More Sun Printed Fabric

Last weekend, in addition to those handkerchiefs, I also sun printed some fabric.

One of my sun printed fabrics

This is so much fun and so easy! I used muslin yardage for this project, but you could also use most any piece of clothing you have in your closet. These paints work on all natural and “most” synthetic fabrics.

Setacolor Transparent paints are what I’ve used to create these designs. You can purchase them from your local arts store or online. For sunprinting be sure you buy the transparent paint and paint on white or light-colored fabric.

All you need for sun painting fabric is the Setacolor Transparents, jars, water, and sponge brushes.

sun printing supplies

Pour some of the Setacolor into each jar, adding as much water as you’d like. The more water, the lighter the color.

Before mixing you paint, soak your fabric in water. It doesn’t have to be cold or hot water – just get the fabric wet.

Cover your work table with plastic, then wring out your fabric and spread the wet cloth on the plastic. Last weekend I found out that it’s a good idea to use a clear or white plastic cover on the table. I had a hard time seeing my colors with that red striped plastic in the background!

Background plastic way too busy!

Then just paint to your heart’s content! For the fern fabric I picked fern leaves from the shade garden and placed them on top of the fabric after I painted it and while it was still wet.

Ferns used as masks

I painted over the ferns to adhere them to the fabric.

For the other piece I used needlepoint canvas for masks.

Fabric with needle point canvas masks

Then put them out in the sun (my table was already in the sun) and wait for them to dry. Once dry remove the masks. Heat set by ironing the dry fabric and you are done!

Sun printed fabric

Another photo of this piece of material.

sun printed fabric

I’ve tried sun printing with regular fabric paints, but the colors were not as vibrant as the Setacolors. Also these paints do not change the “hand” or feel of the fabric. I have a lovely white shirt jacket I bought several years ago to wear in the summer. However, because it is white, I rarely reach for it. This summer it will be a different color (or colors)!

This technique is really easy. You don’t have to prep the fabric and the results are fabulous. If you’ve wanted to try sun printing fabric, this is the way to go.