik color to fabric
There are several ways to apply paintstik color to your fabric, including direct application, masking, rubbing, and stenciling. Direct Application: You can apply paintstik colors directly to fabric as if you were coloring with a crayon. Once the colors are applied, you may wish to use an old toothbrush or a stiff stenciling brush to…
Read MoreCleaning Up
Paintstik colors are easily removed from your tools and brushes with standard or citrus-based solvents. With a little bit of extra work, they can be cleaned with soap and water.
Read MoreMaking the color permanent
After applying paintstik color, allow the painted fabric to dry for 3-5 days, and then heat-set to make the colors permanent. To heat-set the color, set your iron to the proper setting for the fabric. Place an old piece of fabric or muslin on your ironing surface, put the fabric paint-side down on the muslin…
Read MoreQ: How do I clean my stencils?
There are several things you can do to keep your stencils clean… 1. Wipe the stencils as you work. I keep a piece of scrap fabric or paper towels handy. After I paint an image, I put the stencil on the scrap fabric and gently wipe the paint off with another piece of fabric or…
Read MoreQ: How do I remove the sticky spray from my stencils and rubbing plates?
All the companies that make sticky spray also make sticky spray remover. They work very well, but I find the removal products have a very strong chemical odor and need to be used in a well-ventilated area so I don’t conk out from the fumes. For a more environmentally friendly solution, my favorite cleaner for…
Read MoreQ: How do I use your Cedar Canyon Brush Soap? There are no instructions on the package.
Oops! I’ve cleaned so many stencil brushes that I didn’t even think about instructions. We’ll have to see if we can come up with something short and sweet that will fit on the label. At any rate, here is my method for using the brush soap. Dip your brush into the brush soap. Rub the…
Read MoreQ: I am using freezer paper stencils, and some of the images have to overlap. After I have painted the first image, can I overlap the second image and press it down immediately? Or do I have to wait a period of time before pressing down the second stencil?
You can press your second freezer paper stencil on the fabric right away and continue to work. Just put a piece of plain paper over the stencil to keep any paint off your iron. When you work “wet” (without waiting for the paint to dry) you may see some blending of colors as you apply…
Read MoreQ: What can I spray on the back of a plastic stencil to make it stick to the fabric? I want something that doesn’t leave a residue.
I spray the back of my stencils with a repositionable adhesive. My favorite brands are 404 Spray and Fix and KK2000 from Sulky. We don’t sell the sprays in our online store due to the shipping restrictions on aerosol cans, but you can find them at most sewing machine dealers and some big sewing stores.…
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