Fabric Paint vs Acrylic Paint

When creativity starts to flow and you’re ready to tackle an exciting painting project, the choice between fabric paint and acrylic paint can feel overwhelming.

I’ve been there. I’ve stared at the art supply shelves and wondered, “Can’t I just use the paint I already have?” Spoiler alert: not always.

Each type of paint has its unique purpose, properties, and quirks. Through trial, error, and countless creative experiments, I’ve learned when to grab fabric paint and when acrylic paint gets the job done.

Now, I’m here to share what I’ve discovered so you can make the right choice for your artistic vision.

Whether you’re customizing a tote bag, designing T-shirts, or even painting canvas sneakers (yes, I’ve done that, too), knowing the differences between fabric and acrylic paints is key to achieving beautiful, durable results.

I’ll break everything down, from how these paints are made to their best uses, pros and cons, and tips for making your projects shine.

What Are Fabric Paint and Acrylic Paint?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty comparisons, let’s define these paints.

Fabric Paint, as the name suggests, is specially formulated for use on fabrics. It’s made with a flexible binder that allows it to bond with fibers in cloth and move with the material without cracking.

Most fabric paints are water-based, which means they’re easy to use and clean up. You’ll find them in a range of finishes, from matte to metallic to puffy, depending on the design style you’re going for.

Acrylic Paint, on the other hand, is a versatile art medium used on a wide variety of surfaces, such as canvas, wood, metal, and yes, sometimes fabric.

It’s made by suspending pigments in an acrylic polymer emulsion, which dries to a solid, durable finish. While acrylics aren’t designed exclusively for fabric, they can be used for fabric art when paired with the right techniques or additives.

At first glance, they might seem interchangeable, but trust me, there’s more to the story!

Fabric Paint vs Acrylic Paint: Breaking It All Down

After working with both fabric and acrylic paints over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how different they really are. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. How They Bond to Fabric

Fabric Paint: Fabric paint is designed specifically for textiles. It soaks into the fibers and forms a flexible bond that prevents cracking or peeling, even when the fabric is stretched or washed. This is what makes it ideal for items like clothing or curtains that need to remain soft and flexible.
Acrylic Paint: Standard acrylic paint will sit on top of the fabric rather than bonding with the fibers. While this works for decorative items, it’s not ideal for clothing because the paint can feel stiff or crack over time when the material moves. To make acrylic paint fabric-friendly, you can mix it with a textile medium (more on that later).

2. Texture and Finish

Fabric Paint: Fabric paint generally dries to a soft, flexible finish that feels comfortable on fabric surfaces. It comes in a variety of textures, such as smooth, metallic, glittery, and even dimensional (think puff paint). I love using fabric paint for designs that require effects or textured finishes.
Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint dries harder and forms a more rigid coating compared to fabric paint. It can feel rough or plasticky when applied directly to fabric, though adding a textile medium can slightly soften the texture. Acrylic’s standard smooth finish is great when crisp details or precise designs are needed.

3. Durability

Fabric Paint: Because it bonds directly to the fabric, fabric paint typically holds up well to washing, sunlight, and regular use. However, this durability relies on following the manufacturer’s instructions, including heat-setting the paint when necessary. I’ve painted tote bags with fabric paint that still look fresh after years of heavy use!
Acrylic Paint: Without a textile medium, acrylic paint isn’t very flexible or washable on fabric. Over time, regular wear and exposure to washing can cause it to chip, crack, or fade. That said, I’ve made some amazing fabric projects with acrylic paint when I’ve paired it with a fabric medium to improve its durability.

4. Color Vibrancy

Fabric Paint: Fabric paints tend to have a slightly translucent finish, especially on dark-colored fabrics. While the colors are still vibrant, they may require multiple layers or a base coat of white to show up boldly on darker surfaces. Most fabric paint colors remain vibrant after washing.
Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paints are highly pigmented, offering bold and opaque coverage even on dark surfaces. If vibrant, solid colors are what you’re after, acrylics deliver strong results, but keep in mind that fabric flexibility might be sacrificed.

5. Ease of Use

Fabric Paint: Fabric paint is straightforward and ready to use directly out of the bottle. No additional steps or additives are necessary, so you can focus on being creative. It also doesn’t need much technical know-how to work with, which is why I often recommend it for beginners or quick fabric art projects.
Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint requires a few more steps if you plan to use it on fabric. Mixing in a textile medium is necessary for flexibility and washability, which adds a bit of a learning curve. Without the medium, you’ll likely find the paint cracks or peels once it sets.

6. Cost

Fabric Paint: Fabric paint is reasonably priced, but it’s usually more expensive than acrylic paint due to its specialized formulation. However, if fabric is your primary medium, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is widely available and usually more affordable than fabric paint. Student-grade acrylic paints are especially budget-friendly and perfect for experimental projects.

7. Environment and Versatility

Fabric Paint: Fabric paint is, of course, highly specific to fabrics. While I’ve occasionally used leftover fabric paint on paper or wood, it doesn’t offer the same versatility that acrylic paint does.
Acrylic Paint: Acrylics are multi-surface champions. Even when I’m not working with fabrics, I can use acrylic for everything from canvas paintings to home decor projects, making it a versatile choice for my creative arsenal.

When Should You Use Fabric Paint?

Fabric paint is the clear winner for projects where you want the material to stay flexible, soft, and washable. Here’s when fabric paint is your best bet:

Wearable Art: T-shirts, jeans, shoes, tote bags, or any other type of clothing should be painted with fabric paint for durability and comfort.
Functional Items: For items like pillowcases, curtains, or tablecloths that will see regular use and cleaning, fabric paint holds up beautifully.
Special Effects: Puffy, glittery, or metallic designs look fantastic on fabrics and are much easier to achieve with fabric paint’s unique formulations.
Beginner-Friendly Projects: If you’re a beginner to fabric-based art, fabric paint simplifies the process since no additional mediums or techniques are required.

When Should You Use Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is perfect for more decorative and multi-surface projects. Here’s when I reach for it:

Decorative Fabric Projects: If you’re painting fabric that won’t be handled much (e.g., banners, art canvases, or wall decor), acrylic paint works well without additional mediums.
Bold, Opaque Designs: Acrylic paint’s strong pigmentation is ideal for creating vibrant, eye-catching designs, especially on darker fabrics.
Mixed Media or Non-Fabric Art: When I’m mixing materials or transitioning between fabric and other surfaces, acrylic paint shines due to its adaptability.
Budget-Friendly Experiments: If you’re not sure how your design will turn out and you want to test ideas, acrylic paint is a cost-effective option.

Tips for Painting on Fabric

No matter which paint you choose, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Prep Your Fabric: Wash and dry your fabric before painting to remove excess oils or chemicals. Iron it flat for a smooth painting surface.
Use a Barrier: Place cardboard or plastic inside T-shirts or bags to prevent paint from bleeding through.
Thin it Out: For acrylic paint, mix in a textile medium to make the paint more flexible and washable when working on fabric.
Seal with Heat: After painting, use an iron (on a low, non-steam setting) to heat-set your design. This locks the paint into the fibers and boosts durability.
Go Slow: Precision matters, especially for intricate designs. Use fine brushes for detailing and sponges for broader coverage.

Final Thoughts

Both fabric and acrylic paints are incredible tools for bringing creative visions to life, but their best uses differ depending on your goals.

Fabric paint gives you unmatched flexibility and durability for wearable and functional art, while acrylic paint offers vibrant colors and versatility across multiple surfaces.

Personally, I tend to stock both in my art kit. Fabric paint is my go-to for clothing and soft crafts, but acrylic is my ride-or-die when I’m working on multi-surface projects or bold decorative designs.

Whether you’re designing your next standout look or painting a one-of-a-kind home accessory, I hope this guide helps you choose the right paint for the job.