How Do You Make Acrylic Paint Flexible?

To make acrylic paint flexible, you typically mix it with a fabric medium (also known as textile medium).

Understanding Fabric Medium

Fabric medium is an additive designed to enhance acrylic paint's properties when used on fabric or other flexible surfaces. It achieves this by:

Increasing Flexibility: The primary purpose is to provide a softer, more pliable finish to the acrylic paint. This prevents the paint from cracking or becoming brittle when the fabric bends or stretches.
Improving Adhesion: Fabric medium helps the acrylic paint bind more effectively to fabric fibers, resulting in better durability.
Reducing Bleeding: It minimizes the tendency of the paint to bleed or spread beyond the intended areas, leading to cleaner, sharper lines.

Here's a general guideline for using fabric medium with acrylic paint:

Combine Medium and Paint: Mix the fabric medium with your acrylic paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. The ratio typically ranges from 1:1 to 2:1 (medium to paint), but always refer to the specific product guidelines.
Apply to Fabric: Apply the mixture to the fabric surface using brushes, sponges, or other appropriate tools.
Allow to Dry: Let the paint dry completely. Drying times can vary depending on the thickness of the paint layer and the ambient temperature.
Heat Set (Optional): Some fabric mediums recommend heat-setting the paint after it has dried. This involves ironing the painted area to further bond the paint to the fabric. Consult the fabric medium's instructions for specific heat-setting guidelines.

Enhanced Durability: Ensures the paint remains intact and doesn't crack or peel easily.
Improved Washability: Makes the painted fabric more washable, allowing you to clean it without significantly damaging the artwork.
Professional Finish: Provides a smoother, more professional-looking finish compared to using acrylic paint alone on fabric.