How to Paint and Dye Fabric for Theatre

Paint and dye on fabric creates a visual picture which is enhanced by the texture of the fabric. In theater, different images display different emotions and create various moods. Bright colors show happy and joyful moods, whereas dull colors such as grey depict a melancholic mood. Dyed and painted fabric or batiks are used as costumes, backdrops, or backgrounds that are difficult to buy. Dyes unlike paint require chemicals and steaming to set into the fabric.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric or clothes
  • Paint in different colors
  • Cans of Rit spray dye
  • Dust mask
  • Rubber gloves
  • Stop-flow product such as primer
  • 2 troughs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the fabric or clothes and stretch them over the trough when wet. Let them dry while stretched for easier application of the dye.

    • 2

      Decide on the dyeing techniques you want to use. Batik and marbling present artistic effects. Marbling is a technique where you apply wax or a primer on the entire fabric, make cracks, then soak it in dye. You can also make a template for the fabric or draw your design freehand.

    • 3

      Apply the primer on the areas you don't want to paint or dye. This will stop the flow of dye and paint when you apply it on the fabric.

    • 4

      Soak the fabric in the color of dye you prefer; alternatively, apply paint on the fabric with a brush.

    • 5

      Place the fabric on the second trough and rinse out the primer.

    • 6

      Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water to remove any excess dye. Stretch out the fabric and leave it to dry.

    • 7

      Spray paint additional aspects on the fabric using the Rit spray dye and let it dry.

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