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Marbling - How to Marble Fabric

By Janet Wickell, About.com

9 of 10

Making Paints Permanent

First Glimpse of Printed Fabric

© Dale Wickell
Swish the fabric around in the water and remove it from the bucket. It's okay to wring the fabric gently to remove excess water.

Take a look at your print. Is the contrast good? Do you like the color combinations? Every print you make helps you see ways to improve the next.

Put the fabric in a second water bath if you like, then hang it to dry while you print another. Blot excess paint from the size by placing a sheet of news paper on top of it or skimming like you did before. Drag the paper across one edge of the tray.

Don't worry about paint that sinks below the surface of your size. Even though the buildup eventually makes it difficult to see the colors as you place them, it will not interfere with the next current color scheme or design. Eliminate air bubbles if necessary before laying paints.

For your second print, try the nonpareil pattern.

  1. Lay your paints on the size and use the rake to create the get gel pattern.

  2. Place the 1/4-inch comb at the top of the tray and pull it downward through the size. That's it!
  • Heat Setting the Paints

    Let the fabrics air dry for 24 hours, then heat set the paints by ironing on the back of each piece of fabric. Swish the fabrics in a soapy solution and rinse to make sure all alum is removed. Air dry again.

    The marbled fabric can now be treated as you would other quilting fabrics, but avoid heavy detergents that could fade the paints.

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