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Best 50 Fabric Paints for Upholstery: Restore and Transform Your Furniture

A comprehensive guide to the best fabric paints for upholstery, comparing key features like durability, color selection, and application requirements to help you choose the right product for your project.

Transform your furniture with our carefully selected fabric paints designed specifically for upholstery. We've compared the best options on the market to help you find the perfect product for your project.

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Jacquard Exciter Pack Textile Traditional

Jacquard Exciter Pack Textile Traditional | Image

These professional-grade textile paints deliver vibrant color that bonds permanently to both natural and synthetic fabrics, maintaining fabric softness even after multiple washings. The versatile formula can be thinned up to 25% with water for delicate effects or layered to build intensity, and works beautifully with a range of application tools from brushes to stamps. Users praise its lasting results on everything from clothing to furniture projects.

Alpha6 AlphaFlex Textile Paint

Alpha6 AlphaFlex Textile Paint | Image

The Alpha6 AlphaFlex paint combines vibrant color with superior adhesion for lasting results on a variety of surfaces. This water-based formula dries quickly and resists cracking, making it ideal for projects ranging from leather furniture to canvas art. With 48 available colors, including this jet-black shade, you can achieve professional-quality finishes with just a few light coats.

Amazon Basics Permanent Fabric Paint

Amazon Basics Permanent Fabric Paint | Image

This permanent fabric paint set lets you transform plain clothes and accessories into one-of-a-kind pieces. With 24 vibrant colors including classics, fluorescents, and metallics, you can get really creative. The smooth, easy-to-apply paint bonds permanently without cracking or peeling, making your designs last wash after wash.

Jacquard Textile Color Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Paint | Image

These artist-grade fabric paints deliver intense color while preserving fabric softness. The easy-to-use bottles apply smoothly with brush or stamp, and the paint mixes beautifully for custom shades. Perfect for upholstery, clothing, and home decor projects.

Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paint

Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paint | Image

This water-based fabric paint delivers brilliant color while maintaining fabric flexibility, suitable for various techniques from brush work to screen printing. The intensive pigmentation allows vibrant hues to easily adhere to light-colored fabrics, with designs lasting through both machine washing and dry cleaning after setting with heat.

Jacquard Textile Color Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Paint | Image

These textile paints transform fabrics while keeping them wonderfully soft to the touch. The semi-opaque formula applies easily from the bottle, whether you're painting with a brush or stamping. Whether you're dressing up furniture or creating comfy clothing, these USA-made paints get great reviews for their lasting color and washability.

Plaid Fabric Creations Soft Fabric Ink

Plaid Fabric Creations Soft Fabric Ink | Image

These water-based fabric inks come in a generous 2 oz bottle and create soft, washable designs on clothing and textiles. The USA-made inks are easy to apply with brush, stamp, or stenciling techniques, though some users find they dry quickly and can be finicky. Overall, the vibrant, machine-washable results make these inks a popular choice for DIY fashion and home decor projects.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

This versatile fabric paint delivers professional results for both beginners and experienced artists. The semi-opaque formula works wonders on a wide range of materials, from natural fibers to synthetic fabrics and even leather. Mix it straight from the bottle for intense color or thin it out to create beautiful watercolor effects – the possibilities are endless.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

This versatile fabric paint delivers professional results with its vibrant colors and durable finish. The saturated pigment produces rich, semi-opaque coverage ideal for both natural and synthetic materials. The water-based formula mixes easily with extender colors for endless shade possibilities, while the pump bottle application makes it incredibly user-friendly for decorators and crafters alike.

Mont Marte Premium Fabric Paint

Mont Marte Premium Fabric Paint | Image

With eight vibrant colors in each 20ml bottle, the Mont Marte fabric paint set gives you plenty of pigment to work with. The water-soluble formula makes it kid-friendly but produces professional results, whether you're brushing on designs by hand or using screen printing techniques. It's durable enough for clothing and home decor projects, though some surfaces like dark jeans require a white base coat for best results.

Handy Art Fabric Paint

Handy Art Fabric Paint | Image

These water-soluble textile paints make it simple to add vibrant color to clothing and other fabrics. The 12-pint set includes a nice range of bright and neutral colors that mix well together. Once heat-set with a household iron, the painted fabrics maintain their softness and flexibility while becoming permanently colored.

Hello Hobby Brush-On Fabric Paint

Hello Hobby Brush-On Fabric Paint | Image

This nontoxic fabric paint dries permanently with a matte finish and works on both light and dark fabrics. The creamy consistency applies smoothly with a brush, and the paint can be mixed to create custom colors or watered down for watercolor effects. While some users find it dries quickly and needs multiple coats for coverage, the flexible bond prevents cracking and ensures lasting results.

Jacquard Textile Color Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Paint | Image

The Jacquard Textile Color paint transforms fabrics with lasting, vibrant color. The acid-free formula applies easily straight from the bottle and dries quickly to a soft, washable finish. Whether you're stenciling, brush-painting, or screen-printing, this versatile textile paint adheres beautifully to both synthetic and natural fabrics, maintaining its brilliance through repeated washings and wear.

Jacquard Neopaque Sneaker Series Fabric Paint

Jacquard Neopaque Sneaker Series Fabric Paint | Image

These versatile paints from Jacquard work wonders on all kinds of surfaces - from fabric and leather to stone and plastic. The USA-made formula dries to a beautiful, wash-fast finish that's perfect for both art projects and crafts. Whether you're painting shoes, creating mixed media pieces, or working with textiles, these opaque acrylics deliver exceptional coverage and lasting results.

Jacquard Textile Paint Set

Jacquard Textile Paint Set | Image

This versatile black and white fabric paint set brings rich color to a variety of surfaces, from natural fabrics to leather and wood. Whether you're hand painting, airbrushing (with thinning), or using blocks and stencils, these quick-drying paints give your projects a professional finish while maintaining the soft hand of the original material.

Tulip Color Shot Indoor Upholstery Spray, 8oz Scarlet

Tulip Color Shot Indoor Upholstery Spray, 8oz Scarlet | Image

The Tulip Color Shot Indoor Upholstery Spray makes it simple to refresh your furniture with vibrant new colors. The 8oz can applies smoothly to both natural and synthetic fabrics, creating richly pigmented results that resist fading. While some reviewers have noted varied outcomes, many have praised its ease of use and quick-drying finish that maintains a soft texture.

Scribbles 3D Fabric Paint

Scribbles 3D Fabric Paint | Image

This glitter and iridescent fabric paint set lets you add 3D puffy effects to all sorts of fabrics, from denim to t-shirts. The precision tip lets you paint detailed designs directly from the bottle, and once it dries, your fabrics will keep their bouncy 3D shape through washing and wear. With 20 1oz bottles in various colors, it's a hit for crafters of all ages who like making their own clothes and accessories look special.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

This artist-quality fabric paint delivers vibrant color that bonds permanently to both natural and synthetic fabrics. The USA-made formula can be thinned for watercolor effects or used straight from the bottle for intense coverage. Perfect for adding professional-quality color to clothing, home decor, and craft projects.

Professional Water-Based Fabric Paint

Professional Water-Based Fabric Paint | Image

The Pebeo Setacolor Fabric Paints breathe new life into light fabrics with their vibrant water-based formulas. These versatile inks work wonders straight from the bottle, but unleash their full potential when mixed with water for those dreamy watercolor effects. Six essential hues—Lemon Yellow, Cardinal Red, Fuchsia, Cobalt Blue, Moss Green, and Black—come together in this compact set, making it the perfect starting point for any fabric artist's collection.

Handy Art Fabric Paint Kit

Handy Art Fabric Paint Kit | Image

This versatile fabric paint kit lets you get creative with both natural and synthetic fabrics - just pop it in the iron for a permanent finish. The nine color bottles are perfect for crafting sessions, and the best part is, it's made right here in the USA with no yucky stuff like dairy or nuts in it.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

This USA-made fabric paint combines intense color with exceptional durability, performing beautifully on both natural and synthetic fabrics. The versatile formula can be thinned for watercolor effects or applied straight from the bottle for vivid results, while the washable finish keeps your projects soft and vibrant through repeated use. The 39 available colors mix effortlessly to create custom shades, making it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced artists.

Aladine Izink Fabric Paint

Aladine Izink Fabric Paint | Image

This versatile fabric paint allows you to transform plain textiles into works of art, whether you're reviving old items or adding custom designs to new ones. The water-based formula dries quickly in 30 minutes, and once it's dry, you can iron the colored areas to permanently set the color (without using steam). The paint works great on cotton, linen, or silk, and you can wash your finished project in a regular washing machine up to 40C.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

With its professional-grade formula and versatile application methods, this fabric paint transforms ordinary materials into works of art. The semi-opaque color produces vibrant results straight from the bottle or can be diluted for watercolor effects. Whether you're painting canvas, clothing, or crafting projects, this textile paint delivers lasting color that washes and wears beautifully.

Jacquard Textile Color Brown Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Brown Fabric Paint | Image

This semi-opaque fabric paint allows for both bold statements and delicate washes, with professional results that maintain fabric softness even after repeated washing. The versatile formula works wonders on a variety of surfaces, from sturdy wood to stretchy synthetic fabrics, and the included bottle makes it perfect for both brush work and stamping projects.

Jacquard Textile Color Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Paint | Image

This water-based fabric paint from Jacquard delivers vibrant color that stands up to repeated washing. The acid- and toxic-free formula makes it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced crafters, performing exceptionally well on both natural and synthetic fabrics. The semi-opaque paint can be applied directly from the bottle and works beautifully in conjunction with other Jacquard products like Pearl Ex powders to create unique textural effects.

Scribbles Brush-On Fabric Paint Pots

Scribbles Brush-On Fabric Paint Pots | Image

These nontoxic fabric paint pots make it super simple to add durable color to your projects – just brush, sponge or stamp your design, then let it dry for a few hours. The four-pack comes with black, white, red and blue, so you can start creating whatever you imagine!

Tulip Neon Dimensional Fabric Paint Set

Tulip Neon Dimensional Fabric Paint Set | Image

These easy-to-use bottles of fabric paint come with teeny-tiny tips that make decorating a breeze. With six bright neon colors to choose from, you're guaranteed to find the perfect shade to match your project. Whether you're sprucing up old t-shirts or adding some pizazz to your latest craft, this paint makes it super simple to add that extra pop of color.

Fabricoat Specialty Fabric Paint

Fabricoat Specialty Fabric Paint | Image

Transform your furniture and fabrics with this versatile paint that bonds with damp fabric for vibrant, lasting color. The 16 available shades range from modern trends to classic options, perfect for both quick touch-ups and creative designs. Once applied, the soft, flexible formula preserves the texture of your items, whether you're refreshing car interiors or redoing old furniture.

ProFab 12-Pack Transparent Fabric Paint

ProFab 12-Pack Transparent Fabric Paint | Image

Crafted for both seasoned artists and newcomers to fabric painting, these water-based and non-toxic paints transform ordinary materials into works of art. The creamy consistency and intermixability of the 12 jar-packed colors offer endless creative possibilities, from delicate watercolor effects to bold statement pieces. With no harsh chemicals and minimal heat setting required for lasting results, these versatile paints breathe new life into projects for upholstery and beyond.

Individuall 8-Pack Fabric & Textile Painting Set

Individuall 8-Pack Fabric & Textile Painting Set | Image

Crafting a set that stands out in the world of textile painting, these German-made acrylic paints bring a fresh approach to fabric artistry. Each of the eight included colors boasts vivid intensity and excellent mixing properties, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced artists. The semi-gloss finish adds a touch of polish to your creations, whether you're working on a cozy throw pillow or a creative DIY project.

individuall Premium Fabric Paint Set

individuall Premium Fabric Paint Set | Image

These fabric paints come in eight rich colors and feature high pigmentation for vibrant results. Handmade in Germany with precision, they're designed specifically for clothing and textiles – light and dark fabrics alike can be transformed with these washable, acrylic paints. The individually packaged bottles make it easy to apply small amounts directly to your project, whether you're painting shirts, pants, or handmade accessories.

Permanent Fabric Paint

Permanent Fabric Paint | Image

Create lasting works of art on fabric with this versatile paint set that works wonders on everything from jeans to canvas. The twelve-strong color collection delivers rich hues that mix beautifully, while the special formula ensures your creations stay vibrant through wash after wash.

Jacquard Textile Color Navy Blue Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Navy Blue Fabric Paint | Image

This premium fabric paint delivers intense color while maintaining your textile's softness. With versatile application options from brush to stamp, it works wonders on everything from clothing to home decor projects. Whether you're painting a single hue or mixing bespoke shades, this durable, wash-fast formula won't disappoint.

Jacquard Textile Color Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Paint | Image

With 39 vibrant colors to choose from, the Jacquard Textile Color paint transforms fabrics while maintaining their softness. The acid-free formula mixes easily and dries to a color-fast finish suitable for both natural and synthetic materials. Whether you're painting furniture or creating artisanal garments, these water-thin paints deliver professional results with lasting color.

Jacquard Textile White Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile White Fabric Paint | Image

The Jacquard Textile Color fabric paint has earned its reputation as a professional-grade solution for textile artists and crafters alike. Made in the USA, this high-quality paint offers intense, semi-opaque color that remains vibrant and washable on both synthetic and natural fabrics. Whether you're working with cotton blends, silk, or leather, this durable paint provides excellent coverage while maintaining the fabric's soft hand.

Mont Marte Signature Fabric Paint

Mont Marte Signature Fabric Paint | Image

This versatile fabric paint set lets you get creative with 20 bright colors that can be mixed to make even more shades. The easy-to-use pots come with clear instructions for painting clothes, bags, and home items like cushions. Once your design is dry and heat-set with an iron, you can wash your project and it'll stay looking great.

Shuttle Art 30-Color Permanent Fabric Paint Set

Shuttle Art 30-Color Permanent Fabric Paint Set | Image

Create vibrant clothing and crafts with this washable fabric paint set. The 30-permanent colors blend easily and resist cracking or peeling, while the included brushes, palette, and stencils make it simple for all ages to get creative on T-shirts, jeans, and more.

Jacquard Textile Color Spruce

Jacquard Textile Color Spruce | Image

This versatile textile color brings intense, semi-opaque pigment to fabrics while maintaining their softness. The American-made formula mixes easily with water or extender to create everything from vibrant solids to delicate pastels. Whether you're painting furniture, altering clothing, or creating art, these colors deliver lasting results that stay brilliant through repeated washes and ironing.

Americana Fabric Painting Medium

Americana Fabric Painting Medium | Image

Mixing this fabric painting medium with acrylic paint creates washable, permanent designs on fabric that resist cracking and fading. The 2oz bottle allows for cost-effective customization of clothing and home decor projects, with users praising its effectiveness for painting everything from children's clothing to outdoor furniture cushions.

Permanent Fabric Paint Set

Permanent Fabric Paint Set | Image

This kid-friendly fabric paint set transforms plain clothes and canvas items with 15 vibrant colors. The non-toxic paint dries to a metallic finish and comes in convenient 60ml bottles stored in a practical box. Each purchase includes 10 brushes and 32 ounces of paint.

Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paints

Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paints | Image

These easy-to-use fabric paints transform plain items into customizable masterpieces. Each bottle delivers vibrant color that dries permanently without cracking or peeling. The best part? You can draw, write, or paint without brushes, making it perfect for crafting sessions with friends and family.

Jacquard Textile Color Yellow Ochre Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Yellow Ochre Fabric Paint | Image

This artist-grade fabric paint offers vibrant, washable color that remains soft to the touch on both natural and synthetic fabrics. The acid and toxic-free formula mixes easily to create over 300 custom colors, while its semi-opaque consistency provides rich coverage straight from the bottle. Perfect for crafting projects, this American-made paint works beautifully with Jacquard's complementary products like Pearl Ex powders to create dazzling effects.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

The JACQUARD Textile Color Fabric Paint transforms fabrics without compromising their softness, as demonstrated by users who successfully applied it to various materials including bamboo fiber, denim, and synthetic blends. Each 2.25oz jar delivers rich, semi-opaque coverage that's easily applied from the bottle using brush, stamp, or direct application techniques. Users appreciate its superior washability and colorfast properties, with many reporting successful results after multiple launderings.

Hippie Crafter Permanent Fabric Paint

Hippie Crafter Permanent Fabric Paint | Image

This bulk fabric paint kit from Hippie Crafter packs a vibrant punch with its 24 permanent colors, perfect for giving your clothes and upholstery a custom makeover. The washable formula dries crack-resistant and waterproof, while the metal-flake accents add a glossy touch to your creations. Whether you're tackling t-shirts or outdoor cushions, these non-toxic paints make it easy to mix and match colors for your next craft project.

FolkArt Brush-on Fabric Paint Beginner Set

FolkArt Brush-on Fabric Paint Beginner Set | Image

Create comfy, long-lasting designs that bend with your fabric and wash like a dream. Each color pops beautifully on clothes and fabrics, with just one coat needed for most colors. The soft, flexible finish makes your painted projects wearable and comfy – perfect for custom T-shirts or handmade clothing.

Shuttle Art 18-Color Fabric Paint Set

Shuttle Art 18-Color Fabric Paint Set | Image

Crafting colorful designs on fabric has never been easier with this Shuttle Art paint set. Each bottle of soft fabric paint contains 60ml of vibrant color that mixes beautifully with the others. After application, your designs will hold up well to regular wear and washings in both the machine and dryer. The paint works great on both synthetic and natural fibers, making it perfect for updating old t-shirts, jeans, and other clothes with new designs.

Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Paint

Rust-Oleum Outdoor Fabric Paint | Image

This outdoor fabric paint brings lasting color and protection to your furniture, maintaining fabric softness while blocking UV rays. The water-based formula bonds deeply to surfaces, covering up to 5.5 square feet per can. Users appreciate its ease of application and quick dry time, with most finding it works best when applied in light coats with a 15-minute wait between layers.

Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric Spray

Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric Spray | Image

This vinyl and fabric spray from Dupli-Color transforms dull interiors with its tough, chip-resistant finish that bonds directly to surfaces without primer. The medium blue color migrates from can to car with remarkable accuracy, though some users report slight shade variations. Its durability has earned praise from owners who've relied on it for over a decade to restore their vehicles' original color and texture.

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint

Jacquard Textile Color Fabric Paint | Image

This USA-made fabric paint delivers pro-level results with its intense color and washable finish. The 2.25-ounce jar offers versatile coverage – go straight from the bottle for bold solids or mix with water for washable watercolor effects. Perfect for giving your projects lasting color without compromising on softness.

Rust-Oleum Industrial Fabric & Vinyl Paint

Rust-Oleum Industrial Fabric & Vinyl Paint | Image

This durable spray paint transforms faded or worn fabric and vinyl surfaces with its versatile formula that bonds strongly without cracking or peeling. The versatile quick-dry coating works wonders on car interiors, furniture, and other vinyl or fabric items, although users recommend applying multiple thin coats for optimal coverage. While the strong fumes can be an initial hurdle, many appreciate its affordability and superior results compared to cheaper alternatives.

Buyer's Guide

Fabric paint specifically formulated for upholstery transforms seating surfaces with durable, washable color. This guide helps you choose the right paint and supplies for your reupholstery project.

Key features of upholstery fabric paint

Upholstery fabric paints resist fading, peeling, and cracking indoors and outdoors. They typically contain mildew inhibitors and require minimal preparation. Popular brands offer a wide color range and various finish options, including matte, glossy, and metallic effects.

Choosing the right paint

Select a paint compatible with your fabric type – cotton, polyester, or blended materials. For heavy traffic areas, choose high-stain resistance. Consider the room's exposure to sunlight and moisture, as this affects color durability and paint selection.

Preparation and application tips

Always follow manufacturer instructions for best results. Proper surface preparation is crucial – clean, dry, and test paint on a small area first. Apply in thin, even coats to prevent drips and ensure coverage. Use quality brushes and rollers designed for fabric to maintain paint integrity.

Finishing touches

After initial drying, apply a clear protective finish to seal the paint and protect it from wear. This step enhances durability and hides any small imperfections. For outdoor applications, consider using UV-resistant clear coats to extend color life.

FAQ

Can fabric paint be used on all types of upholstery?

Most fabric paints work well on common upholstery materials like cotton, canvas, and upholstery fabric blends. However, always test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially with specialized fabrics or finishes.

If your upholstery material is unusual or of unknown composition, consider using a fabric marker specifically designed for that material type to ensure compatibility and durability.

How long does fabric paint take to dry?

The recommended drying time for most fabric paints is 24-48 hours. This allows the paint to fully cure and develop its final color and texture.

During this time, avoid folding, stretching, or washing the treated area to prevent smearing or damage to the fresh paint.

How much paint do I need?

Coverage can vary by paint brand and specific product, but fabric paints typically cover 6-10 square feet per 16oz can.

If your project requires more coverage than one can provides, consider purchasing an extra can to ensure you have enough paint without mixing different batches.

What tools are needed for application?

You'll need a fabric paint brush or roller, painter's tape, and sandpaper (120 grit).

Consider purchasing a paint shield or applicator cap to prevent paint residue on your tools between uses.

Can I paint over existing fabric designs?

Yes, you can paint over existing designs using fabric paint specifically designed for this purpose.

Always test the paint on a small piece of the existing fabric first to ensure color compatibility and resistance to fading or peeling.

How do I remove paint from my hands?

Clean hands immediately with soap and water while the paint is still wet.

If paint dries on your skin, try applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol before washing with soap and water.

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you.

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