We had so many requests for these, we had to try them. Once you do, you'll be addicted to the incredible possibilities for creating your own complex cloth creations. The Oilstiks are real oil paint in a solid stick form. Quality pigments are mixed with special drying refined linseed oils in a highly refined wax base, and they can be used on a wide variety of surfaces like wood, metal and paper, and almost any type of fabric including natural or synthetics, leather or suede. Colors can be spread or blended with a knife, brush, or Colorless Blender. The colors are completely compatible and can be blended with each other. Use turpentine to thin. The Oilstik are "self-sealing" just peel off the outer film before each use. Allow to dry (3-5 days), then iron to set the paint and make it wash fast on fabric. Also available are these incredible "rubbing plates" that allow you to create designs easily and quickly on fabric. It's a great way to add all-over design to a simple dyed silk scarf or low immersion dyed cotton fabric. You can also use them with stencils or rubber stamps or masking. The colors can be easily blended also. We have a great book, shown above, for learning about many of the possibilities.
All colors of Shiva Professional Grade Artist's Oilstiks are AP non-toxic, with the exception of Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red Deep, Cadmium Red Scarlet, Cadmium Yellow, and Cobalt Blue, which bear the ACMI Caution Label. Those particular colors are not intended for use by or for products for children 12 and under.
Instructions Instructions
"How-To" for Fabrics:
If using commercial fabrics or clothing, prewash and press prior to application. When using your own hand-dyes it is best to use the paintstiks as a final layer. If you do over-dye, the soda ash breaks down the paint and it washes off. It also helps to tape or pin down the fabric to give better control when applying the paintstik.
There is a thin skin that seals the surface of the paint that has to be removed by rubbing it off or peeling with a knife. Apply paint in the desired method (rubbing plates, stencil brushes, rubbing, or direct drawing). Allow to dry thoroughly, generally 3-5 days on fabric. Iron on the appropriate temperature setting for the fabric for 10-15 seconds per area until all of the design has been heat set. Use a press cloth or paper to protect iron and ironing board. Wash gently in cool to warm water to remove any residue.
Do not dry clean.