Sun Printing....the Basics

I have had a few questions about the sun printing process, so I thought I would give you a quick tutorial. You don't need a great deal of supplies for this. The correct paints, fabric that has been thoroughly washed to remove any chemicals, water and SUN. so here is all you need to know

These are the paints. They are Setacolor transparent paints made by Pebeo. This process does not work with other types of fabric paints.  OOOPS!!! apparently I am in error. I am told that other paints will in fact work for this process, Thanks Terry,  looks like I will be doing a little experimenting .....so, let me just say that in this case, Setacolor paints were used.

you will mix your paint with water...that's it....too easy.
Generally the ratio you want is 2 parts water to 1 part paint or for even more effect 1-1 (the more diluted the paint the less intense the print will be)
I always begin with my piece of fabric dampened to allow the paint mixture to flow easily across the surface. It also helps the colours mix and blend. I place my fabric down on a board or some Styrofoam that has been covered with plastic, keep in mind that any lines or scrunching of the plastic will transfer to your final image (sometimes you can get some really cool texture this way)
Now with a paint brush or foam brush, start spreading your colour across the damp fabric. I often use several colours and allow them to mix in some of the areas. Don't be shy, get it good and wet with the paint mixture. Place the items you are wanting to get an image of directly onto the wet paint. If they are very light weight, find a way to hold them down . Items that do not sit flat against the fabric will not produce a sharp clear image.

now take the whole works outside and place it in an area where the sun can do it's magic and leave it to dry

Drying time will vary depending on how wet you got your fabric and how strong the sun is. I always leave it as long as I can just to be certain it is very dry and to get the most dramatic effect. (note the difference between how the colours blend from the wet piece to the dried one below, as well as the texture created by the plastic underneath. I am never certain if heat setting is really necessary at this point (think the sun already did that for me) but I do it anyway.

the fun of the reveal

good colour blend, interesting texture, great images......and now...nicely painted feathers......more inspiration!