Creating original artwork on clothes is a fun and inexpensive way to customize your wardrobe! However, using your clothing as a canvas comes with various unique challenges, and certain mediums may work better than others.
Oil pastels are not recommended for use directly on the fabric, as the oils will cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. Oil pastels also do not dry, which means they will smear and retain dust and grime. For these reasons, you may want to consider a different medium for clothes. If you would like to use oil pastels on clothes or other fabrics, there are specific measures you can take to minimize smearing and damage and improve the lifespan of your design.
Before Using Oil Pastels on Clothes
If you’re determined to use oil pastels to customize your clothes, there are some considerations you need to keep in mind.
Choosing the Right Clothing
Regardless of measures taken to prepare and preserve an oil pastel design, it will deteriorate over time. You may want to choose relatively inexpensive clothing that does not need to be washed frequently, and you won’t miss (aside from your beautiful artwork).
The methods needed to prime and seal the oil pastels will also create a stiff surface. Flat areas (such as the front or back of a t-shirt) or naturally stiffer fabrics (like denim) make good options. If you intend to wear your artwork, items like a denim jacket or a tote bag may need less frequent washing and may prolong the oil pastels’ life.
Priming your Surface
The surface should first be primed with water-based acrylic paint to use oil pastels and paints on clothes, canvas, or other fabrics. If the surface is not primed and primed carefully, the oils in oil pastels (or oil paint) will cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. The acrylic paint will create a safe barrier between the fabric and oil pastels to improve the fabric’s lifespan and the artwork.
Make sure to brush the primer over the entire surface you intend to draw on. Any areas where the oil pastels come in contact with the fabric can cause deterioration. As mentioned previously, try to choose an area that lies flat and does not bend frequently. Your art may crack sooner if it is in a location that bends or comes in contact with other surfaces often, such as a sleeve or pant leg.
Fabric and Primer Color
Oil pastels are a great art medium because of their intense pigments and superior blending abilities. However, many colors, mostly transparent colors, may not show up effectively on dark fabrics or surfaces.
To create more vibrant and visible colors, consider priming the fabric with white or light-colored paint. The lighter base color will ensure that your oil pastels pop without the need for excessive layering, which takes more time and might increase smudging. This will help your artwork be seen easily, especially from a distance.
Using Safe Pigments
Some oil pastels contain toxic pigments. The higher the quality of the pastel, the higher the concentration of pigments is likely to be. For some brands, some colors may be safe, while others may be toxic. Always check if a product is toxic before using it, especially around children. Avoid any toxic pigments for your wearable artwork.
Learn more about oil pastels here!
Protecting your Design
Oil pastels are made with oils that do not dry, which means the surface will continue to move or transfer if touched after your drawing is complete. This also means that the raw surfaces of oil pastel drawings are susceptible to smearing and collecting dust and dirt. If you do use oil pastels on clothes, there are some ways to preserve your work.
Behind Glass
The best recommendation for protecting oil pastel artwork is behind glass or Plexiglass. Consider this method for displaying your artwork if you care about longevity and don’t intend to wear your design. This will prevent any dust or other surfaces from coming in contact with the clothing, creating the longest-lasting result.
Sealants and Fixatives
For obvious reasons, glass isn’t an option for clothing if you intend to wear worn. Imagine walking around with a pane of glass on your shirt! To create a semi-permanent and wearable design, you will need to use a sealant or fixative. This will improve the longevity and at least partially protect surfaces that come in contact with the clothing. Without sealing, the oil pastels will easily rub off and stain other surfaces, including furniture and other people’s clothes.
Keep in mind, even with these methods; the oil pastels may smear or stain other surfaces. For this reason, and others listed above, other artistic mediums might be better options for wearable clothing designs. But if you’ve made it this far and are still determined, sealing options for oil pastels come in a spray- and paint-on variety. Be warned that any sealant you choose is likely to alter your artwork’s appearance, including colors and finish. Results may vary depending on the oil pastel colors, brand, and the fabric used.
More durable options, such as an acrylic medium, may create a better seal to avoid smearing and allow for light washing but might crack or flake over time. Some spray varieties create a more flexible seal and alter the design’s appearance less than acrylic, but might allow for more smudging. Multiple layers may be needed for spray fixative. Check the product’s label or website before use to make sure they are safe to use. Test a small area or sample piece of fabric to ensure a good seal and test your oil pastels’ effect. Always use spray fixatives in a well-ventilated area with the appropriate protective equipment.
Minimize Washing
Even if you take measures to seal your clothing, your artwork will fade and possibly crack over time, especially with repeated use and washing. It would help if you minimized washing for any clothing containing oil pastels, and hand washing or spot-washing with gentle soaps may help preserve your artwork.
Other Mediums for Clothing
If you’re looking for a more permanent and less tedious option for wearable artwork, there are a few options available to you. A few options include fabric paint, acrylic paints, and fabric dye.
Fabric Paints
Many craft stores, online retailers, and supermarkets sell fabric paint specifically designed for use on fabrics. Fabric paints mix dyes and binding agents and create a finished product that can bend and withstand washing. The effects created by using fabric paints are quite different from oil pastels, but if you’re hoping for a wearable design, this will give you the longest-lasting and most durable option. Once dry, fabric paints won’t transfer to other surfaces. Fabric paints can be brushed, stamped, or sprayed onto surfaces. They come in a range of prices and qualities depending on your needs. Check the instructions or the manufacturer’s website for best practices on applying and washing fabric paints.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are water-based and therefore won’t cause the damage to the fabric that oils cause. They are one of the least expensive art mediums and dry thoroughly to the touch, which means they won’t transfer to other surfaces. You might find they are easier to control than fabric paint, making them a good option for intricate artwork. Acrylic paints will create a stiffer surface than fabric paints, so flat surfaces, stiffer fabrics, and smaller designs are ideal for acrylics. Be warned that they will be significantly more durable than oil pastels but may still crack or flake over time with repeated bending and washing.
Fabric Dye
Fabric dye creates a permanent and safe design on clothing and is an excellent option for coloring large clothing or fabric sections. Just like fabric paints, the finished product will be fully flexible and washable, with slower fading and deterioration over time. However, fabric dye is a liquid that will saturate and bleed when applied to clothing, making the intricate designs achievable with paints impossible. Fabric dye can be used for a range of ombré, splatter, or tie-dye patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How do I remove oil pastel stains?
First, scrape away as much oil pastel as possible. If the stain is large, ice cubes may make this process easier. Blot the area with rubbing alcohol. Then rub the stain with liquid dish soap (making sure not to spread it over a larger area) and wash as usual.
2) How else can I make my oil pastel artwork wearable?
If you love working with oil pastels or particularly enjoy the finished artwork they create, some websites allow you to upload your artwork and print titon clothing (or other items) for a reasonable price. Some will also allow you to sell them for a cut of the profits. This will allow you to display your oil pastel artwork with the longevity of everyday clothing designs. The exact colors and the soft effects of the oil pastels may be lost in the process, but consider this option if wearing and longevity are essential to you.
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