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10 Best Fabric Paints 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fabric Paint, Shuttle Art 30 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art Crafts

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Type of Paint
Finish
Drying Time

Most important from
3867 reviews

Type of Paint
Perfect viscosity for detailed designs and layering, especially suited for T-shirts and similar fabrics.
Finish
The soft finish stays comfortable on fabric without bleeding through or stiffening the material.
Drying Time
The paint dries quickly and blends smoothly, making it easy to mix and create custom shades effortlessly.
Washability
The vibrant colors maintain their brightness even after multiple washes and drying cycles, proving excellent durability.
Application Method
Easy to use for beginners and hobbyists, with no need for heat setting or complicated preparation.

The Shuttle Art 30 Colors Fabric Paint set offers a wide variety of vibrant, permanent colors that work well on different fabrics like T-shirts, jeans, and bags. The paint is soft and easy to blend, making it great for DIY projects and crafts, especially for beginners or hobbyists. It is designed to be durable and washer safe, so your artwork won’t crack, peel, or fade easily even after machine washing and drying.

This paint doesn’t require any extra mixing or heat setting, simplifying the painting process. The finish is soft rather than stiff, which makes it comfortable on fabric. The included brushes, palette, and stencils add value by helping users create detailed designs without needing many extra tools. Additionally, the paint is non-toxic and safe for all ages, which is important if children are involved in the creative work.

While the drying time is not emphasized, planning projects may require some consideration if quick results are needed. The paint is ideal for indoor use and may not be as durable on outdoor fabrics exposed to harsh weather. It covers both light and dark fabrics well with good opacity, although some very dark materials might benefit from multiple layers for the best effect. This set is a reliable, colorful, and safe fabric paint kit suitable for a variety of textile projects without fuss.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,322
Type of Paint
Finish
Drying Time

Most important from
3867 reviews

Type of Paint
Perfect viscosity for detailed designs and layering, especially suited for T-shirts and similar fabrics.
Finish
The soft finish stays comfortable on fabric without bleeding through or stiffening the material.
Drying Time
The paint dries quickly and blends smoothly, making it easy to mix and create custom shades effortlessly.
Washability
The vibrant colors maintain their brightness even after multiple washes and drying cycles, proving excellent durability.
Application Method
Easy to use for beginners and hobbyists, with no need for heat setting or complicated preparation.
#2

Jacquard Textile 8 Color Primary/Secondary Color Set - Permanent Fabric Paint for Clothes, Furniture Upholstery, Shoes & Bags - Indoor & Outdoor Fabric Paint Set - 2.25 Oz Jars Upholstery Fabric paint

Rating
7.9
Type of Paint
Opacity
Finish

Most important from
6531 reviews

Type of Paint
High-quality paints that remain soft when diluted, but provide excellent coverage when used directly.
Opacity
The colors are vibrant and offer good coverage compared to cheaper alternatives.
Finish
Smooth and comfortable to use with rich, vibrant colors that mix well.
Application Method
Using wax for outlines helps prevent bleeding when diluting the paint with water.

The Jacquard Textile 8 Color Set is a solid choice for anyone looking to get creative with fabric painting. One of its standout features is its colorfastness; the paint will not chip, crack, or peel, ensuring your designs stay vibrant even after multiple washes. This durability makes it an excellent option for clothing, upholstery, and accessories like shoes and bags.

Another strength is the softness it maintains after application. Many fabric paints can leave a stiff feel, but this set allows your fabric to remain soft while still showcasing bright colors. Additionally, the paint is versatile enough to work on both synthetic and natural fabrics, providing endless creative options. The ability to control color transparency is a bonus, as you can mix the paint with water or fabric medium to adjust the opacity, giving you more flexibility in your projects.

On the downside, the semi-transparent nature of the paint straight out of the jar may not appeal to everyone. If you're looking for something that provides full opacity right away, you may need to apply multiple layers, which could require more time and effort. Also, while the drying time is manageable, those who are eager to finish their projects quickly may find it slightly longer than expected. While the set includes eight colors, some users might wish for a wider range of shades or additional colors to choose from. Lastly, although the paints are designed for indoor use, they can be used outdoors, but durability over time in outdoor conditions may vary.

Rating
7.9
Type of Paint
Opacity
Finish

Most important from
6531 reviews

Type of Paint
High-quality paints that remain soft when diluted, but provide excellent coverage when used directly.
Opacity
The colors are vibrant and offer good coverage compared to cheaper alternatives.
Finish
Smooth and comfortable to use with rich, vibrant colors that mix well.
Application Method
Using wax for outlines helps prevent bleeding when diluting the paint with water.
#3

Jacquard Textile 9 Color Exciter Set - Permanent Fabric Paint for Clothes, Furniture Upholstery, Shoes or Tote Bags – Indoor & Outdoor Fabric Paint Set – 1/2 Oz Jars, Upholstery Fabric paint

Rating
7.9
Finish
Washability
Application Method

Most important from
6531 reviews

Finish
The paints soak into the fabric without creating a crusty surface, making them ideal for wearable items and ensuring a soft finish.
Washability
The paint sets permanently after ironing, providing durable and long-lasting designs, even after multiple washes.
Application Method
Mixing and thinning these paints is easy, allowing for a wide range of creative applications, from painting to stamping.

The Jacquard Textile 9 Color Exciter Set is a versatile fabric paint suitable for various applications like clothes, furniture upholstery, shoes, and tote bags. The set includes nine vibrant colors in 1/2 oz jars: Yellow, True Red, Violet, Sky Blue, Turquoise, Apple Green, Brown, Black, and White. These paints are textile-based and semi-transparent, allowing for some flexibility in achieving different levels of opacity by mixing with water or a fabric medium. They feature a semi-gloss finish, which adds a subtle shine to the fabric once dried.

One of the standout features is the paint's durability; it remains colorfast, meaning it won't chip, crack, or peel even after multiple washes. This makes the paint an excellent choice for items that will see heavy use or frequent cleaning. The drying time is relatively quick, and the paint sets permanently with heat, either through ironing or using a dryer at the hottest setting. This makes it easy to lock in your designs securely. The paints are designed to leave the fabric feeling as soft as possible, which is a plus for wearable items.

However, it's important to note that the paints are not waterproof and may not be the best choice for items that will be frequently exposed to water. Additionally, the small jar size might be limiting for larger projects. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Jacquard Textile 9 Color Exciter Set offers great versatility and reliable performance for both indoor and outdoor fabric painting projects. It is especially suited for creative individuals looking to customize wearable items, home decor, or accessories.

Rating
7.9
Finish
Washability
Application Method

Most important from
6531 reviews

Finish
The paints soak into the fabric without creating a crusty surface, making them ideal for wearable items and ensuring a soft finish.
Washability
The paint sets permanently after ironing, providing durable and long-lasting designs, even after multiple washes.
Application Method
Mixing and thinning these paints is easy, allowing for a wide range of creative applications, from painting to stamping.

Buying Guide for the Best Fabric Paints

Choosing the right fabric paint can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Whether you're customizing clothing, creating home decor, or working on a craft project, understanding the key specifications of fabric paints will help you select the best product for your needs. Consider the type of fabric you'll be painting on, the desired finish, and the durability required for your project. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing fabric paints.
Type of PaintFabric paints come in various types, including acrylic-based, dye-based, and fabric markers. Acrylic-based paints are versatile and can be used on most fabrics, providing a durable and flexible finish. Dye-based paints are absorbed into the fabric, making them ideal for soft, natural fibers like cotton. Fabric markers are great for detailed work and are easy to use. Choose the type of paint based on the fabric you're working with and the effect you want to achieve.
OpacityOpacity refers to how much the paint covers the fabric. Opaque paints provide solid coverage and are ideal for dark fabrics, while transparent paints allow the fabric's color to show through and are better suited for light fabrics. If you want vibrant, solid colors, go for opaque paints. For a more subtle, blended look, transparent paints are the way to go.
FinishThe finish of fabric paint can be matte, glossy, or metallic. Matte finishes are non-reflective and give a more natural look, while glossy finishes add shine and make colors pop. Metallic finishes contain reflective particles that give a shimmering effect. Choose the finish based on the look you want to achieve. Matte is great for a classic look, glossy for a bold statement, and metallic for a touch of sparkle.
Drying TimeDrying time is how long it takes for the paint to dry completely. Some fabric paints dry quickly, within a few hours, while others may take up to 24 hours or more. Quick-drying paints are convenient for projects that need to be completed quickly, but they may require more careful application to avoid mistakes. Longer drying times allow for more blending and detailed work. Consider your project timeline and the level of detail you need when choosing a paint with the appropriate drying time.
WashabilityWashability refers to how well the paint holds up to washing. Some fabric paints are machine washable and can withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking, making them ideal for clothing and other items that will be laundered frequently. Others may be more suitable for decorative items that won't be washed often. If your project involves items that will be washed regularly, look for paints labeled as permanent or machine washable.
Application MethodFabric paints can be applied using brushes, sponges, stamps, or spray bottles. Brushes and sponges are great for detailed work and larger areas, while stamps and stencils can create consistent patterns. Spray bottles are useful for covering large areas quickly and creating gradient effects. Choose the application method that best suits your project and your level of comfort with the tools.

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