FAQs
Fabricoat encourages us to explore, experiment and create, injecting our surroundings with our unique personality and style. It’s easy to use and a really cost-effective way to revive faded or outdated fabrics. It’s also great for the planet because it lets you upcycle things rather than get rid of them.
A. Yes, Fabricoat will work on any fabric provided it is absorbent. To test absorbency, drop some water onto the fabric and see if it soaks in. If it does, it is absorbent, and Fabricoat will work. We’d advise that for fabrics with a pile, you order double the amount of fabric paint as there is more surface area to cover.
A. A 250ml bottle will cover a lampshade or cushion, 500ml will paint a dining chair or a footstool, 1 litre will be enough for an armchair, headboard, or car seat, and 2.5 litres will be enough to transform a three-seater sofa.
However, if your fabric has a pile (like velvet, faux-suede, chenille, draylon, or microfibre), you will need to use more product as there is much more surface area to cover. We suggest ordering double the above quantities of fabric paint for these fabric types.
A. No, as long as you brush the fabric with a Soft Bristled Brush during and after painting it should not feel any different. Fabricoat is designed to dry with a soft, flexible finish without changing how the fabric feels.
If the material you are painting feels very soft/silky/velvety prior to application then it may slightly stiffen the fabric initially, but it will soon soften after use. And do make sure you don’t apply too much fabric paint as this will stiffen the material.
A. If you want to change the colour of an item, we recommend you always use a darker paint than the original colour.
If you do wish to transform your item to a lighter colour, the original darker colour is likely to show through. You can use our White Fabricoat as a base paint, but we suggest you always test a corner of the fabric first to guarantee this will work.
A. Sofas, chairs, lampshades, blinds, headboards and car interiors, but the possibilities are endless. Check out our Inspire page or socials to see what our community have been painting.
A. Yes, it is. Fabricoat takes 24 hours to become touch-dry and can be used after that, but we’d advise waiting a full seven days to allow the colour to fully cure. Once it’s fully cured, the material can be washed or cleaned as normal. Once dry, it will not rub off onto your clothes or other items.
A. Fabricoat is designed to work on a wide range of fabrics, but every material has unique properties, like weave, texture, and absorbency. These factors can slightly affect coverage, colour intensity, and finish. That’s why we recommend performing a quick patch test before beginning your project to ensure the desired result.
Fabricoat is intended for indoor use only and is not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to outdoor elements like sunlight, rain, or extreme weather.
A. It’s a quick, simple way to get the best results before you embark on your transformation.
A patch test ensures:
- Even coverage on your specific fabric
- Accurate colour representation
- A smooth application process without any hidden surprises
A. A patch test is simple and quick:
- Choose an inconspicuous area of the fabric, like the edge or underside.
- Apply a small amount of the paint as you would during the project.
- Let it dry completely and assess the coverage, colour, and finish.
A. Fabricoat is highly versatile and works on most types of fabric but some fabrics with unusual finishes (e.g. those with coatings or very loose weaves) may require additional coats for optimal coverage. A patch test will help determine compatibility.
A. If the patch test result is not what you expected:
- Try adjusting your application technique (e.g apply a second coat or use a different tool, such as a sponge or brush).
- For very absorbent fabrics, you might need additional coats.
- Feel free to contact our customer support team for more information.
A. Yes, Fabricoat works on dark fabrics, but coverage may require multiple coats for lighter colours. We always recommend a light-to-dark transformation for optimal results.
Testing a small patch will help you see how the colour appears and decide how many coats are needed.
A. Once Fabricoat has dried and cured properly, it is water-resistant and long-lasting. However, the durability may vary slightly depending on the fabric type. A patch test will let you confirm this.