- Starting with the fi rst color, mix a
generous tablespoon of paint
with 2 tablespoons of water in a
small container. - Place the fabric in a bowl and add
enough water to wet the fabric. Remove
the fabric and wring out the excess
water. The fabric should be damp but
not soaking wet. Smooth the fabric on
the plastic. - Using the foam paintbrush, spread the
paint across the entire piece of fabric.
Mix more paint if needed. - Place the masks on the fabric and allow
it to dry in the sun.
TIP: Wind is not your friend when sun printing. If
there is a light wind, I place strips of plastic wrap
over the masks so they don’t blow away. However,
this may cause moisture to be trapped and
extend the drying time. If there is a gusty or heavy
wind, I reschedule to another day.
a note on masks
We’re not talking about masks you put on
for a costume party. As used here, a mask is
a translucent or opaque screen, in a desired
shape, which covers part of the fabric. Th e
shape of the mask will be transferred to
the fabric during the sun-printing process.
You can use almost anything, from leaves
to buttons, nuts and washers, or images cut
out of plastic. Masks should lay fl at against
the fabric.First layer, top; second layer, above