Q&A for How to Paint a T Shirt

Make sure you use fabric paint. It would also help if you flip it inside out during the washing process. You should not put it in the dryer, and instead, lay it flat or hang to dry.

Fabric paint is NOT safe for the skin. Even if fabric paints are listed as non-toxic, they contain a preservative called formaldehyde, which is condemned by dermatologists.

Yes, if you have time, it's best to prep your shirt by washing and drying. If there are any stains or fluff on it when you paint it might lead to an uneven or less long-lasting coat.

If you're using acrylic paint, water it down a lot, or mix it with textile paint. Fabric paint is the best option, though.

Yes, gradually. Try coating your artwork with acrylic coating spray.

No, as it is a different consistency and won't work out as well.

You can make any sort of design you wish! Band logos and superhero logos are a great stat, but you can also do simple designs, like hearts, stars, or flowers. Nature designs, such as vines, are a good choice too because mistakes are easily forgivable.

You can always try washing a brush using a stream of water in a large bowl placed in the sink. The color on the paint on the brush will go away quickly. Tip the water into the garden or somewhere safe -- paint should not be washed down the drain.

You can get specific permanent markers for fabric that can be washed. You can find them in craft stores, fabric shops, and online.

You can if you aren't going for a specific shape (I wouldn't use it to do words), but if you're tie-dyeing the shirts or something like that you totally can. Be aware that it will dye your hands pretty strongly if you're not careful. (I would also like to note that a cheap tie dye kit is around $10 for 5 bottles of dye.)

Store them in an air tight container. Exposure to air makes the pens go dry, so just cut off the air supply.

It does not matter what kind of shirt you use. Just know that the same brand of paint will soak, spread or react differently to each different fabric combination. You may want to check the package of the paint to double check that it will work on the type of shirt that you want to use.

Acrylic paint could work, but it is best to use fabric paint, as it will not harden like acrylic paint. If you need to use acrylic paint, water it down first for a better, softer turn out.

Yes, but make sure the t-shirt is tightly woven. 100% cotton t shirts tend to do the trick.

No; tie dye will bleed and soak the fabric. It will not stencil easily, and you will get a messy end result that most likely won't look like what you planned.

If you want to only paint certain parts, that is fine. Indeed, you can paint anywhere on the t-shirt as required.

Washable marker will make marks on the shirt, and usually washes out well. It might bleed a little but if your design is not too detailed it will probably work.

It depends! Regular spray paint will thin out, but won't wash out entirely, particularly if you're using darker paint on lighter cloth. Your best bet is to get fabric spray in a spray can bottle.

You can if you want your design to be puffy, but there's fabric paint that acts like acrylics on fabric, drying flat and flush with the fabric. Puffy paint is likely to make the shirt somewhat less comfortable due to the texture of the paint itself, and it won't last very long in the washing machine.

There’s no spray paint that’s specifically made for t shirts but Krylon® can be used on fabric or clothing so that would work fine.