Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Tulle Fabric?
Fancy season is around the corner, which means it’s time for you to get all the silks out. Be it your ballet tutus, wedding gowns, or veils, we all wish to stand out on these occasions. If you’re a creative genius like me, painting your tulle fabric is a must!
Well, many of you may have a common question – Can You Paint Tulle Fabric With Acrylic Paint? I’m delighted to let you know that, yes, you can dye tulle fabric with the help of acrylics. Acrylics are popular as fabric paints because of their versatility. Thus, you can create all your favorite designs using light strokes in no time!
In this article, I have covered tips that will help you make your paint sustainable on tulle. So, keep reading!
Can You Dye Tulle Fabrics With Acrylic Paints?
Acrylic paints come in different types such as in gouaches, sprays, heavy duty and markers. Choosing the ideal product for your needs might be challenging.
For example, you might not choose gouaches over fluids for dyeing a bridal tulle. Don’t worry, though; I’ve got you covered!
Cotton Tulle
Cotton tulle fabrics are less durable than silk tulle since the threads are loose here. This means the cotton are good for crafting tulle.
For crafting tulle, you can go all out with your creativity. For chunky impasto designs, use acrylic gouache and acrylic latex paints for textures.
You can also use heavy duty acrylics to paint your cotton tulle laces in special furnishings.
Silk Tulle
Silk tulle materials blend better with acrylic colors due to their wider weave. Whether the silk is French or English, acrylics love smooth and soft textures.
Now let me give you a small tip. While fluid acrylic paints would give you a delicate finish, markers give precision. Be it dressmaking or soft bridal tulle, acrylics will serve your luxury fashion!
Illusion Tulle
A sort of English net with a thinner weave makes up the illusion net. As a result, when exposed to light, it appears translucent.
This fabric is more frequently used for bridal undergarments and hail spots.
To dye illusion tulle materials, use acrylic spray paints and fluid acrylic paints. For intricate details, you may also use acrylic markers.
Nylon Tulle
Nylon tulle maintains its shape and withstands washing better than other tulle fabrics. This is because nylon is less absorbent than either silk or cotton.
It is more accessible and used in liners for formal gowns and for Point D’Esprit. You can dye nylon tulle using heavy-duty acrylic paints as well as fluid acrylic paints.
Polyester Tulle
Polyester Tulle is sturdier than silk or cotton tulle fabrics. It is definitely a less expensive option, making it best for crafting.
But you can use acrylic latex paints to color polyester tulle, giving it a glossy sheen. For specialty finishes, you can use heavy duty acrylic paint.
How To Hand Dye Tulle With Acrylic Paint?
You can hand dye tulle fabric with acrylic paint by following three easy steps.
Step 1: Prepping The Fabric
It is better to dry-wash your fabric before painting. That way, you have a fresh canvas to plant your designs. Then, map out your sketch in tulle for a defined look.
Step 2: Start Painting
Get your desired acrylic paint and start painting! you might have to go in layers depending on the coverage of the dye. Repeat painting if your dress demands so!
Step 3: Heat Set It
If you have not used a textile medium in your acrylics, it is better to avoid heat-setting.
Otherwise, the heat setting would lock the dye in place and make the paint permanent. Remember to reduce the iron temperature, as tulle is a sensitive fabric.
What Other Paints Can You Use On Tulle Fabric?
Tulle can also go along with all-purpose colors like Rit or Tintex. These paints, which are acidic, are suitable other than acrylic paints.
Using fabric paint or fabric spray paint, you can also dye mesh. Rit or Tintex are not the only options available for containing acid dyes.
You can also use white vinegar to color tulle, as in the Jacquard acid dye washing machine process.
Suggested Materials You May Need
To paint your tulle fabric, you need to invest in good acrylic paint first. Whether spray acrylic paint, marker or acrylic gouache, your tulle also needs a textile medium.
Since there are so many available on the market, let me help you pick the best one!
#1 FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint : (Recommended Acrylic Paint For Tulle Fabric)
FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint is brilliant for dyeing your tulle fabric. It is very durable to begin with and leaves a satin finish at the end.
This acrylic paint, because of its luxurious texture, will compliment your bridal gowns. It will make your artistic imagination come to life without any hassle as well.
One of the reviews for using this product recommends it with the FolkArt Textile Medium. After finishing your painting, you can heat set it as well.
On tulle fabric, this particular paint is excellent and washable.
#2 FolkArt Textile Medium : (Recommended Textile Medium For Tulle Fabric)
FolkArt Textile Medium is good to pair with your tulle fabric for many reasons. This medium works as a flexible combination for your acrylic before it sits on tulle. It is also water-resistant and non-toxic.
You do not have to worry about your paint ruining in a machine wash with this textile medium.
Besides making the paint permanent, this fabric medium also makes tulle machine-washable. Your painted fabrics will also have a high-quality finish with this medium.
Over To You
As delicate as your Dressmaking and Bridal Tulle are, it needs a soft hand to paint. Acrylics have made it easier to paint your favorite designs in couture fashion with time.
I have hoped to cover all the tips you can use to dye your Specialty Finishes, Silky Tulle, and formal gowns. If you have more in mind, do share it with me!
