Hand Painted Garments

Material/Mediums:

• Acrylic Paint

• GAC 900

• Thrifted Sweatshirt/Jacket

Subject

Hand Painted anything has its challenges and rewards, but hand-painted clothing is a different kind of special. As a child, I used to want to be a fashion designer. I had a sketchbook full of clothes I would design and sell! I love going to the local Miracle Hill for a $4 shirt or sweatshirt to use as a canvas. Most of the time, I have an idea or a plan of what I want to paint. I begin with a sketch in my sketchbook. By drawing in my sketchbook first, I can draw and brainstorm colors, paint samples and cut out the design. Then I prime the area with Gesso mixed with a ton of GAC 900. GAC 900 thins the properties of the acrylic paint and changes the medium into a Fabric medium. After putting down the primer, I iron these white areas to heat it into the fabric.

I sketch out the pattern or draw on it; I use the cutouts to get a visual idea. As I paint in sections, I let it dry and iron as I heat set the paint. I try not to apply too many layers of color in my experience; this will cause the paint to wash out of the fabric—for example, My Sankofa sweatshirt after trying to clean it after wearing it. Talk about heartbroken! LOL. I also recommend that as you paint, mix in the GAC 900 on the bottle; it informs you of the ratios, but I add a little extra just in case. Once my design is complete and I let it fully dry, I spray it with a clear holding/finishing spray. I do up to 2-coats and let the air dry. When trying to clean the garments washing garments by hand in COLD water and with a little clothes detergent worked best for me.While in the cold water, I agitate the paint with my fingers to see if it’ll come off or crake. It typically takes me 2-3 days to finish a project if I can work on it consistently and I have a clear idea of want I am trying to paint! Overall I enjoy the process of hand painting garments; although it can be time-consuming, having your artwork on clothing is fun and original!