There are several ways to apply paintstik color to your fabric, including direct application, masking, rubbing, and stenciling.
Direct Application: You can apply paintstik colors directly to fabric as if you were coloring with a crayon. Once the colors are applied, you may wish to use an old toothbrush or a stiff stenciling brush to smooth and blend the colors.
Rubbing: Place a textured object under your fabric. Then work with the paintstik directly on the fabric. As you rub the paintstik across the fabric, an image of the textured item under the fabric will appear. It is not necessary to press hard when making a rubbing – a light touch is helpful to get a clean image.
Stenciling: Unless you are cutting stencils from freezer paper, you will want to apply the paintstik color with a stencil brush instead of using the paintstik directly over a stencil. (Direct application will cause a lot of paint build-up around the edges of the stencil, and generally create a mess.)
Rub the paintstik color on a separate “palette” surface. Load the paint onto a stencil brush. Place your stencil on top of your fabric, and apply the paint through the openings in the stencil. It often works better to use a circular “scrubbing” motion than an up-and-down stippling motion. Add multiple layers of paint to get a solid image.
Masking: Use masking tape, paper, or any other material to cover areas of your fabric while you apply the paint. For example, lay a grid of masking tape down on your fabric. Apply paintstik color directly or using a brush, then peel up the tape to expose the grid on your fabric.
