What Kind of Paint To Use on Rayon (How to Paint on Rayon)
The right tools for the job. That adage applies to painting fabric as well. If you gather the right tools then the only thing you have to worry about is communicating the message you want your painting to have. Everything goes easier when you do not try to use alternative materials and tools
What kind of paint to use on rayon? Even though rayon is on the cheaper side of the fabric economical scale it still requires special paint. Regular fabric paints bleed from rayon faster than other fabrics so you will need to use neopaque paints to get your design on this fabric.
To learn more about how to paint rayon, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to create an excellent design on your rayon material. It only takes a few minutes to read while having your morning cup of coffee.
Can You Paint Rayon Fabric?
Yes, you can paint rayon fabric, but as we have said many times before on different topics, not every fabric is the same. That means even with painting you have to use the right paint or your designs may be ruined long before the paint dries.
You cannot assume that while rayon is part natural fibers you can use just any old fabric paint on this material. It doesn’t work that way as rayon is also made with a lot of chemicals and those ingredients dictate the type of paint you can use on this fabric.
There is no limit as to what you can draw on the material but take some time to learn the rayon difference before you start creating. Those differences all play a role in your results.
What Kind of Paint To Use on Rayon
It is said that you should use neopaque paint on rayon. The reason for that is that the regular fabric paints do not adhere that well to the fabric. This kind of paint is mixed with traditional pigments and no metallics are used in its creation.
The word is that it won’t crack, chip, or peel and this paint can endure continuous wear. Also, this brand of paint is lighter in the body than regular textile paints. Another positive characteristic is that they cover darker colors quite well.
Plus, you can mix the different colors to get the shade you want. Then if you make a mess, the mess, brushes, etc., clean up easily. That is because this paint is water-based. It is a win-win type of paint that provides you with a great look even on lighter colored rayon. You have unlimited possibilities when it comes to using this type of pain on your rayon fabrics.
How To Paint on Rayon
The most important step in this process is to wait for each layer of paint to dry first before painting the next layer. This may slow you down some but if you want top results, this step must be observed each and every time.
Step 1: Wash the material to make sure it is clean and to remove any more shrinkage that may still be left in the material.
Step 2: When dry, draw your design’s outline using a fabric pencil and some transfer paper.
Step 3: get your paint color ready and you may want to do this each time you wait for the layer to dry so the paint remains n top shape and ready to use
Step 4: make sure your rayon fabric i spread out flat with no wrinkles or hills in it. Then use a spray water bottle to dampen the material before you paint.
Step 5: if your fabric is layered make sure to place a piece of cardboard between the layers to protect from the bleed through. You do not want to paint more sides of the fabric than necessary.
Step 6: Start painting. When you are done with each layer of paint, spread some kosher salt over the painted fabric. This helps the paint to dry a little faster. Expect to take hours to complete your task.
How To Get Paint Out of Rayon
One way to remove paint from rayon is to use paint thinner. Not just any thinner will do as one kind may ruin the fabric if you are not careful. You have to use the type of paint thinner that is made to work on rayon.
Before you use the thinner, if the paint is still wet, blot as much of the spilled paint as possible. Rubbing only makes the problem worse. If the paint has dried, then scrape as much paint off as possible.
Again, rayon is a delicate fabric so great care is needed when doing this step. When you are ready for the paint thinner, put it in a bowl and place the painted potion over the bowl and tip the bowl upside down so the thinner is filtered through the fabric. Then rinse right away. You can repeat this step if necessary.
Or you can try using rubbing alcohol and water. Moisten the dried paint with the warm water, then pour a lot of rubbing alcohol over the stain. Once that is done rub the fabric spot with another part of the material.
Or a laundry brush or toothbrush over the spot instead and brush the alcohol over the stain. Rinse with warm water after using either rubbing technique. Then wash normally.
Some Final Words
It may be a bit difficult to paint rayon but many artists like that fabric because of its tight weave. That weave style lets the paint go on and dry smoothly so your finish is not rough.
It takes some practice to master painting on rayon due to the need to let each paint layer to dry first before moving on to the next part of your design. But once you master it your end result should look good.
