Stamping on fabric

[Impressions]

Will some one give me advice on stamping on fabric. What is the best type of ink. Can you use the craft pads, or stazon? I don't suppose the dye pads would work, would they? I haven't tried it yet but just thought it would probably wash out.

Appreciate your input!

[newinker]

The craft pads work great. Just remember to heat set them. I haven't tried staz on. Petal point chalk pads DON�T work. Learned that one the hard way. ;)

[Heather_M]

I'm not sure about SU! inks...still a newbie :o: You can use fabric paint though...I would just use a sponge to apply a thin layer of paint. Just try it on a scrap fabric first!

[WeimFamily]

You can also use regular old acrylic paints mixed with textile medium.

[connieht]

After you mix the acrylic paint and textile medium (what proportions
approximately?) Do you gently sponge it on, or roll up a brayer and
then roll it on the stamp? do you need to keep cleaning your
stamp to keep it from drying on the stamp....use water or
water and soap to clean stamp? After you stamp do you need
to heat set with an iron?
Sorry to be such a pain.
Connie

[WeimFamily]

Good questions...I think I used 50/50 textile medium & acrylics. I picked some up with a sponge paintbrush and gently applied it to the stamps. I'd stamp off on paper in between to clean them a bit. And I cleaned a little more off with a baby wipe. The trick is not to let the paint dry on the stamps - and they do need to be cleaned off with water - I used a toothbrush under running water.

I used my heat tool to heat set - even between laters of paints. But you could also use an iron. And the shirts I made wash beautifully.

Here's the link to better instructions from Sereikastamper:

Forums at Splitcoaststampers

[scrappinkar]

Thanks for this post!! I have been thinking about stamping the pockets of an old denim shirt!

[connieht]

Thanks gals,
Great info - I have been wondering about how to do this.
Has anyone tried napkins? (paper or fabric). I was
wondering how they hold up in the laundry.
? Does the fabric have to be cotton or linen (ie., natural
fibers) or does this work on all those new rayon/nylon
blends, polyester, etc.? Anyone tried a variety of
fabrics?
I am really enjoying all of these threads! As a newbie
it sure is nice to have a place to ask my dense questions
without feeling all alone. Thanks!
Connieht :???: (naturally curious)

[cmwilson]

We use regular black classic ink, then outline and color in with Sharpie markers. My stamp club did t-shirts using craft ink and everyone's shirt faded badly. Including the demo's. Her upline told her to use craft, and it just didn't work. And we did heat set them, right there at the workshop. The only one that didn't was the one lady that used Sharpie to color hers in. Sooo, that is what we use now.
Cindy

[stampingnut]

Fabrico ink pads, which SU carried years ago, are made specially for working with fabrics. They are permanent and fade resistant. You can find them at many retail or online craft stores. I got mine at www.stampandgo.com. I love that web-site! They have a huge selection of stuff and are reasonably priced. They carry quite a lots of inks that SU does, like Stazon and Encore metallics and the refills for them and the Petal Point chalks too. I got a bunch of my pads and refills there as they're the exact same as you get from SU but are cheaper. And only $4.95 for shipping.

[Edie32]

In the past I've used Fabrico ink pads and acrylic paint with fabric medium.

I like both ways.
I think the paint holds up better in the wash. It's stiff at first but softens after washing.
I find that more of a pain to mix (I use those little white paint pallets) all the colors BUT you have more color choices.
I'm pretty sure the fabric medium instructions said just a few drops can be added to paint.
When I mixed it I had paint about the size of a dime/nickle and added 4-5 drops of fabric medium.
Never had any trouble.

The fabrico inks hold up well to washing but not GREAT. I was happy with them - maybe my expectations are low.
FYI - I like the 1" Fabrico pads so I can get into smaller areas. I bought mine here: http://polymerclayexpress.com/inks.html
They have the re-inkers, too.

I've never tried Sharpies or StazOn - can't help there.

I've stamped on placemats, sweatshirts, socks, underwear(for DD), t-shirts and a bunch of other things.
Most times the fabric content was all or mostly cotton but I know that the sweatshirt & socks were part polyester.
No troubles there, either.

Good luck!