Are Fabric Paint and Acrylic Paint the Same?

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Differences and Best Uses

When it comes to DIY projects, textile art, or garment customization, one common question artists and crafters ask is: "Are fabric paint and acrylic paint the same?" While both paints look and feel similar at first glance, they serve different purposes — especially when it comes to durability, texture, and application on fabric. In this article, we break down the differences, similarities, and practical tips for using both types of paints effectively on fabric surfaces.

 

🧵 What is Fabric Paint?

Fabric paint is a specially formulated water-based pigment designed for use on textiles and garments. It is meant to be absorbed by the fibers of the fabric, allowing the painted material to remain soft and flexible after drying. Most fabric paints are also machine-washable, lightfast, and resistant to cracking or fading — making them ideal for clothing, upholstery, accessories, and even wearable art.

Key Features of Fabric Paint:

• Specifically made for textiles
• Blends easily and penetrates fabric fibers
• Retains softness after drying
• Heat setting is optional or minimal
• Wash-safe and long-lasting

 

🖌️ What is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-soluble synthetic paint commonly used on surfaces such as canvas, wood, paper, and ceramics. While not specifically created for fabric, it is widely used in textile art when combined with a fabric medium — an additive that helps acrylic bind better to fabric and softens its texture.

Key Features of Acrylic Paint:

• Made for general surfaces (canvas, wood, etc.)
• Opaque and vibrant pigment
• Dries quickly to a hard, plastic-like finish
• Not washable on fabric unless treated
• Can crack or peel without proper modification

 

🔍 Fabric Paint vs. Acrylic Paint: The Core Differences

Feature	Fabric Paint	Acrylic Paint
Purpose	Fabric-specific	Multi-surface
Texture on Fabric	Soft and flexible	Stiff and rigid
Washability	Machine-washable	Not washable unless treated
Binding	Absorbs into fibers	Sits on the surface
Cracking	Minimal risk	Likely without medium
Dry Time	Moderate	Fast
Color Vibrancy	Blendable tones	More opaque and bright

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🧪 Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Fabric?

Yes — but with caution. Acrylic paint can be applied to fabric, but only when mixed with a textile or fabric medium. This medium changes the composition of the acrylic paint so that it adheres to fabric fibers without becoming brittle or cracking after drying.

How to Use Acrylic Paint on Fabric:

1.    Mix acrylic paint with a fabric medium (1:1 ratio recommended).

2.    Apply on pre-washed fabric for best results.

3.    Allow the paint to dry completely.

4.    Heat-set the painted fabric using an iron or dryer to ensure durability.

5.    Avoid washing the fabric for at least 72 hours after painting.

 

👚 When Should You Choose Fabric Paint?

Use fabric paint when:

• You’re painting wearable garments like T-shirts, sarees, scarves, or denim.
• The item will be washed regularly.
• You want the final result to feel soft and natural.
• You're teaching kids or beginners, where ease and safety matter.

 

🎨 When is Acrylic Paint Suitable for Fabric?

Use acrylic paint (with medium) when:

• You already have acrylic paints and want to avoid buying fabric-specific ones.
• The item is decorative, like a wall hanging or craft piece.
• You're working on bold, graphic designs that need vibrant pigment.
• You want to experiment with layering, texture, or mixed media.

 

💡 Pro Tips for Fabric Painting

• Always wash and iron your fabric before painting to remove starch and shrinkage.
• Use fabric brushes or sponges for even application.
• To prevent bleeding, place cardboard or plastic inside the garment.
• Allow the fabric to cure for at least 24 hours before ironing or washing.
• Seal the paint using heat setting (iron on reverse or tumble dry, based on fabric type).

 

🧼 Care Instructions for Painted Fabrics

Type of Paint	Wash Method	Precautions
Fabric Paint	Gentle machine wash	Do not wring or scrub
Acrylic (with medium)	Hand wash recommended	Avoid bleach or harsh detergents

 

✨ Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?

Fabric paint is the clear winner for ease, softness, and durability on textiles. It’s beginner-friendly, long-lasting, and designed to stay on clothes without fuss.

Acrylic paint, on the other hand, offers versatility and boldness — but needs preparation and treatment to work on fabric.

Bottom line: If you're creating wearable or washable fabric art, choose fabric paint. For mixed media, one-time craft projects, or decorative pieces, acrylic paint (with fabric medium) can be a smart and economical alternative.

Here’s a list of recommended fabric paint brands that work well on clothes — whether you’re a beginner, DIY enthusiast, or professional textile artist. These brands are known for soft finish, washability, and vibrant color payoff.

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🎨 Top Fabric Paint Brands for Clothes

🇮🇳 1. Fevicryl Fabric Colours (Pidilite)

• Best For: Beginners, school projects, home use

• Why Choose: Affordable, widely available, no need for fabric medium

• Features: Soft finish, washable, wide range of Indian tones

• Available In: Bottles & kits

• Buy From: Stationery shops, Amazon India, Itsy Bitsy

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🇺🇸 2. Jacquard Textile Color

• Best For: Professional textile artists and designers

• Why Choose: High-quality pigment, remains soft after heat-setting

• Features: Machine washable, compatible with silk, cotton, rayon

• Variants: Lumiere (metallics), Neopaque (opaque on dark fabrics)

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🇺🇸 3. FolkArt Fabric Paint (Plaid)

• Best For: Crafters and DIY fashion upcyclers

• Why Choose: No need for fabric medium, good for cotton & poly blends

• Features: Matte finish, good flow, vibrant tones

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🇺🇸 4. Tulip Soft Fabric Paint

• Best For: T-shirts, tote bags, kids’ art

• Why Choose: Smooth application, doesn’t crack

• Features: Machine washable, soft on skin, dries flexible

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🇬🇧 5. Daler-Rowney Simply Fabric Paint

• Best For: Art students and casual creators

• Why Choose: Good quality at affordable price

• Features: Great for cotton and natural fabrics, best when heat set

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🇮🇳 6. Camel Fabrica Fabric Colours

• Best For: School-level use, beginner fabric artists

• Why Choose: Trusted Indian brand, budget-friendly

• Features: Good for cottons, light silks; can be heat-set for durability

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✨ Pro Tip:

For dark-colored clothes or denim, look for opaque fabric paints or paints labeled for light and dark fabrics. Metallic or 3D paints also show well on deeper tones.

 

🌐 Related Reads:

• “10 Easy Fabric Painting Ideas for Beginners”
• “DIY Block Printing vs. Fabric Painting: Which is Better?”
• “Top 5 Fabric Mediums to Mix with Acrylic Paint”

 

🔖 Tags: #FabricPainting #AcrylicPaint #DIYTextiles #TextileArt #CreativePainting #PaintTips #CraftBlog
🖍️ Author: The Creative Sciences Team
📍 Location: South Delhi, India
📞 Contact: www.thecreativesciences.com | +91 9818541252