Can you paint linen fabric?

Linen is an amazingly versatile fabric and is used in a huge range of ways – from using linen fabric for clothing to making bank notes. For centuries people have grown flax and processed the fibres into linen fabric. These textiles and fabrics have been used for bedlinen, clothing, kitchen linens and towels, beloved for their natural softness, resilience and durability. But did you know linen fabric also has connections with the worlds of art and craft?

Read on to find out how.

How do artists use linen fabric?

Many artists use canvas as their painting surface. This can be made from cotton or linen fabric, and is usually stretched between a wooden frame to create a flat, smooth, taught surface. The canvases come in a range of sizes and shapes.

The choice between cotton and linen as a canvas fabric comes down mainly to durability. Cotton is a popular material for painting as it is cheap and easy to stretch. Linen fabric has other advantages over cotton:

• Stronger and more durable - makes a good surface if you want your painting to last a long time
• Fibres are less likely to expand and contract with moisture in the air
• Retains its inherent natural oils, which keep the fabric supple
• Remains taught over a long period of time.

Priming canvas fabric before painting

Whatever fabric you choose for your canvas, you will need to prime it before painting. Artists commonly use a white gesso primer as this illuminates the paint colors they add, and also prevents the paint absorbing into the canvas.

For linen canvas you can use an oil or acrylic primer. Cotton canvas requires acrylic primer. With both types of fabric you can use oil and acrylic paint.

Painting on linen fabrics

Fabric painting is a lovely project if you're into crafts and want to play with some new techniques. It is also fun for a total novice, so don't be afraid if you don't usually use paint or know anything about fabrics, and you're curious about trying something new. Light colors make the best painting surfaces. Choose fabrics that aren't too thin or transparent. You want a thick enough weave to hold the paint – you don't want it going straight through to the other side or onto the work surface.

Linen tote bags and clothing, or larger surfaces like tea towels and sheets are really fun to paint onto. Make sure the fabrics are not too dark in color and that they don't have any existing designs that might clash with what you're planting to paint.

You can also buy fabrics specifically for a project. Work out the yardage you'll need (allow for some errors) and opt for a neutral, light color like simple white linen fabric.

So, you've chosen the best fabric, now it's time to find the right paint.

Choosing your medium

If you want to paint fabric or a piece of textiles or clothing make sure you choose appropriate paints. Fabric paints are usually acrylic paint designed for use on absorbent surfaces. The colors are often more opaque than normal acrylic paints, to make sure you get a good finish. Bright and darker fabric paint will look bold, while thinner layers or pale colors give a more subtle effect.

If you're painting a large area opt for a liquid fabric paint and brushes, but if you're stencilling or doing a more intricate design with fine details you might need paint markers. Very fine brushes will work on these delicate designs but you need a steady hand. Block printing is a beautiful effect and very on-trend at the moment, so check out some block designs or cut up some potatoes like you did when you were a kid! Rubber stamps and sponges are also fun to play with on fabrics.

For painting upholstery, like a chair cover or other furniture, test a small area that's not clearly visible first, so you can make sure the paint looks right and isn't too thick or thin.

Some fabric paints need to be heat set after use to prevent them running in the wash. Others will need you to rinse the fabric in a cool wash once the paint has dried. Check the paint instructions before using so you know exactly what to do.

How to paint on linen fabric

If you've got some linen shirts or a tablecloth or a piece of furniture upholstered in linen that you'd like to refresh and update, painting is a great way to get creative and make something unique. All projects have different specific techniques depending on the size of the fabric medium, but the basics for painting fabric like linen or cotton are the same:

1.Prepare

• Check the paint is the right consistency and opacity for the look you're after
• Test a small area first to see how the paints work with the fabric
• Cover your clothes and any nearby upholstery or surfaces with old sheets or paper to prevent paint stains or flicks
• Clean your brushes, if using
• Pre-wash and iron the fabric before painting if possible so it has a good, flat surface

2.Pencil your design first if using a stencil or fine detail. If you're doing a more freestyle kind of painting, practice on an old piece of fabric or paper first so you know the look you're trying to achieve.

3.Lay out the shirt or fabric on a flat surface. Stretch it taught with one hand, but don't pull it out of shape as this will distort the painted image. You want it tight enough to resist the brush but not fully stretched. Place a barrier between the painting surface and the back of the garment to stop the paint going through.

4.If you're mixing up your own fabric paint colors, mix a generous amount because fabric painting uses more paint than a less absorbent surface. Put a larger amount of paint on your brush too, for the same reason.

5.Dip the tip of your brush in the paint and start painting. Wash the brush between different colors, and dry it after each wash.

6.If the paint is too thick you can water it down, but be aware that this may affect how colorfast it is in the wash later.

7.Start with a thin layer, and build up the layers of paint until you get the desired effect or darker colors. The kind of fabric you've chosen will affect the texture of the paint so bear that in mind as you build up your layers. If your fabric is lightweight and diaphanous, you probably won't want a thick blob of paint.

8.Allow the paint to dry completely before moving the fabric. Then follow the specific requirements of your chosen fabric paint to seal and finish the design.

Why paint fabric?

Painting fabrics is a fun medium to expand your DIY and crafting techniques. The results can look professional and super stylish, and you can choose the perfect color scheme to suit your home or wardrobe. Neutral or pale fabrics are the ideal backdrop for a bold, bright image or a more pared-back subtle design. If you've got a linen tablecloth that needs a new lease of life, or a t-shirt that could do with jazzing up, grab some paints and brushes, and get creating!

It is also a brilliant way to upcycle a tired piece of clothing or home textile fabrics. It makes a lovely personalised gift too, whether that's a set of hand-painted linen napkins for your mother or a bright abstract print on a tote bag for your best friend. Follow our tips for a super fun project you can share with pride!