Fabric Painting Fabric Paint Types and Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why should new fabric usually be washed before painting?
- To shrink it smaller
- To remove sizing and finishes that block paint adhesion (Correct answer)
- To add fibers
- To make it thicker
Correct answer: To remove sizing and finishes that block paint adhesion
Pre-washing removes manufacturer sizing so paint can bond properly to the fibers.
Question 2: What is the most common way to permanently set acrylic fabric paint at home?
- Freezing overnight
- Ironing on the reverse side after drying (Correct answer)
- Soaking in vinegar
- Air-drying in sunlight only
Correct answer: Ironing on the reverse side after drying
Heat-setting with an iron on the reverse cures the paint so it survives washing.
Question 3: Which technique creates soft, blended gradients by working color into damp fabric?
- Wet-on-wet blending (Correct answer)
- Stenciling
- Block printing
- Stamping
Correct answer: Wet-on-wet blending
Applying paint or dye to damp fabric lets colors flow and blend into gradients.
Question 4: In batik, what substance is used as the resist before dyeing?
- Wax (Correct answer)
- Glue stick
- Flour paste
- Salt
Correct answer: Wax
Batik uses hot wax to block dye from areas, creating the characteristic patterns.
Question 5: What effect does sprinkling coarse salt onto wet silk dye create?
- A metallic shine
- Mottled, starburst texture as salt draws dye (Correct answer)
- A raised 3D line
- A matte flat finish
Correct answer: Mottled, starburst texture as salt draws dye
Salt absorbs moisture and pulls dye, producing mottled organic textures.
Question 6: Which tool gives the most even, seamless coverage over large fabric areas without brush marks?
- Fine liner brush
- Airbrush or spray application (Correct answer)
- Toothpick
- Palette knife
Correct answer: Airbrush or spray application
Airbrushing lays down fine, even mist coverage without visible brush strokes.
Question 7: Why is placing cardboard or a plastic barrier inside a shirt important when painting it?
- To keep the shirt warm
- To stop paint bleeding through to the back layer (Correct answer)
- To stretch the fabric permanently
- To add weight
Correct answer: To stop paint bleeding through to the back layer
A barrier prevents wet paint from soaking through onto the opposite side of the garment.
Fabric Painting Fabric Paint Types and Techniques 3
Why should new fabric usually be washed before painting?