← The Journal

Care Guide

How to Care for Hand-Painted Fabric Bags

Wash, dry, store — the right way. A simple guide to keeping your painted piece vivid for years.

Hand painted fabric bags are made to last — but only if you treat them with a little care. The textile paints we use at Brushup are archival-grade and fade-resistant, but like any wearable art, they reward gentle handling.

Always hand wash in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral soap. Never scrub the painted areas directly — instead, gently squeeze soapy water through the fabric. Hot water and machine washing can cause the paint to crack or lift over time.

After washing, reshape the bag and lay it flat to dry in shade. Direct sunlight while wet can cause uneven fading. Never wring or tumble dry.

For light surface dust or everyday freshening, a damp cloth spot-clean is all you need. Store your bag in a breathable cotton pouch away from direct sunlight when not in use — this keeps both the fabric and the paint vivid for years.

With simple care, a Brushup hand painted bag will outlast dozens of mass-produced alternatives. It's not just a bag — it's something worth looking after.

For a full breakdown of care by material type, see our Care Instructions guide.

Common questions

How do you wash a hand-painted fabric bag?
Hand wash in cold water with a mild, pH-neutral soap. Gently squeeze soapy water through the fabric — never scrub the painted areas. Reshape and dry flat in shade.
Will the paint come off a hand-painted bag when washed?
No — Brushup uses professional textile paint that is heat-set into the fabric fibres after painting. This permanently bonds the paint so it does not wash out under normal hand-washing conditions.
Can you machine wash a hand-painted canvas bag?
No. Machine washing and hot water can cause the paint to crack or lift. Always hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.
How should you store a hand-painted bag?
Store in a breathable cotton pouch away from direct sunlight. Sunlight causes gradual colour fading over time.

Ready to own a piece of wearable art?

Shop Hand Painted Bags →