Lady Jemima's Costume Corner

Pros

Cons

~Is slightly thinner than Jacquard Textile Paint so can be used for airbrushing with less cutting

~Can be mixed with Versatex No Heat Fixative* or Jacquard Airfix so that ironing isn't necessary to set paints

~Won't stiffen fabric unless many layers of paint are used

~Semi-wide range of colors available, and can be mixed with both Versatex ABI or Jacquard Textile paints for extended range of colors

~Can run if applied too thickly with a squeeze bottle

Pros	Cons
~Can be mixed with Versatex No Heat Fixative* or Jacquard Airfix so that ironing isn't necessary to set paints ~Won't stiffen fabric unless many layers are used ~Wide range of colors available, and can be mixed with both Versatex ABI or Jacquard Textile paints for extended range of colors	~Needs to be cut slightly with water

Pros	Cons
~Will not stiffen as much as other fabric paints ~Semi-wide range of colors available ~Can be used directly from bottle or can be thinned with water ~Can choose dimensional (raised when dry) or non-dimensional paint (dried flat)	~Though advertised to lay well on stretchy fabric, Jones Tones still needs to be watered down or it will dry too hard. To do so, paint must be taken out of bottle and cannot be put back in. ~Needs to be heat set

Pros	Cons
~Wide range of colors and brands available ~Can be used directly from bottle or can be thinned with water ~Can choose dimensional (raised when dry) or non-dimensional paint (dried flat)	~Needs to be watered down; to do so, paint must be taken out of bottle and cannot be put back in. ~Can dry slightly stiffly on fabric ~Need to be heat set

Pros	Cons
~Fast, vibrant, permanent color that will hold up through repeated washings and heavy wear ~Little fading over time ~No stiffening to fabric	~Must be steam set ~Requires additional products to attain correct consistency ~Requires concentration and preferably previous dying experience





Fabric markers are markers made specifically to be used on fabric. Prominent brands are FabricMate and Marvy. Fabric markers can be found at most craft and fabric stores, and online. Because fabric-markers are prone to extensive fading, you may want to think instead of investing in a few bottles of Versatex ABI or Jacquard Textile paints. For about the same price, these fabric paints are much more fade-resistant and brighter in color. For minor accents or texturing, however, fabric markers may suit you well.

Pros	Cons
~Are about the same price as a jar of paint or dye ~Come in a wide variety of colors ~Easily controlled ~Come with differently sized tips ~Can create texture and design on costume quickly	~Stores often carry limited color selection (wider selection can be found online) ~Fading very probable after washing or extended use ~Not good for large areas of solid color



Most costumers use paint to color their costumes. Authentic costumes are colored with either acid or disperse dyes that are brushed or squeezed on before the unitard pattern is even cut. Dying is not practical for most amateur costumers, so usually one of many paint choices are used.



Createx Airbrush Ink is an airbrush paint meant for textiles. IContrary to its name, this paint does not require and airbrush to be used. It does not require much thinning and can be applied with a sponge, spray bottle, airbrush, or paintbrush. Createx paints may be mixed with 1-3% Jacquard Airfix .*



Jacquard Textile paints (JTPs) are extremely similar to Versatex ABIs. There are no real differences between them with the exception that Jacquard Textile Paints come in different sizes and many more colors. Both paints can be used together if needed and can be thinned with water and applied with a sponge, spray bottle, airbrush, or paintbrush. JTPs may also be mixed with 1-3% Jacquard Airfix.* SetaColors paints are very similar in price, consistancy, and color to Jacquard paints and also come in many colors. They also come in both "opaque" and "transparent" varieties which will result in different costuming techniques. SetaColor paints are quickly becoming just as poular as JTPs in the costuming community.





Jones Tones fabric paint is a fabric paint said to be made specifically for stretchy fabrics. It comes in differently sized bottles and can sometimes be found in larger craft stores.



Generic fabric paints are produced by a number of companies and can be found in any craft store and some chain stores such as Wal-Mart.





Acid dyes are dyes made for synthetic fabrics (verses dyes made for natural materials, such as RIT). Dyes need to be steam set and also sometimes require additional products, such as soda ash and thickener to make the mixture correctly. Few amateur costumers use dyes due to not having an appropriate way to steam set them. RIT dye, a dye easily found in craft or grocery stores, can be used to color costumes using either a tub (entire unitard) or sponge/spray bottle (parts of unitard). This method, while fairly easy, is not widely recommended. The dye often becomes ‘muddy’ and runs during its first washing, sometimes marking white areas and ruining the costume. It is also prone to fading and splotching. Dharma Trading Company sells Jaquard Acid Dyes, which are meant for coloring nylon material. They carry a very broad range of colors and provide instructions. I have never tried this product, nor have I talked to anyone who has, so I’m afraid I can’t comment on how well this method would work. For more information on steam setting, visit the following pages: Dharma Trading Co. -- About Dying Instructions for Use of Acid Dyes