Create & paint your own t-shirt

Painting Your T-Shirt with FAS Fastex Fabric Painting Ink:
A Beginner's Guide

Creating a custom-designed t-shirt with Fastex is an easy, fun, and cost-effective way to express your unique style. Follow these step-by-step instructions to turn a plain white t-shirt into a personalized fashion statement:

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Preparation:

1. Pre-wash the T-Shirt: Follow label instructions without using softeners. Iron the dry t-shirt to remove creases.

2. Insert Cardboard: Cut cardboard to fit snugly inside the shirt, preventing paint seepage.
   Pin the shirt tightly to the card to avoid wrinkles.

3. Protective Measures: Wrap the back of the shirt with clean newsprint, securing it with pins or tape, exposing only the area to be painted.

Painting Instructions:

Choose from three popular methods for painting with Fastex:

Painting by Brush:

• Draw your design with a pencil or pale-coloured pencil.

• Trace the design before mounting the fabric on the card.

• Use a laundry marker for outlining if needed.

• Apply thin, even coats of Fastex with a flat paintbrush, avoiding brush stops to prevent blotchy patches.

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Stencil Painting:

• Copy or draw a design on acetate, paper, or card.

• Cut out the design and tape it to the t-shirt.

• Dab Fastex Ink onto the stencil with a dry sponge.

• Lift the stencil carefully, ensuring a clean back for reuse.

• Stencils can be reused about a dozen times, ideal for geometric shapes and basic patterns.

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Screen Printing:

• Obtain a custom-made fine mesh screen within a wooden frame.

• Prepare the t-shirt as instructed above.

• Secure the screen on the shirt with clamps or weights.

• Apply Fastex Ink with a sponge or squeegee, forcing it through stencil openings onto the fabric.

• Clean the screen thoroughly before the ink dries.

Tips:

• Use pencil colours that minimize line visibility.

• Apply Fastex thinly and smoothly to avoid blotchy patches.

• Experiment with different tools, like sponges, for unique textures.

• Always clean tools immediately after use.

• Allow colours to dry completely before fixing.

• Machine wash cotton t-shirts up to 60°C after fixing.

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