Elena Rossi
Painting squishies is a fun project for both kids and adults. It is important to use fabric paint when painting squishies as other types of paint, such as acrylic paint, will crack and peel off when the squishy is squeezed. Fabric paint is soft and flexible, allowing it to stretch with the squishy. However, some fabric paints may still peel off, especially after washing. To prevent this, it is recommended to sand the surface of the squishy before painting to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Additionally, some fabric paints may require heat setting with an iron before washing. It is also suggested to wash painted squishies in cold water with a delicate detergent to help maintain the paint's adhesion.
How to stop fabric paint from peeling on squishies
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of paint | Fabric paint (not acrylic) |
| Brand of paint | Tulip, Angelus |
| Paint texture | Puffy, matte, slick |
| Paint application | Paintbrush, toothpick |
| Surface preparation | Sanding with fine-grain sandpaper or nail file |
| Paint layers | Multiple coats |
| Drying time | Complete drying between coats |
| Heat setting | Ironing or heat setting may be required |
| Washing instructions | Cold water, delicate cycle, powder soap |
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What You'll Learn
Use fabric paint, not acrylic paint
When painting squishies, it is important to use fabric paint instead of acrylic paint. Acrylic paint will crack and peel off the squishy when it is squished, as it is not designed to withstand the constant reshaping and deformation that a squishy undergoes during normal use. Fabric paint, on the other hand, is designed to be flexible and durable, allowing it to stretch and move with the squishy without cracking or peeling.
Fabric paint is also specifically formulated to adhere to fabric and similar materials, ensuring that it will not peel off with normal use. It is important to note that not all fabric paints are created equal, and some may require heat setting or specific care instructions to ensure their longevity. For example, some fabric paints may require ironing before washing to ensure they adhere properly to the fabric.
Additionally, fabric paint is available in a variety of finishes, such as matte or puffy, allowing for further customisation of the squishy's appearance and texture. Puffy paint, in particular, can be used to seal cracks or imperfections in the squishy before applying the final coat of paint. Mixing puffy paint with a small amount of matte paint can also help to thicken the paint and reduce the number of layers required.
When choosing fabric paint for your squishy, it is important to consider the quality of the paint. Some cheaper fabric paints may be difficult to work with due to their small quantity or poor applicator design. Reading reviews and comparing different brands can help ensure that you select a high-quality fabric paint that will adhere well to your squishy and provide the desired finish.
Overall, using fabric paint instead of acrylic paint is crucial to ensuring that your paint job holds up over time on a squishy. Acrylic paint is simply not designed for this type of application and will not withstand the constant deformation that a squishy undergoes. By choosing the right type of fabric paint and following any necessary care instructions, you can create a durable and aesthetically pleasing paint job on your squishy.
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Sand the surface of the squishy with sandpaper
To prevent fabric paint from peeling on squishies, it is important to prepare the surface of the squishy before painting. Sanding the surface of the squishy with sandpaper is a crucial step in achieving this.
Squishies have a smooth surface, and sanding creates a rougher texture that allows the paint to adhere better. It is recommended to use fine-grain sandpaper or a nail file for this process. The goal is to gently roughen the surface without removing the top layer of the squishy. You will know you have sanded enough when you start to see tiny rips and cracks on the surface. Be careful not to over-sand, as exposing the white foam underneath will compromise the integrity of the squishy.
The sanding process helps create a better bond between the paint and the squishy. By providing a slightly abrasive surface, the paint will have a better grip and be less likely to peel off when the squishy is squeezed or manipulated. This step may seem simple, but it is essential to ensuring the longevity of your paint job and preventing unsightly peeling.
It is worth noting that sandpaper is not the only tool you can use to roughen the surface. Some people also recommend using a nail file, which can be easier to control and manoeuvre over the curved surfaces of a squishy. Whether you choose sandpaper or a nail file, always opt for a finer grit to avoid damaging the squishy.
Once you have finished sanding, it is essential to remove any dust or debris from the surface of the squishy before proceeding to the painting stage. You can use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe away any residue, ensuring a clean and prepared surface for the paint to adhere to. Remember to be gentle during this step to avoid undoing your hard work.
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Paint multiple coats
Painting multiple coats is essential to achieving the desired colour and coverage on your squishy. It is recommended to start with a base coat or two of white fabric paint, such as the Tulip brand's soft matte fabric paint, to create a consistent surface for your chosen colour to adhere to. This initial step ensures that any imperfections or discolouration on the squishy are covered, providing a blank canvas for your design.
When painting your squishy, it is important to be patient and allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. This may require some waiting time, but it is crucial to achieving a high-quality finish. Depending on the paint you are using, you may need to apply several coats to achieve the desired colour saturation. For example, puffy paint is known to be thin and may require multiple layers or mixing with matte paint to achieve better coverage.
The number of coats you will need depends on the desired look and the type of paint used. If you are using a lighter colour or a paint with good coverage, you may only need a few coats. However, if you are using a darker colour or a paint with a more transparent consistency, you may need to apply several additional coats to achieve the desired opacity. It is always a good idea to let the paint dry after each coat to accurately assess the coverage and determine if more layers are needed.
To avoid peeling, it is crucial to follow the specific instructions for the type of fabric paint you are using. For example, some fabric paints require heat setting with an iron before washing, while others may not. Additionally, the recommended washing instructions for painted squishies include using cold water and a delicate cycle with a mild powder soap. Testing different methods and paints, such as combining fabric paint with Angelus paint, can also help determine the best approach for preventing peeling.
By taking the time to apply multiple coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats, and following the specific care instructions for your chosen fabric paint, you can create a beautifully painted squishy that will withstand regular use without the paint peeling off.
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Mix matte paint with puffy paint
To prevent fabric paint from peeling on squishies, it is recommended to use fabric paint instead of acrylic paint, as the latter will crack and peel off when squished. Before painting, it is important to gently sand the squishie with fine-grain sandpaper or a nail file to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. This will ensure that the paint does not peel off.
Now, to mix matte paint with puffy paint, you can follow these steps:
First, it is important to understand that puffy paint is typically made using shaving foam or shaving cream and PVA or school glue. You can adjust the consistency by adding more glue to make it thicker or a bit of water to make it thinner for easier application. You can also add a bit of flour at a time to adjust the consistency to your preference. This mixture will serve as your base for the puffy paint.
Next, you can add your desired amount of matte paint to the puffy paint base. Mix the two together thoroughly until you achieve an even color throughout the mixture. You can use a plastic squeeze bottle or a paintbrush to mix and apply the paint, depending on the consistency you prefer.
It is recommended to test the mixture on a small area first to ensure that it dries with the desired puffy effect and that the color is as expected. Puffy paint typically dries within 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness of the application.
Additionally, when using this mixture on fabric, it is important to note that it will become permanent and flexible, and it won't crack or peel, even after washing. However, be cautious when using it on clothing, as it may not wash out once dry. Always ensure you are wearing something you don't mind getting messy.
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Wash painted fabric with cold water and powder soap
To stop fabric paint from peeling on squishies, it is important to prepare the surface of the squishy before painting. Squishies are smooth, so the paint will need a surface to stick to. Gently sand the squishy with fine-grain sandpaper or a nail file until you see tiny rips and cracks in the surface. Then, paint the squishy with a fabric paint product.
When it comes to washing painted fabric, it is important to use cold water to protect the paint. Fill a bathtub or bucket with enough cold water to cover the fabric. Add a few drops of mild, water-based laundry detergent or powder soap and agitate the water until it foams. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these can strip the paint. Turn the fabric inside out and scrub the painted areas with your hands, dunking the fabric in the soapy water as you go. Rinse the fabric with cold water until the water runs clear, then gently wring out the excess water, avoiding the painted areas. Hang the fabric to air-dry for 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Fabric paint is the best paint to use on squishies. Puffy paint, slick fabric paint, and matte fabric paint are some varieties that work well. Do not use acrylic paint, as it will crack and peel off.
Squishies are pretty smooth, so you need to gently sand the surface with fine-grain sandpaper or a nail file to create a surface for the paint to stick to.
It is recommended to wait for each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. You can also try ironing the paint before washing it. Some paint varieties may work better than others, so you may need to experiment with different brands.
Start with the larger areas first and then move on to the finer details. You can lightly draw on the squishy with a pencil as a guide. Clean your brush after each coat to prevent it from drying and ruining the paintbrush.
