How To Dye Faux Fur With Acrylic Paint?

Dyeing faux fur is a great way to add a unique and exciting touch to any project. You can create vibrant and colorful designs with acrylic paints that transform your faux fur from drab to fab. So, how to dye faux fur with acrylic paint?

To dye faux fur with acrylic paint, apply a base coat of the desired color. Once the base coat is dry, add additional layers of paint and let dry between each layer. Once dry, apply a sealer to give the fur body and shine.

In this blog, we’ll explore the techniques and tips for dyeing to ensure you get the best results possible. Get ready to give your faux fur a brilliant new look!

Prepping Your Faux Fur For Dying

Ready to make some stylish faux fur? Let’s start with prepping your faux fur fabric. It’s easier than you may think, and it’s the best way to ensure that your project looks fantastic.

Cleaning the Fabric:

If the fabric is brand new, a protective coating will be applied during manufacturing on the material that needs to be removed before painting.

You’ll want to hand wash the entire piece of faux fur in cold water using a mild detergent. Any dish soap will do, but if you’re after a more natural solution, add some raw apple cider vinegar to the wash water.

After hand washing and rinsing the fabric, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining coating. 

Once dry, you’ll want to brush the fabric to ensure it’s free from lint and dust. If you still find stubborn lint, you may need to pick it out with a lint roller or sticky tape.

Prepping the Fabric:

Before starting any paint project, always work in a well-ventilated area. With faux fur, it’s essential to avoid breathing in the loose hairs that are more likely to fly around during the painting process.

Now, you’re ready to prep the fur for painting. Start using a lint roller or sticky tape to remove any remaining lint and dust. Then, you can use masking or painter’s tape to tape off any areas you don’t want to be affected by the paint.

Once you’ve taped off the area and brushed the fur to ensure no loose hairs are present, you’re ready to start painting.

Choosing the Right Type of Paint:

Before you start painting, you’ll want to ensure that you choose the right paint for your particular project. You can use artist-grade acrylic paint if you’re looking for a more traditional finish. 

No matter what paint you choose, it’s essential to ensure that it is specifically designed for fabric use. Any paint not made for this type of project may cause your piece to become stiff or even discolored.

Summary

Before dying faux fur, it is essential to hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining coating, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Additionally, artist-grade acrylic paint should be used for a traditional finish.

Preparations Before Dyeing 

Before you start dyeing, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that your dye will look its best, including choosing the color, creating the desired effect, and mixing the paint.

Choosing the Color:

Consider how you want the fur to look. If you want it to look natural, choose a color that matches the original fur or a slightly darker one. Read the color chart:

Light Color Acrylic Dye Chart For Faux Fur

Dark Color Acrylic Dye Chart For Faux Fur

What effect do you want the color to have? For example, bright and vibrant colors will stand out, while subdued and neutral colors can create a subtle, natural look.

The type of fabric the faux fur is made of, as some materials may be more suitable for specific colors than others.

Creating the Desired Effect:

To add texture, you can use a sponge or a brush to apply the paint to the fur.

If you want to create a pattern, you can use stencils or get more creative by cutting the fur after it has been applied with the dye.

If you want to create an ombre effect, you can dip the fur into one dye after another to make a gradual light-to-dark transition.

Mixing the Paint:

Choose the acrylic dye specific to faux fur that won’t damage the fabric by thinning or over-dyeing.

Make sure to mix the correct ratio of dye and water per the instructions on the packaging.

Be sure to stir the dye consistently to ensure all the color has been evenly mixed.

Summary

Before dyeing faux fur, consider the desired effect and choose the color accordingly. Mix the acrylic dye with the correct water ratio and apply the paint with a brush or sponge for texture, or use stencils for a pattern.

Dyeing the Faux Fur 

Dyeing faux fur is a great way to customize your look. But as with any creative process, there are tips on getting the most vibrant colors out of the dye. 

Applying the Paint:

Prepare the area where you will die the fur. Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly so that any dirt or dust won’t stain the fur. Wear gloves when applying the paint to protect your hands from chemical dyes.

Use a spray bottle to carefully apply the dye to the fur, ensuring to saturate the fur online. After dying, rinse the fur thoroughly with cold water to remove any excess dye.

Tips for Applying the Paint

Use light strokes when applying the paint to prevent the fur from becoming matted. Work in small sections to avoid the fur’s natural sheen from being lost in the dyeing process. 

Allow the fur to dry completely before continuing with the dyeing process. Be careful when working with chemical dyes, as they can be toxic if mishandled.

Working on the Faux Fur:

Choose an acrylic dye from the many colors available on the market. Remember that not all colors will be suitable for dyeing faux fur, so read the instructions on the label. 

Protect the fur from the chemicals by combing it into sections.

Apply the dye to the areas that you want to color. Be sure to cover evenly and make sure that no bare patches are visible.

Letting the Paint Dry:

Once you’ve applied the dye, leave it to dry completely. Depending on the type of dye and the amount of fur you’re dying, this could take around 24 hours.

Gently brush the fur after the dye has been completely dried to remove any excess powder or paint. It should result in a finished look that’s soft, luxurious, and unique.

Summary

When dyeing faux fur, preparing the area and wearing gloves when applying the paint is essential. Use light strokes and work in small sections to maintain a natural sheen. Allow the fur to dry before continuing, and be careful when working with arylic dyes.

Finishing the Dyeing Faux Fur

Creating a one-of-a-kind finished product with faux fur comes down to dyeing. We’re looking at the steps to finish your project and how to seal your fake fur properly. 

Applying Sealant: 

• Use a water-based sealant lightly across the faux fur surface. 
• Make sure to cover the length of your fur evenly while avoiding heavy or clumpy spots. 
• Allow the sealant to dry, and follow up with another layer as needed. 
• Make sure to keep the sealant away from spots you will later be grooming. This way, it won’t tear apart the delicate fur.
• Once your sealant is applied and dried, it will help keep the fur color vibrant and enriched and protect your faux fur from unwanted dust and dirt. 

Finishing the Look: 

• Once your faux fur is sealed, you can fluff and groom it as desired. 
• A thin metal comb will help to groom the fur’s strands, giving it body, texture, and a much more realistic appearance. 
• Sculpt the fur as wanted until it falls into the shape and look you desire for the overall piece. 
• After grooming, use a dryer to heat the fur and lock in style. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can cause the fur to become brittle and may hinder the design’s longevity. 
• Once your faux fur is groomed and heat-set, it will look beautiful. Now you can create a unique piece of clothing, finish a costume, or craft another as-yet-undiscovered design. 

Summary

After applying a water-based sealant to the faux fur, grooming and shaping it with a metal comb, and drying it with a hairdryer. The fur will be vibrant, enriched, and protected from dust and dirt. 

It’ll help to create a realistic and desired look for the piece.

Pros and Cons of Dyeing Faux Fur with Acrylic Paint 

Before you break out the paintbrush, you must know the pros and cons of dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint. 

Pros of Dyeing Faux Fur with Acrylic Paint

• Versatile: The benefit of dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint is that it can take on any color you choose. You can easily create a color gradient or use multiple colors to create a one-of-a-kind piece of fur. 
• Washable: Your faux fur item is washable once you finish the dyeing process. It’s especially beneficial if you want to ensure that your paint job remains intact. 
• Durable: Acrylic paint is one of the most durable painting materials available. It makes it one of the best options for dyeing faux fur products that must endure regular wear and tear.

Cons of Dyeing Faux Fur with Acrylic Paint

• Messy: Dyeing with acrylic paint can be incredibly messy. Even after it dries, the fur may still have some residual paint. It can be especially problematic if you don’t take proper precautions to contain the mess. 
• Time-Consuming: Dyeing with acrylic paint can take much longer than good old-fashioned fur dyeing. You will need to apply the paint to each piece of fur, wait for it to dry, and then repeat the process. It’s essential to plan to make sure you can dedicate enough time to the process. 
• Hazardous: As with any type of paint, acrylic paint poses a risk to humans and animals. Use the proper safety equipment and follow all safety precautions to prevent exposure to hazardous fumes or particles. 

Summary

Dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint offers versatility and durability. However, it can be messy and time-consuming. Nevertheless, the washability of the paint job makes it an excellent option for those looking for a unique design.

Issues: Dying Faux Fur with Acrylic Paint

There are several issues associated with dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint, and we offer tips for fixing and improving the color achieved.

Issues with Applying The Paint

• Blotchy Color: One of the most common issues when dyeing faux fur is achieving an uneven and blotchy color. It is caused by over-applying the paint and not allowing the water to mix properly.
• Paint Streaking: Streaking of the paint is another common issue when applying acrylic paint on faux fur. Improper mixing and paints application, leaving areas of the fur textured instead of smooth.

Fixing Issues During The Dyeing Process

• Add More Water: Adding more water can help ensure a more even color when dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint. Doing so will help to distribute the paint more evenly and reduce the risk of blotchy color or streaking.
• Use a Soft Bristle Brush: When scrubbing the paint into the fur, it’s essential to ensure that a soft-bristle brush is used. Doing so will help ensure that the fur fibers don’t become damaged and even application of the paint.
• Allow Paint to Dry Completely: It is essential to ensure the paint has completely dried before washing the fur. Doing so will help prevent the paint from running or smearing.

What to do if the Color is Too Light or Too Dark

• Add More Paint: If the resulting color is too light, more paint can be added to deepen the color of the faux fur. Additionally, water can be added to the paint if the color is too dark to help lighten it.
• Reapply:  If the color is still unsatisfactory, reinvesting the entire process may be necessary. It may be the best option to achieve a specific hue or tone.

Summary

Issues applying paint to faux fur often include blotchy color and streaking. To fix this, add more water, use a soft-bristle brush, and allow the paint to dry completely. Doing so will ensure an even color and smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

Dyeing faux fur with acrylic paint is an easy and cost-effective way to customize your faux fur accessories. 

It is essential to select the right type and brand of paint to ensure your desired effect and consider the base color of the fur to get the desired results. 

Using just a few simple steps, you know how to dye faux fur with acrylic paint at home with excellent results. With a bit of practice and the right supplies, you can easily create a colorful, customized look that will last.