Not all paints are created equal — and when it comes to hand painted fabric bags, the type of paint used is everything. At Brushup, we use professional-grade textile paint specifically formulated for fabric surfaces.
Textile paint (also called fabric paint) is designed to bond with the fibres of the cloth rather than sitting on top of them. This means it flexes with the fabric, doesn't crack when the bag is folded or carried, and doesn't wash out with regular care.
Regular acrylic paint — the kind used on canvas art — is sometimes used by beginners, but it tends to stiffen fabric and crack over time. Fabric ink is another option, but it tends to bleed on coarser weaves like canvas or muslin, making fine detail difficult.
We heat-set every piece after painting using a heat press or iron. This step cures the paint permanently into the fibres, locking in colour and ensuring the design survives repeated hand washing.
The result is a bag that feels soft and natural to carry, with a design that stays vibrant and intact for years — not seasons.
Common questions
- What type of paint is used on hand-painted canvas bags?
- Professional-grade textile paint, specifically formulated to bond with fabric fibres. Unlike regular acrylic paint, it flexes with the fabric and does not crack when the bag is folded or carried.
- Is fabric paint the same as acrylic paint?
- No. Fabric paint is formulated to bond with textile fibres and remain flexible. Regular acrylic paint sits on top of the fabric surface, stiffens over time, and tends to crack — making it unsuitable for bags.
- What is heat-setting in fabric painting?
- Heat-setting is the process of applying heat (via iron or heat press) to the painted fabric after it dries. This permanently cures the textile paint into the fibres, locking in colour and making it washable.
- How long does the paint last on a hand-painted bag?
- With proper care — hand washing in cold water, drying in shade — a heat-set hand-painted bag will retain its design for many years. The paint is archival-grade and fade-resistant under normal use.
Ready to own a piece of wearable art?
Shop Hand Painted Bags →