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Silk
is a versatile fabric and ideal for decoration by either
painting or dyeing, the smooth weave makes it easy to
paint and provides a good surface which diffuses the
colour evenly.
This sample is taken from a silk painting by Linda
Chapman. She used gutta outliner to define the edges
of the petals and applied water to the painted areas
to help push the silk paint colours around and blend
them together.
Painting on Silk Fabric
This style of painting can be very exciting and satisfying.
The silk paint colours flow easily and readily the moment
the loaded brush makes contact with the silk. Painted
scarves are light and airy with a good smooth handle.
There are two quite distinctive ways of painting on
silk fabric; iron-fix
silk paints, which are pigments that stay
on the surface of the fibres and steam-fix silk dyes
which penetrate the silk fibres.
The finish with iron-fix silk paints is often slightly
duller than with dye. This can be noticeable with strong
colouration on lighter scarves where transmitted light
is important. On ties and garments, which use reflected
light, paints give an effective and wash fast solution.
Using steam
fix silk dyes will give superior results.
These products are made from mixes of Acid dyes and
other soluble dyes. The dyes colour all the fibre and
allow light to transmit and reflect from the surface
of the silk fibres in the fabric. The colours are bright
and the fabric retains its suppleness. This silk scarf
was hand painted by Katherine Barney using steam-fix
dyes. Alternatively, Acid dye powders can be made into
a solution for silk painting (see
how). The dyes need to be set using steam,
learn
how...
Silk Painting Tips
- Suspend the silk fabric securely using pins or claws
across a stretcher
frame. Pull the fabric tightly to ensure
a taut surface. Leaving the silk loose will encourage
dyes or paints to run and pool affecting the finished
result. Place the first pin in the centre of the farthest
edge and then in each corner. Pull the silk fabric
across the frame and place pins on the opposite side.
Repeat this on the remaining sides.
- Using a gutta outliner will help to control where
the silk paint colours flow. When setting out the
design with gutta, keep the nib clear by wiping the
tip regularly with a paper towel. A blob may form
when starting the gutta outliner and inserting a wire
when not in use will help to prevent blocking. It
helps to start by running the gutta line off a piece
of paper, held in your other hand, straight on to
the silk. In intricate areas make sure the gutta outliner
does not touch the fabric, but is held just above.
Aim to produce a smooth, constant line. The gutta
stands slightly proud when it is first applied but
sinks into the silk fabric as it dries, sealing the
fibres so that no paint or dye will seep through.
- Allow gutta to dry thoroughly before applying the
silk paint within the spaces you have created from
the gutta outline. You do not have to wait for the
colour to dry and the areas can be painted with one
brush load. Adding water to the centre lightens the
colour and pushes it towards the gutta outline.
- Always work from the damp area outwards to avoid
water lines where two areas meet. Silk paints blend
to a natural, subtle effect. Colour spreads freely
and a little colour in the middle of the area will
spread towards the edges. Paint with light colours
first so that if you make a mistake the area can be
covered with a darker colour.
- For stronger colours, increase the density of the
silk paint by carefully applying more colour when
the first application has dried. Applying light washes
of water or alcohol can modify the effects. Some pigments
are more mobile and will alter the tones by moving
with the wash to the outer edge of the area. Experiment
on a sample to find what effects can be developed
and the quantities of fluid required.
- Highlighter is an opaque white paint, which provides
emphasis and detailing in areas such as the whites
of eyes, and sun lit areas. Black helps define the
image, used for shadows and fine dark lines. Both
can be laid carefully over dry paint or mixed to create
a tint or tone from a working colour. Mix-white is
used to create pastel shades from the primaries and
to fade off colours without losing the hue.
- Primer, or anti-spread, is used when outlined borders
are not required to define areas of colour. Apply
it first with a broad brush, dry and then paint, the
colours will not spread so readily. Using primer allows
for a similar effect to water colour painting on paper.
- Thickener helps prevent the colour from flooding
the fabric, and can be used in screen-printing and
freehand painting. Extender or thinners can be added
to silk paint to create transparent pastel tones.
- Effects
salt can be sprinkled onto wet painted
silk to produce random patterns. The crystals soak
up excess dye, dragging the moisture towards them
and in some cases removing the colour completely.
Overall, and as confidence develops, painted silk
can be used to decorate a wide range of products. These
include scarves, garments, framed hangings, embroidery
and patchwork. Let your imagination lead you to explore
the many possibilities.
Further information about Silk Painting techniques
can be found on the Guild
of Silk Painters web site. The Guild of Silk
Painters brings together silk painting enthusiasts from
all over the world and provides a paper journal, useful
information, links and more. The workshop pages are
particularly interesting and informative. Please note
that the web pages will open in a separate window.
Dyeing Silk Fabric
Silk fabric responds well to a wide range of resist
patterning techniques including Batik, Shibori and Katozome
using Acid
dyes (how
to use Acid dyes) and Indigo.
Alternatively, undyed silk fabrics can be dyed using
Discharge Acid dyes which are easily removed using a
discharge paste. The discharge paste can be combined
with Illuminating Acid dye which replaces the original
colour (see
how).
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