Fabric Painting Fabric Preparation and Priming 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is it important to iron fabric before painting a detailed design?
- To bond the paint fibers
- To remove wrinkles that would distort the design (Correct answer)
- To make the fabric more absorbent
- To activate the paint medium
Correct answer: To remove wrinkles that would distort the design
Ironing creates a smooth, flat surface that allows accurate transfer of patterns and clean application of paint without distortion.
Question 2: What is the best way to transfer a design onto fabric before painting?
- Painting freehand without guides
- Using a light box or transfer paper to trace the design (Correct answer)
- Photocopying directly onto fabric
- Spraying water to create an outline
Correct answer: Using a light box or transfer paper to trace the design
A light box or transfer paper allows you to accurately trace the design outline onto the fabric before applying paint.
Question 3: How does pre-washing in hot water affect fabric before painting?
- It prevents future shrinkage (Correct answer)
- It causes the fabric to absorb less paint
- It increases the fiber count
- It permanently softens the dyes
Correct answer: It prevents future shrinkage
Pre-washing in hot water causes any residual shrinkage so the fabric won't distort or warp after painting and heat-setting.
Question 4: Which tool is most commonly used to secure fabric tightly to a frame for painting?
- Sewing needles
- Staples or t-pins (Correct answer)
- Rubber bands
- Glue dots
Correct answer: Staples or t-pins
Staples (for wooden frames) or t-pins (for blocking boards) are the standard tools for securing stretched fabric evenly without damaging it.
Question 5: What is the purpose of using rubbing alcohol on fabric before painting?
- To add texture to the surface
- To remove oils and residue that inhibit paint adhesion (Correct answer)
- To accelerate the drying of paint
- To bleach the fabric white
Correct answer: To remove oils and residue that inhibit paint adhesion
Rubbing alcohol cleans oils, skin residue, and light coatings from fabric, improving the surface for better paint adhesion.
Question 6: When painting a garment, why should it be stuffed with plastic or cardboard inside?
- To help it dry faster
- To prevent paint from bleeding onto the back side (Correct answer)
- To stretch it to the correct size
- To keep the fabric warm during drying
Correct answer: To prevent paint from bleeding onto the back side
Stuffing the garment with a barrier prevents wet paint from seeping through and transferring to the reverse side of the fabric.
Fabric Painting Fabric Preparation and Priming 2
Why is it important to iron fabric before painting a detailed design?