Spray Painting T-Shirts: A Creative Way To Revamp Your Wardrobe

Spray paint is a versatile tool that can be used to add a unique, personalised touch to clothing. It can be used to decorate a plain T-shirt to support your favourite sports team or to create a trendy, wearable work of art. There are a variety of colours and finishes available, from matte to metallic, and the best option depends on your personal preference, health concerns, and budget.

Choosing the right spray paint

Spray paint is an easy and versatile option for painting clothing, with endless colour options and dozens of different finishes, from matte to metallic. The best spray paint for your project will depend on your personal tastes, health concerns, and budget.

Soft Fabric Spray Paint

Spray paint designed specifically for fabric is the best choice for decorating a T-shirt. Soft fabric spray paint is formulated to blend with the T-shirt's material, so when the shirt is dry, you don't notice a texture to the paint. Many brands of fabric paint are available, and several claim to be safer than traditional spray paint. For example, Simply Spray says its product is non-toxic and safe for children to use, while Tulip paints come in non-aerosol, environmentally-sound dispensers. Fabric spray paints are also safe to use indoors or outdoors. However, be sure to get fabric paint that's intended for use on clothing; fabric spray paints for upholstery may not be safe to put through a washing machine.

Stencil Fabric Spray Paint

Stencil or line fabric spray paint is similar to soft fabric spray paint, but it is designed to have a texture, such as raised paint similar to screen print paints. Metallic and glitter fabric paints are also available.

Multipurpose Spray Paint

Traditional spray paint can also be used to paint clothing. Krylon recommends using its indoor/outdoor variety, but other brands and styles work as well. Check that the brand you choose recommends its product for fabrics. One key difference between multipurpose spray paint and fabric paint is that multipurpose paint must be sprayed outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. When using multipurpose spray paint, wear a mask if you do not want to inhale the fumes and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety and proper technique.

Preparing the t-shirt

Wash the T-shirt:

Start by washing the T-shirt to remove any potential starch or stiffeners that may prevent the paint from sticking effectively. This step is important even if the label says "pre-shrunk." It is also a good idea to wash the shirt to remove any stains or fluff that could interfere with the paint application and result in an uneven finish.

Set up Your Work Area:

Cover your work table with newspaper to protect it from paint. Additionally, have paper towels, cups of water, and paintbrushes of various sizes handy if you plan to do any touch-ups or freehand painting. If using spray paint, put on old clothes or an apron and consider wearing plastic gloves to protect your skin. Spray paint should only be used in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as the fumes can be harmful.

Insert Cardboard or Newspaper:

Place a piece of cardboard or folded-up newspaper inside the T-shirt. This backing will prevent the paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt. Ensure the cardboard or newspaper is smooth and wrinkle-free and is slightly smaller than the shirt to avoid stretching the fabric.

Create and Secure Your Stencil:

If you plan to use a stencil, you can make your own out of thin cardboard, plastic, freezer paper, or cardstock. Alternatively, you can use fabric painting stencils or regular stencils with adhesive spray to secure them to the shirt. If using freezer paper, iron it onto the T-shirt, shiny-side down, and peel it off after painting. For intricate designs, consider using double-sided tape to secure the stencil and achieve clean lines.

Prepare the Paint:

If using fabric paint, squirt it onto a paper plate. If you're working with multiple colours, use separate plates for each. For spray paint, shake the can vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds before application.

Now that your T-shirt is prepared, you can begin the painting process. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen paint type and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Using a stencil

Step 1: Prepare your stencil

You can create your stencil using a thin piece of cardboard, such as the kind used for shoe boxes. Draw or print out your desired design onto the cardboard, ensuring that any closed letters (like O, P, Q, etc.) have a connected negative space. Cut out the design with a box cutter, creating a negative space stencil.

Step 2: Gather your materials

You will need spray paint specifically designed for fabric, a T-shirt, newspaper, double-sided tape, and a well-ventilated workspace. It is also recommended to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any paint fumes.

Step 3: Prepare your workspace

Place a relatively thick sheet of newspaper inside the T-shirt, under the area where your design will go. This will prevent the paint from bleeding through to the other side.

Step 4: Position your stencil

Lay your stencil down on the T-shirt and use double-sided tape to secure it in place. Apply tape to any areas where the stencil may not lay flat, ensuring good contact between the stencil and the shirt. Cover the exposed parts of the T-shirt with additional newspaper to protect them from paint.

Step 5: Spray paint your design

Shake the can of fabric spray paint according to the instructions, and then begin spraying over the stencil. Hold the can about 10-15 inches away from the shirt and use long, sweeping motions. Apply light coats of paint first, and then add additional coats as needed.

Step 6: Remove the stencil and allow to dry

Once you have finished spraying, carefully remove the newspaper and stencil. Allow the paint to dry for at least 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Set the paint

After the paint has dried, roll up the painted portion of the T-shirt so that it is facing outward and secure it with rubber bands or string. Place the shirt in the dryer on high heat for at least 15 minutes to set the colour.

Tips for success:

• Always stuff your T-shirt with newspaper to prevent paint from bleeding through to the other side.
• Use double-sided tape to secure your stencil and ensure good contact with the shirt for crisp lines.
• Shake the spray paint can before use, and hold it about 10-15 inches away from the shirt when spraying.
• Allow the paint to dry completely before handling to avoid smudging.
• Set the paint by drying the shirt on high heat, and wash and dry the shirt inside out to preserve your design.

With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating unique and personalised spray-painted T-shirts using stencils!

Drying the paint

Drying Times:

Before applying a second coat of paint, it is crucial to allow sufficient drying time. For spray paint, a single coat typically requires 10 to 15 minutes to dry. If you are cautious, you can extend the drying time to 15 minutes or even longer. After applying the second coat, let the paint sit for a few more minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

Hair Dryer:

If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer. Simply blow the paint with hot air from the hair dryer to accelerate the evaporation of solvents and speed up the curing process.

Drying Multiple Shirts:

When drying multiple shirts, it is recommended to dry them one at a time. If you put multiple painted shirts in the dryer simultaneously, there is a risk of the paint sticking to the fabric of another shirt and causing unwanted stains.

Removing Newspaper/Cardboard:

After the paint has dried, carefully remove the newspaper or cardboard inserted inside the shirt to prevent paint bleeding. Be gentle, as some paint might still be wet, especially around the edges.

Setting the Paint:

Once the paint is dry, you can use a clothing iron to set the paint and make it more durable. Place a piece of cotton fabric over the painted design and press the iron over it for a few seconds. This step is optional but will help your design last longer.

Final Drying:

After removing the stencil and newspaper/cardboard, allow the shirt to finish drying for a few more minutes. Ensure the paint is completely dry before wearing or handling the shirt to avoid any smudging or transfer of paint.

Setting the colour

Choose the Right Paint

Select a spray paint that is specifically designed for fabric use. Fabric spray paints are formulated to blend with the t-shirt's material, resulting in a flexible and durable finish. Look for brands that claim to be safer than traditional spray paints, such as non-toxic options or those with child-safe propellants. Additionally, ensure that the paint is intended for use on clothing rather than upholstery, as the latter may not be safe for washing machines.

Prepare the Fabric

Before applying paint to your t-shirt, it is crucial to prepare the fabric properly. Wash and dry the t-shirt without using fabric softener. This will help the paint adhere better to the fabric. Insert a piece of cardboard or a shirt form inside the t-shirt to create a flat surface and prevent paint from soaking through to the other side. Smooth out any lumps or folds in the fabric to ensure an even application of paint.

Use Stencils or Tape

Stencils or tape can help you create precise designs and patterns. If using stencils, cut them out from cardboard or stencil material, ensuring there are no creases. Adhere the stencils to the shirt using adhesive spray or double-sided tape, and cover the surrounding areas with newspaper or paper towels to protect from overspray. If using tape, cover the parts of the shirt you don't want to paint, creating a striking contrast.

Apply Multiple Coats

To ensure the colour is vibrant and long-lasting, apply multiple coats of paint. Spray light coats over the stencil openings, allowing each layer to dry before adding another. This will create a consistent and resilient finish. Remember that fabric spray paint may require several layers before you achieve the desired colour, so be patient and build up the colour gradually.

Drying and Setting

After you've finished painting, allow the fabric spray paint to dry completely before handling it. This may take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the thickness of the application. Some spray paints may require ironing to set the paint properly into the fabric, so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using a clothes dryer, as it can damage the spray paint more quickly.

Washing and Care

Fabric spray paint is designed to retain its colour even after washing. While the colour may diminish slightly over several washes, it cannot be completely removed from the clothing. To prolong the vibrancy of the colour, avoid using a dryer and wash the painted shirt separately or with similar colours.

Frequently asked questions