How to Buy Silk Paints

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:BuySilkPaints
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How to Buy Silk Paints

Introduction

Seasoned silk painters have different opinions on whether to use paint or dye when creating art on silk. Determining which medium is best for your silk project is a matter of personal taste. Here are some guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Buy paints made especially for light fabrics like silk. They are very thin, water-based paints that are set by using a hot iron. The colors are usually a little less vivid than dyes but it is a simple process.
2

Step Two

Choose steam set dyes for the most brilliant colors. These dyes will give you the brightest colors and the silk feels like it did before you started.
3

Step Three

Consider dyes that are set with a liquid fixative. These dyes are brushed with the fixative once the painting is finished. The colors are not as brilliant as those in Step 2, but the silk still feels clean when the process is completed.
4

Step Four

Try instant-set pigment dye for a simple silk painting procedure. The paint just needs to dry for 24 hours and the colors are usually brighter than paints. However, instant-set dyes are not as colorfast as the first three options.
5

Step Five

Start by buying primary colors in the dye or paint of your choice. You can mix these colors to create many more, saving you money in the long run.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you are creating silk items that will be washed repeatedly, consider using steam-set dyes. Their colors are brightest and they hold up the best when washed.
  • If you are a beginner, you can find starter kits at your local arts and crafts store that contain brushes, paints, and other essential silk painting supplies.
  • Don't buy every color on the shelf. Just buy a few and create those brilliant custom colors yourself.
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