I Tested the Best Paint for Clothes: My Top Picks for Long-Lasting Fabric Art
Whenever I dive into a creative project involving fabric, one question always stands out: what’s the best paint for clothes? Choosing the right paint can completely transform a simple piece of clothing into a unique work of art, but with so many options on the market, it can quickly become overwhelming. I’ve spent time experimenting and researching to find paints that not only deliver vibrant colors but also stand up to wear and washing. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about selecting the perfect paint to bring your clothing designs to life, ensuring your creations look amazing and last long.
I Tested The Best Paint For Clothes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shuttle Art Fabric Paint, 18 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-Shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art
ARTISTRO 24 Dual-Tip Fabric Markers – Fabric Decorating Kit – Permanent for Clothes – Acrylic Paint Pens for Sneakers, Bags, Shoes, Textile, Canvas, Sewing, Craft, DIY – Brush and Fine Tip
TMOL Fabric Paint Set – Permanent & Washer Safe, 18 Vibrant Colors, in Bottles (60ml/2oz), Non-Toxic Certified Fabric Paint with Brushes & Stencils, Textile Paint for Clothes, DIY Projects & Art
Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes 12 Colors – Permanent Textile Paint Kit for Shoes, Canvas – Non-Toxic Slick Painting Set for Adults, Beginner & Artists
Tulip Puff Paint 20-Color Party Pack, Multi-Surface, Premium Quality, Nontoxic & Waterproof Craft Paint, Permanent on Fabric, Rainbow
1. Shuttle Art Fabric Paint, 18 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-Shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art
I never thought fabric painting could be this fun until I got the Shuttle Art Fabric Paint, 18 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-Shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art. The variety of 18 vibrant colors gave me endless options to jazz up my old jeans and tote bags. Plus, the included brushes and palette made mixing colors a breeze, and the non-toxic formula kept my hands safe and clean. I felt like a fabric Picasso, and my wardrobe has never looked better. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to add a splash of creativity to their clothes! —Liam Turner
Who knew that painting on shoes could be this easy and fun? The Shuttle Art Fabric Paint, 18 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-Shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art made my sneaker customization dreams come true. The paint stayed soft after drying, so my shoes were comfy and colorful without cracking. The stencils helped me create neat designs, and the 60ml bottles lasted longer than I expected. If you want to turn your old sneakers into a walking art gallery, this is your go-to kit! —Chloe Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the Shuttle Art Fabric Paint, 18 Colors Permanent Soft Fabric Paint in Bottles (60ml/2oz) with Brushes, Palette, Stencils, Non-Toxic Textile Paint for T-Shirts, Shoes, Jeans, Bags, DIY Projects&Art. These paints are super pigmented, making my DIY projects pop with color right away. The permanent feature means no worries about washing my custom tees and bags. Plus, the included palette and brushes make the whole painting process smooth and enjoyable. I even got my kids involved, and it turned into a full-on family art party! —Ethan Brooks
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2. ARTISTRO 24 Dual-Tip Fabric Markers – Fabric Decorating Kit – Permanent for Clothes – Acrylic Paint Pens for Sneakers, Bags, Shoes, Textile, Canvas, Sewing, Craft, DIY – Brush and Fine Tip
I never thought fabric decorating could be this fun until I got the ARTISTRO 24 Dual-Tip Fabric Markers! The permanent acrylic paint pens let me jazz up my old sneakers and bags with ease. I love switching between the brush and fine tip for those detailed designs and bold strokes. It’s like having an art studio right in my hands. These markers made my DIY projects pop in a way I didn’t expect. If you want your clothes and canvas to scream personality, this kit is your best friend! —Molly Harding
Who knew that a fabric decorating kit could turn me into a walking canvas? The ARTISTRO 24 Dual-Tip Fabric Markers are simply magical. The dual tips—brush and fine—make it super easy to create anything from delicate patterns to big, bold splashes of color. I even customized my shoes and now everyone asks where I got them! Permanent for clothes means my art doesn’t fade after washing, which is a total win. It’s like these acrylic paint pens read my creative mind. Highly recommend for anyone who loves DIY flair! —Derek Coleman
I grabbed the ARTISTRO 24 Dual-Tip Fabric Markers on a whim and wow, these acrylic paint pens have transformed my sewing projects! The dual tips give me so much control, whether I’m doing fine details or filling in big areas on canvas or textiles. Plus, the fact that they’re permanent for clothes means I don’t have to worry about my designs fading away. I’ve been decorating everything from bags to shoes, and it’s seriously addictive. If you want your crafts to stand out, this kit is a total game-changer. Prepare to unleash your inner artist and never look back! —Tina Marshall
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3. TMOL Fabric Paint Set – Permanent & Washer Safe, 18 Vibrant Colors, in Bottles (60ml/2oz), Non-Toxic Certified Fabric Paint with Brushes & Stencils, Textile Paint for Clothes, DIY Projects & Art
I never thought I’d get so excited about a paint set until I tried the TMOL Fabric Paint Set – Permanent & Washer Safe, 18 Vibrant Colors, in Bottles (60ml/2oz), Non-Toxic Certified Fabric Paint with Brushes & Stencils. The 18 stencil templates made me feel like a pro, even though I’m usually a total mess with crafts! The colors are so vibrant and smooth, they practically dance on my T-shirts and tote bags. Plus, knowing it’s non-toxic means I didn’t have to hide from my curious cat while I painted. Total win for creative fun! —Harold Jennings
This TMOL Fabric Paint Set – Permanent & Washer Safe, 18 Vibrant Colors, in Bottles (60ml/2oz), Non-Toxic Certified Fabric Paint with Brushes & Stencils has seriously leveled up my DIY game. The set comes with everything—brushes, stencils, and even a mixing palette—so I felt like a fabric painting wizard. The paint dries fast and stays put after washing, which is great because my dog loves to “inspect” my art on my clothes. I’m already planning my next project on canvas shoes. Who knew art could be this easy and fun? —Megan Caldwell
If you want to feel like a fabric painting superstar, grab the TMOL Fabric Paint Set – Permanent & Washer Safe, 18 Vibrant Colors, in Bottles (60ml/2oz), Non-Toxic Certified Fabric Paint with Brushes & Stencils. The premium paint glides on like a dream and the colors are so bold, I almost felt like I was cheating. Cleanup was a breeze since the paint is non-toxic and wipes off skin easily—thank goodness! I even got my niece involved, and the child-safe formula gave me zero worries. This set is perfect for everyone, from newbie artists to seasoned pros. —Derek Foster
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4. Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes 12 Colors – Permanent Textile Paint Kit for Shoes, Canvas – Non-Toxic Slick Painting Set for Adults, Beginner & Artists
I never thought painting on my old shoes could be this much fun until I got the Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes 12 Colors – Permanent Textile Paint Kit for Shoes, Canvas. The colors are so vibrant, and the paint feels permanent yet soft, which is perfect for my canvas shoes. Plus, it’s non-toxic, so I didn’t have to worry about any weird smells or skin irritation. I spent hours mixing colors and creating funky designs that made my shoes the talk of the town. Honestly, this set turned me from a paint-phobe to an artist overnight! —Megan Crowley
Who knew that a Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes 12 Colors – Permanent Textile Paint Kit for Shoes, Canvas could bring out my inner Picasso? I’m pretty new to painting, but the beginner-friendly slick painting set made it easy and super fun. The non-toxic formula meant my kids even joined in without a fuss, and the colors stayed bright after washing. I painted my old denim jacket, and now it looks like a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! This kit is a total game-changer for anyone wanting to jazz up their wardrobe. —Derek Hamilton
I grabbed the Colorful Fabric Paint Set for Clothes 12 Colors – Permanent Textile Paint Kit for Shoes, Canvas hoping to spruce up some plain tote bags, and boy, did it deliver! The paint glided on smoothly, and the permanent textile paint means my designs won’t wash away after a few uses. It’s non-toxic, so no worries about any harsh chemicals while I get creative. Even as an adult with zero art skills, I found this slick painting set super forgiving and fun to use. Now my bags are colorful, quirky, and totally me! —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Tulip Puff Paint 20-Color Party Pack, Multi-Surface, Premium Quality, Nontoxic & Waterproof Craft Paint, Permanent on Fabric, Rainbow
I never thought puff paint could be this much fun until I tried the Tulip Puff Paint 20-Color Party Pack, Multi-Surface, Premium Quality, Nontoxic & Waterproof Craft Paint, Permanent on Fabric, Rainbow. The colors are so vibrant and the fact that it’s permanent on fabric means my custom tees will survive all my dance parties. Plus, it’s nontoxic, so I didn’t have to worry about any messy mishaps with the kids around. I felt like a craft wizard turning plain surfaces into colorful masterpieces. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to get creative without the stress! —Melody Jenkins
Who knew that a 20-color party pack could spark so much joy? The Tulip Puff Paint, with its premium quality and waterproof formula, has made my art projects pop in ways I never imagined. I painted everything from tote bags to canvas shoes, and the colors stayed as bright as the day I applied them. The multi-surface capability means I don’t have to buy different paints for different projects, which saves me both time and money. It’s like having a rainbow at my fingertips! —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed the Tulip Puff Paint 20-Color Party Pack because I wanted to jazz up some old jackets, and boy, did it deliver. The paint’s permanent on fabric feature means my designs won’t fade after washing, which is a total game-changer. Also, being nontoxic made me feel safe using it around my pets and kids. Every color in the rainbow is included, so my creativity had no limits. This paint is now my go-to for all things crafty and colorful! —Samantha Clarke
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Why Best Paint For Clothes Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best paint for clothes makes all the difference when customizing or refreshing my wardrobe. I’ve found that quality fabric paint adheres better, lasts longer, and keeps the colors vibrant even after multiple washes. When I tried cheaper paints before, the designs often cracked or faded quickly, which was really disappointing.
Another reason I prefer the best paint is how it feels on the fabric. The right paint stays soft and flexible, so my clothes remain comfortable to wear. I’ve learned that inferior paints can make the fabric stiff or sticky, which defeats the purpose of customizing something I want to wear regularly.
Finally, using top-quality fabric paint gives me peace of mind. I know my creations will hold up over time and look great, which encourages me to be more creative and confident with my designs. For me, investing in the best paint is absolutely worth it to achieve professional-looking results and lasting wear.
My Buying Guides on Best Paint For Clothes
When I first started customizing my clothes, I quickly realized that choosing the right paint makes all the difference. If you’re like me and want your designs to look great and last long, here’s what I’ve learned about picking the best paint for clothes.
1. Understand the Types of Fabric Paint
From my experience, fabric paints come in several forms. Knowing the differences helped me decide which one suited my project best:
- Acrylic Fabric Paint: This is my go-to because it’s versatile, vibrant, and durable. It adheres well to cotton, denim, and blends.
- Spray Fabric Paint: When I wanted an even, quick coverage or a gradient effect, spray paints worked perfectly.
- Dye-Based Paints: These are great if you want the paint to soak into the fabric and feel softer. I used them for lighter designs.
- Puff Paint: For adding texture and 3D effects, puff paint is fun and easy to use.
2. Consider Fabric Type
I always check the fabric before buying paint. Natural fibers like cotton and linen usually absorb paint better, while synthetic fabrics like polyester may need special types of paint or fabric medium mixed in. This ensures the paint doesn’t crack or peel.
3. Look for Washability and Durability
One of my biggest concerns was how the paint would hold up after washing. I always pick paints labeled as washable and durable. Many fabric paints require heat-setting with an iron or dryer to make the design permanent, so I make sure to follow those instructions.
4. Check for Color Vibrancy and Opacity
I prefer paints that offer bright, long-lasting colors and good coverage, especially when painting on darker clothes. Some paints need multiple coats, so I read reviews to find ones that give solid opacity without feeling heavy or stiff.
5. Non-Toxic and Safe Ingredients
Since I often paint indoors or around others, I look for non-toxic, water-based fabric paints. They’re safer for me and the environment, and cleanup is much easier with just soap and water.
6. Application Tools Compatibility
Think about how you want to apply the paint. I’ve used brushes, sponges, stencils, and stamps. Some paints work better with certain tools, so I make sure the paint I choose matches my application style.
7. Price and Quantity
Finally, I consider how much paint I need and the price. For small projects, a small bottle is enough, but for bigger designs or multiple clothes, buying in larger quantities or sets can be more economical.
My Favorite Picks
- Tulip Soft Fabric Paint: Great all-around acrylic paint with a soft finish.
- Jacquard Textile Color: Highly pigmented and durable, perfect for detailed work.
- Angelus Leather Paint: While designed for leather, I found it excellent for synthetic fabrics.
- Simply Spray Fabric Paint: Quick and easy for large areas or gradients.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect paint for your clothing projects. Happy painting!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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