15 Best Fabric Spray Paint Options In 2024
Specialty: DIY, Crafts, Party and Home DecorExperience: 8 yearsAlmudena Herrero has over 8 years of experience in developing workshops for families & kids and creating content for her DIY crafts blog www.sracricket.com and for different brands. Almudena hosted a TV program (AMC Networks) in which she created theme party decorations from crafts.
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wedetso chirhah poulami nag pratibha bagdy Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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In This Article
Upgrade your faded, old clothes or upholstery with fabric spray paints and make them look good as new in a hassle-free manner. We’ve compiled a list of the best fabric spray paints to help you choose the right one. This is an effective way to give your shoes, furniture, or upholstery fabrics a new look, as they are suitable for any outdoor or indoor fabric. Whether you want to use stencils, spray the entire surface, or spritz it, these sprays have got you covered. Available in various colors, these quality paints are long-lasting and safe for your skin. Your fabrics can transform from a dull look to a vibrant, colorful, and visually appealing one. These sprays let you explore your creative side and bring out the best of your indoor or outdoor upholstery. Choosing a fabric spray paint can be a daunting task, especially when you have several options to choose from. Our article guides you on how to use fabric spray paints for your convenience. So, explore our list of time-tested and reliable products to make an informed choice.
Tips For Using The Best Fabric Spray Paint
- Always read the instructions to ensure that the paint works on the fabric you have chosen.
- Use a face mask when possible.
- Use the fabric spray paint on fabrics that are lighter in color than the paint.
- Always wash the fabric before painting, but do not use dryer sheets or fabric softeners.
- Remove wrinkles by Ironing the fabric before spray painting.
- Lay the fabric on a flat, smooth, surface for spray painting.
- Test out the spray paint on a very small and hidden spot before using it on the entire fabric.
- Spray at a distance of at least 20 cm or 8 inches.
- For a simple style, either spray the colors randomly, or twist and fold the fabric for a tie-and-dye look.
- If you want to spray paint just a small area, it’s better to cover the rest of the fabric.
- Place some cardboard below the fabric that you will spray so that the color does not bleed onto the back.
- You could spray on a paper towel first to check if you are getting even tones.
- After spraying, let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes so that the colors can dry.
- Turn the fabric inside out after spray painting, and iron it lightly so that the color becomes permanent.
Top Picks
15 Best Fabric Spray Paint Options In 2024 And A Buying Guide
1. Best For Smooth Application:Krylon Colormaxx Spray Paint And Primer- Gold
The tried-and-tested Colormaxx fabric spray paint by Krylon has an incredibly smooth application with a metallic and brilliant sheen. It can be used on various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, wicker, ceramic, glass, paper, and fabric. This metallic gold spray paint can be used for DIY or craft projects and offers rust protection. The spray can contains 11oz of paint, has a big, easy push-button that enables you to spray as you want, even upside down, and dries within 20 minutes. So, add a touch of glamor and elegance to every fabric painting project with this classic spray paint.
Pros
- Offers rust protection and fade resistance
- Can cover an area of 25sq ft
- Works at temperatures between 55 and 75℉
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects
- Can be cleaned with lacquer thinner
Cons
- May be a bit streaky
- May require multiple coats
"After using this spray paint for all sorts of DIY projects and using it on multiple surfaces, I am impressed with the quality. It spreads quickly, adheres well, and covers up old colors effortlessly. It's a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor projects. Just remember to prep the surfaces right for the best outcome."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,066 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best Non-Yellowing Finish:Aleene’s Original Acrylic Sealer Gloss Finish
Use this acrylic sealer spray paint for fabrics. It offers a clear and durable finish that provides protection and a lustrous gloss to almost any indoor or outdoor project. Its spray-on formula is extremely simple to apply and spreads smoothly and evenly. It weighs six ounces and can be used on various surfaces, from fabric, stone, metal, glass, plaster, paper, and cardboard to bisque. This sealer is both water- and weather-resistant for added protection. It also offers a sealing and durable finish, so use it on items exposed to the elements to extend their life. For a thorough understanding of the product, have a look at this review video.
Pros
- Contains no CFCs
- Non-yellowing finish
- Water- and weather-resistant
- Incredibly easy to apply
- Available in both matte and gloss
- Conforms to ASTM D4236 safety standards
Cons
- May not be quick-drying
- Some may not like the scent
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,138 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Flexible: FabriCoat Dark Fabric Paint
The FabriCoat fabric paint is a highly pigmented and easy-to-use color specifically designed to bring life to upholsteries that have faded over time. Its durable formula doubles as an all-over color and can restore or revive the fabrics and make them look as good as new without damaging their texture. The paint can even hide stains and is suitable for upholstery, carpets, clothes, shoes, and accessories made of absorbent fabric. Additionally, all it requires is a paintbrush or sponge and overnight drying to make your furniture or other fabrics appear new and vibrant.
Pros
- Soft and flexible
- Quick-drying time
- Rich pigment
- Helps rejuvenate old furniture
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
Cons
- May not be water-resistant
- Might appear patchy on some materials
"If you're into revamping old furniture like me, this fabric paint is a good choice for simple projects. It spreads evenly and retains the fabric feel. You can even mix multiple colors for more creative projects."
Krylon Colormaxx Spray Paint And Primer- Gold Best For Smooth Application | Aleene’s Original Acrylic Sealer Gloss Finish Best Non-Yellowing Finish | FabriCoat Dark Fabric Paint Best Flexible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Gold | - | Black |
| Material | Blend | Acrylic | Paint |
| Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 2.08 x 0.67 x 7 inches | 2 x 2 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces | 0.55 Pounds | 9.6 ounces |
| Compatible Material | - | Stone | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,066 | 1,138 | 333 |
| Price | $15.95 | $6.07 | $14.95 |
4. Best Performance: Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Specialty Coating – Flat Black
This high-performance spray paint is suitable for touching up vinyl, fabric, and simulated leather. The professional-grade and flexible self-priming formula fixes scratches and touches up a variety of materials with its abrasive prep tip, clear coat, and exact color match paint. It is ideal for restoring dashboards, interior vinyl seats, door panels, consoles, and shifter boots.
There’s no need for a separate primer as it’s formulated with a maximum adhesion promoter that doesn’t peel, crack, or chip. It features an EZ touch conical nozzle, which makes it incredibly easy to use. For more information about the product, check out this review video.
Pros
- Suitable for temperatures between 70 and 90 ℉
- Suitable for professional use
- Ideal option for large projects
- Available in two sizes and nine colors
- Dries in less than 30 minutes
Cons
- May not offer good coverage
- Spray nozzles could have been better
"I use this paint for all sorts of DIY upholstery projects – it gives good coverage and a nice finish on various surfaces. Apply light coats so it doesn't get crunchy upon drying. Some colors may need more coats for fuller coverage, but it rejuvenates faded items impressively."
Pro tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,408 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Easy-To-Use: Arteza Fabric Paint – G21 Phthalo Green
Use this quick-drying and expert-approved spray paint for materials such as cotton, leather, linen, polyester, canvas, or denim, and set it with an iron for a permanent finish. Extremely durable, the textile paint can endure extensive wear and repeated washes in the washing machine and dryer. Designed and created by artists, you are sure to have a great experience with this product. This non-toxic and safe textile coloring spray is permanent, waterproof, and machine-washable. It comes in a wide range of vibrant and bright colors that can be mixed and matched.
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Doesn’t crack or peel
- Has a great color payoff
- Suitable for DIY fabric painting projects
- Doesn’t require a textile medium
Cons
- May be slightly thin
- Colors may not be accurate
6. Best Ready-To-Use:S.E.I. Playful Tie-Dye Kit
The playful pastel fabric spray paint kit by S.E.I. is a complete kit to help you create trendy tie-dye art out of your plain clothes. This kit includes eight pastel colors, including gray, purist blue, mellow yellow, marigold, mint, pink, coral, and lavender. Each color comes in a compact bottle of two ounces and can dye up to 20 shirts depending on the dyeing method. It also includes a detailed manual that includes instructions for various dyeing methods and techniques to get the most out of this kit. These color sprays apply evenly on the clothes and blend easily to get ideal coordinating patterns.
Pros
- Pre-mixed and ready to use
- Water-based
- Non-toxic formula
- Washable
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pump nozzle might clog
- May be a bit messy
"I have explored various projects with these dyes – I like the range of vibrant colors and the fact that they are user-friendly. If you want to create intricate designs, you might need stencils, but they're a solid choice for normal projects."
Pro Tip7. Best Water-Based: Imagine Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray – Sparkle
Give a great finishing touch or highlight the portions you want of our project to give it a new lease of life. It can be used on fabric, wood, or paper for a light and subtle touch of elegant sparkle without the mess usually caused by glitter. You can either spritz it or apply it with a dauber for direct application. This fabric spray paint dries in no time, making it extremely convenient to jazz up your craftwork.
Pros
- Suitable for refilling after usage
- Acid-free and water-based solution
- Suitable for highlighting subjects
- Available in shimmery colors
Cons
- May be slightly thin and watery
- May be messy
"This shimmer spray is pretty versatile, adding a subtle sparkle to everything, from flowers to crafts. It's great for a low-key shimmer but will need multiple coats if you want something flashy. Shake it well to avoid clumps."
8. Best Long-Lasting: Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Paint – Medium Gray
Give a new lease of life to fabric that has faded or needs revitalizing with this tried-and-trusted outdoor fabric spray paint. Designed to make the whole process extremely simple, this aerosolized paint ensures rich and fast coverage that can endure the wear and tear of being outside. The unique polyurethane formula makes this flexible paint incredibly durable and resistant to water, fading, and UV damage. It does not crack when exposed to the elements and stays smooth and supple. Its unique can design allows you to spray paint even when the can is upside down. This fabric spray paint doubles as an all-over color and does a great job of rejuvenating outdoor furniture cushions, pillows, and patio furniture.
Pros
- Creates a crack-free, smooth finish
- Rich pigment
- Available in multiple colors and three sizes
- Dries to the touch in one hour
- Each can covers an area of about 5.5sq ft
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May have a slightly thick consistency
"This fabric paint works wonders in restoring the color of faded items. I had to apply a few coats to get an even coverage, but it was suitable for refreshing my outdoor furniture. It is durable, weathers well, and is a cost-effective solution for reviving outdoor fabrics."
9. Best Lead-Free:Montana Cans Hologram Glitter Effect Spray
Revitalize and rejuvenate old, faded fabric, and give it a whole new look and dimension with this aerosolized, creative holographic paint, which offers a shiny finish. This high-performance fabric spray paint has a translucent base and a semi-gloss finish. It is slightly textured and has a beautiful shine and is suitable for application on fabric, paper, primed canvas, cardboard, glass, wood, ceramics, metal, stone, porcelain, and acrylic.
Pros
- CFC- and lead-free
- Delivers very fine holographic glitter
- Reflects light upon usage
- Can be used as a coat over a base color
Cons
- May not offer great coverage
- May be prone to clogging
"The holographic sparkle in this paint is appealing, especially on dark surfaces. Take your time and apply light coats for a vibrant outcome, and remember to finish with a UV topcoat to ensure it lasts long. It works on various surfaces, so I am happy with this purchase."
10. Best Machine-Washable:Tulip Color Shot Instant Fabric Color
Give wings to your creativity with this pack of six aerosol spray cans in vibrant colors — red, yellow, blue, green, purple, and black. Each can contains 2.5oz of fabric spray paint perfect for creating tie-dye effects, using stencils and monograms, or all-over color. The quality colors can be blended on fabric and offer an even coverage with no splattering or dripping. This permanent paint dries quickly and remains soft and flexible to the touch without making fabrics stiff. Even when used on upholstery, it doesn’t cover the weave, nor does the color rub off on clothing. This fabric spray paint does not fade outdoors as it is UV- and weather-resistant.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works best on light-colored fabrics
- Works on both natural fibers and synthetic fabric
- Machine-washable color
Cons
- Tubes may be tiny
- Some may not like the strong odor
"My grandkids and I tried these fabric sprays to make awesome matching t-shirts. They are easy to use and provide excellent coverage. I would suggest using them in one go as they can clog if you leave them after opening."
11. Best With Reusable Stencils:Keff Fabric Puff Paint Kit
Give your fabrics an instant shot of vibrant and stunning color with these 30 fabric spray paints that are sure to delight you as you get creative with them. This kit combines 16 solid, seven metallic, five neons, one glitter, and one glow-in-the-dark 3D paint, and includes four paintbrushes for puff paint, four fabric markers, and four stencils. You can nurture your artistic talent by painting clothes, shoes, paper, upholstery, glass, wood, and plastic. Completely safe for kids, this tried-and-tested permanent color is non-toxic, and of premium quality.
Pros
- Reusable stencils
- Easy-squeeze paint bottles
- Washable solution
- Does not need to be activated with hot iron
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- May be thicker than expected
- May be slightly blotchy
"I tried this fabric paint lately, and it's been a hit for DIY projects. The colors are vibrant, and the stencils are reusable, which is a bonus. It's a comprehensive set of art supplies for creative furniture projects, and I would recommend it."
12. Best Non-Toxic:Tulip Permanent Fabric Spray Paint
Indulge your creativity with this fabric spray paint as you spritz, splatter, or spray with these beautiful and vibrant colors on a variety of materials such as fabric, glass, wood, or plastic. This set of seven stunning colors–red, purple, yellow, green, orange, blue, and black–can also be used during group activities for children. The spray nozzle gives you complete control for precision and contains no air. The fabric paint is permanent on drying, and the fabric remains soft and flexible and doesn’t fade even after repeated washing.
Pros
- Non-toxic formula
- Does not contain any aerosol
- Colors can be mixed and matched
- Great for small fabric painting projects
Cons
- May be slightly messy
"I've used these fabric paints for tons of projects, from decorating storage baskets to T-shirts. It is good for free-form designs but takes some effort for precise lines and finer details. The colors are bright and permanent, so ensure your surroundings are protected when you're working with these."
13. Best Washable:Simply Spray Designer Accents Fabric Spray Dye
This effective fabric spray paint keeps the fabric soft and flexible to the touch and does not become rough or stiff or crack and peel when it dries. Drying can take up to three days, after which the paint is permanent and will not transfer or rub off on clothing. Its non-toxic formula does not emit any harsh fumes and can be used for outdoor cushions, clothing, sofas, upholstered furniture, and more. The spray-on fabric dye paint works on natural fabrics that are absorbent. So, revive and refresh old, faded fabric, and give it a new lease of life while being your creative best.
Pros
- Non-flammable
- Washable with soap and water
- No heat setting required
- Odorless and safe propellant
- Conforms to ASTM-D 4236 safety standards
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- May not work on polyester and plastic
- Spray mechanism may not be great
"This fabric spray's an excellent option for DIY projects and works well on different surfaces—from furniture to car interiors and fabrics. It is surprisingly soft on fabrics and does not transfer after drying. Remember to follow the instructions and go light on the coats, and you'll get top-notch results."
14. Best Versatile: Montana Cans NC-Acrylic Effect Spray – Gold Matte
Add a touch of glamor and elegance to fabrics, plastic, wood, metal, concrete, canvas, or glass with this high-performance acrylic-based matte formula. This fast-drying, flexible, and versatile fabric spray paint comes in a 400ml can and ensures incredible opaque coverage of pure, vibrant color. Its low-pressure system allows for easy handling and application that provides precision regardless of your skill level and avoids a mess.
The Montana level cap system, which allows extra-fine to extra-wide mark-making, offers excellent results. Its formula gives good coverage and is fast-drying, thus allowing you to apply any protective coating or varnish soon after. This fabric spray paint is mixed with the finest UV blockers and binders, ensuring durability, longevity, and weather resistance.
Pros
- Offers a matte finish
- Flowing color leaves no gaps
- CFC- and lead-free
- Suitable for studio art
- Can be used for upcycling
Cons
- Spray nozzle may not be highly durable
- May be slightly messy
"This gold spray paint is a good choice for matte finishes on decor pieces. The quick-dry feature is a plus, and it spreads evenly. The nozzle can be a bit finicky at times, but it works well for most projects."
15. Best Weather-Resistant:Montana Cans Glitter Effect Coat
This glossy translucent paint is suitable for fabric, cardboard, paper, wood, primed canvas, metal, glass, stone, ceramics, porcelain, and acrylic. This spray paint for fabrics comes in a 400ml can and gives a beautiful finish and shine for a metallic effect with silver-colored glitter particles. It’s available in five metallic colors, which contain premium metallic colored pigment particles and give a glossy finish in a translucent paint base. It’s also quick-drying and effortless to use irrespective of your skill level. The medium pressure output ensures that the optimal amount of glitter particles is released.
Pros
- CFC- and lead-free
- Fade- and water-resistant
- Suitable for up-cycling
- Goes well with dark surfaces
Cons
- Spray may not be skin-friendly
- May not suit synthetic-based lacquers
"This glitter spray brings a delicate shimmer to surfaces without going overboard and is perfect for accents as well as full-coverage projects. I love that it spreads evenly and has a refined sparkle that's stunning, especially on darker bases."
How To Choose The Right Spray Paint For Fabric?
Here are a few pointers to ensure that you pick up the one most suited to your requirements, and for the best creative expression.
- Type of project: Before choosing a fabric spray paint, you need to consider the project you are looking to paint, and find a product that’s suited to it. Read the specifications of the product to ensure that it will work with your material, including the color and type of fabric, so that you get the desired result. Some fabric spray paints are better suited for lightweight fabrics, like clothing items, curtains, or tablecloths. Other fabric spray paints are especially designed either for indoor or outdoor throw pillows, upholstery fabrics, and rugs. The best fabric spray paint can also be used for taping, stenciling, and tying to produce graphic designs or monograms on jackets, T-shirts, curtains, table runners, and more.
- Base of paint: Fabric spray paint has color pigments in a liquid base sprayed from a pump sprayer or aerosol can. The most common kind is acrylic paint where the color pigment is dissolved in a plastic resin or an acrylic polymer binder. Such paints are water soluble when they are wet but become permanent when dry. Oil-based paints can be made with natural or synthetic oils, and are both durable and permanent. With solvent-based paints, the solvent evaporates on exposure to air, so it dries faster. Alcohol-based fabric paints are inks that are absorbed by the fabric fibers.
- Type of applicator: Fabric spray paints can be applied either through an aerosol spray can or a bottle with an ergonomic spray pump. Aerosol spray cans contain an aerosol propellant along with fabric paint, and is packaged in a spray can under pressure, where the paint comes out in a fine mist. Some people prefer avoiding aerosol spray cans because of the chemicals present in aerosol propellants, and their negative effect on the environment. A spray pump has a pumping mechanism that forces the paint out and gives the user greater control over the area they are painting－dribbling paint creates dramatic patterns, light spritzing gives a misty effect, and spraying evenly will create a solid color. DIYers may apply fabric paint by squirting liquid paint from bottles or brushing it on to make an intricate pattern.
- Opacity and consistency: Opacity is the ability of the paint to hide the surface color underneath it. If the fabric is lighter than the paint color, a fabric spray paint works very well. If the fabric spray paint is not completely opaque, a fabric that is darker colored will show through a lighter paint. Spray paint with a chalky finish is used on upholstery and canvas fabric, giving perfect coverage with superb opacity. The drawback is that chalky finish spray paint stiffens the fabric, while other fabric spray paints preserve the fabric’s flexibility and softness. The best fabric spray paints when applied correctly should give consistent color results, which makes it very essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions correctly.
- Heat setting fabric paint: When you use acrylic fabric paint, the paint should be set with heat to make it permanent. This is a very important feature to consider when you are dealing with heat sensitive structures. If you cannot manage the heat properly, you will not get long-lasting and durable results. So choose spray paint for fabrics with heat control settings for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does fabric spray paint crack?
Yes, fabric spray paints might crack depending on the quality and flexibility of the paint. To avoid this, make sure the spray paint that you are using is suitable for the kind of fabric you are using. Choose a paint that has built-in flex, as this helps the fabric to retain its flexibility. It is also important to set the paint with heat after application for a long-lasting finish.
2. Does fabric spray paint rub off on clothes?
While this may not be the case with every fabric spray paint, there is a possibility for the pain to rub off on clothes. To make sure, do a patch test on the fabric you intend to spray the paint on. Let it dry for the prescribed time or for 72 hours, and then check if the paint is completely dry or rubbing off.
3. How do you seal spray paint on fabric?
Sealing the spray paint is an important step for the paint to last long. You can either use a fabric sealer spray or acrylic sealer after the paint is completely dry. The other way to seal the spray paint is by heat-ironing the fabric. Flip the fabric and apply the hot iron for three to five minutes.
4. How long does it take for fabric spray paint to dry?
It depends on the type of fabric or material that you use to spray paint, and how thick the coat is. Some lighter fabrics may dry within a day while others might take days for the paint to completely absorb into the material and dry.
5. Does spray paint come off clothes in the wash?
No, If the spray paint is properly sealed after drying, it will not come off the clothes in the wash.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our team of writers and reviewers make sure the readers have a seamless experience with online shopping and find tried-and-trusted products. In this article, we have listed the best fabric spray paints that can help you upgrade old, faded clothes and upholstery, giving them a vibrant and colorful appearance. Moreover, the article also has a buying guide highlighting the different factors you should consider before making a selection.
All you need are the best fabric spray paints to transform your old, faded clothes into vibrant new clothing pieces. Not only are they ideal for spray painting clothes, but they could also be used on other materials such as shoes, furniture, or upholstery fabrics, for indoor and outdoor spaces. Before ordering one, ensure that it fits your purpose, that the base of the paint meets your requirements, has an easy-to-use applicator; the opacity and consistency work on the material you are deciding to spray paint on the spray paint includes heat control settings. With these things in mind, you can choose a fabric spray best suited to your unique needs, giving you long-lasting and desired results.
Infographic: How To Use A Spray Paint On Fabrics?
Spray paints allow you to customize your designs on fabrics. You can spray randomly for a new look or follow a pattern over the fabric to make the fabric look creative. Follow the steps mentioned in the infographic to get better results.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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