how can i lock arcylic ink into fabric (cotton in this case) to help prevent it from washing out?

Question

I make woodblock prints, lacquer them until they are completely sealed and stamps them on canvas; however, these never get washed.

I took a stamp and stamped a t-shirt with arcylic ink (like silk screening ink) and I want to do something to it to make sure that it does not fade (as the print is already light).

i have thought about things like ironing it, scotchgaurd, etc. but i have no idea if any of these will suit my needs.

thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

I would do some testing with the same ink on swatches. Try different methods and see if any of them work.


I don't really know anything about acrylic, but I wonder if it would melt if you drycleaned it? You could test that with a home drycleaning kit that you use in the dryer..Use the more expensive kit with the bag, in case it does melt and that way you wouldn't ruin your dryer. Then if the ink drycleaned ok, would your cotton shirt shrink from the heat?

There is a way to heat-press by ironing with a pressing cloth, but again, I don't know if the acrylic will melt or burn.

Try different detergents as well. I like Woolite for colors (or any generic that is specifically labelled as non-fading and gentle) And wash it inside out to minimize abrasion.

Sorry I couldn't answer with experience. I do a lot of wacky things with fabric and so I do a lot of laundry testing as well.

Answer 2

You will need to test this, as I am not positive.

In the fifties my Mother, who was a painter, painted on clothing. And if I remember it correctly she set the paint with vinegar.

I think, she saturated a large men's handkerchief sized cloth, with white vinegar. Put your painted fabric on whatever you press on. If you use the ironing board, I would put something under your painted item so it doesn't leach through.

Then lay the vinegar cloth on the top and a press cloth on it and press. I would press 2 to 3 minutes to make sure it really sets.

But remember to test it on some scrap fabric first. I do recall that things she made in the fifties are still alive and well to day as is the paint on them.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

If you are using acrylic, how about mixing it with Fabric Painting Medium? This is a solution made by DecoArt that is made for mixing with acrylic paints so you can paint on fabric and it lasts through washings. Its available at craft stores.