Can You Use Sharpie on Fabric?

Using sharpie paint markers on a surface to make a design or write something is a common thing nowadays. These paint makers work as permanent paint. However, can you use a sharpie on the fabric? Because every fabric is different from each other. That’s why not every fabric will react the same. Even if you use it on the fabric will sharpie stay on the fabric after washing? Or even if it washes away, do you know how to set a permanent marker on fabric? Do you know how to keep sharpie from fading on fabric? If you don’t have any answers to them, then you are in the right place. Because here in this article, we are going to cover all of these topics.

Sharpie sharper markers are perfect for paper and hard surfaces such as wood, rock, floor, and many other places. However, these markers were not made to draw designs on the fabric. But it doesn’t mean you can’t use it to make designs on the clothes. You can do it easily like the fabric markers. But the only difference is it will wash away after some time. But there are also some ways to make sure this sharpie marker can stay on the fabric. You have to do some extra steps to make it permanent. And in this article, we will talk about that.

While you are using something to design your clothes, there are many questions that you can have in your mind. It’s because no one wants to damage their dress unless it is for experiments. But don’t you worry. Because here in this article, we are going to tell you all information possible.

Can you use sharpie on fabric?

Can you use a sharpie on the fabric?

People use different types of permanent fabric markers that make it easy to paint their T-shirts or dresses. Sharpie is a renowned brand that people use to draw on hard surfaces. It is one kind of permanent marker that you can use. Now the question is, can you use a sharpie marker on fabric or not? And even if you apply it to the fabric, will it stay permanent or colors will wash away?

The thing is, Sharpe is never meant to be used on fabrics. However, still, you can use it on the fabric. But you might not get the same result. It will not give you permanent color. But there are some ways that will help you to keep the marker paint on the clothes permanently. So if you follow those procedures, it will be easy for you to do work with them.

How to Make Sharpie Permanent on Fabric?

Fabric markers are different than sharpie. They are meant to be on the fabric. On the other hand, a sharpie is for paper, wood, or any hard surface. So if you want to keep sharpie permanent on fabric, then here are some extra steps that you have to maintain. In this way, Sharpie will be permanent on the fabric. So here we will tell you everything step by step.

How to Make Sharpie Permanent on Fabric with Fabric Paint?

Things you will need

  • A brand new T-shirt or any fabric
  • Sharpie ink
  • Clear fabric paint
  • Brush
  • Coldwater

Step-1:

Firstly, keep all the things that you need for designing the fabric with it. In this way, you won’t have to waste your time finding them when you are working.

Step-2:

Now you have to prepare the cloth. It would be better if you use brand-new cloth. Make sure to wash it in a regular laundry cycle and then dry it properly. It will help the ink to be in the fabric.

Step-3:

Now you have to heat the sharpie ink on the fabric. It is one of the easy ways to keep the ink on the T-shirt. Before you use the heat method, make sure the ink has dried properly.

You can use iron to heat the ink. Based on the fabric material, you can set the heat setting on the iron.

Step-4:

Once the fabric has dried completely, you can apply clear fabric paint to seal the ink on the fabric. You have to apply a thin layer of coating. In this way, you can keep the paint on the fabric for a long time.

How to Make Sharpie Permanent on Fabric with Fixative?

Fixative is a chemical solution that will help you to seal the sharpie paint on the fabric. It also makes your work simple and easy. And now we will tell you how you can use fixative to make sharpie markers permanent.

Things you will need

  • Fixative
  • T-shirt
  • Sharpie Marker
  • Spray bottle (Optional)

Step-1:

First of all, gather all the materials that you need. It will be helpful for you to save time. Now wash the T-shirt before you start to design it. After washing, let the fabric dry completely.

Step-2:

Now take a fixative that you can use with cold water. Make sure to read the instructions before you use them. It will help you to know how much product you need.

Step-3:

After then, you can use a sharpie on the fabric. And do the design you want to do. After doing this, you can take a spray bottle and make a solution using cold water and a fixative. Now you can spray on the paint part of the fabric. Or you can soak the fabric into the solution.

Step-4:

Now you can take the fabric and dry it regularly as you do.

There are also other ways to make a sharpie paint permanently on fabric. But these two ways are some of the easiest things to do. You can do with the things you have in your home. That’s how you can make a sharpie last longer on fabric.

What fabric do you use for sharpie fabric dyeing?

There are different types of fabrics that we all use daily. However, not every fabric works for the same reason. There are some fabrics that can make the color vibrant after dyeing. And for some fabrics, no matter how many colors you use, it won’t work for you. The same thing goes for sharpie fabric. Not every fabric can handle its formulation.

That’s why you need to go for the safest way. Based on the fabric cost, it would be wise to use cotton fabric for sharpie dyeing. Cotton fabric works the best. And you won’t feel regret after using it for dyeing. Also, they are enough durable to handle chemical formulation.

You can also use other fabrics. However, they won’t work the same as cotton. So for the best result, you can use cotton fabric.

How to Remove Sharpie Markers from Fabric?

Even if you work with a sharpie marker for doing some design, sometimes it is common to do mistakes. And you want to remove it. If you don’t know how you can remove sharpie marker stain from fabric, then we are here to help you.

How to get an old sharpie out of fabric?

It is common to get stained tour fabric with a sharpie. If the stain is new, then there will be no problem. However, once the stain has gotten old, it can cause a problem.

Here we are going to mention one of the best ways to remove old sharpies out of fabric with rubbing alcohol. You can use this method to remove sharpie markers from knit fabric or fabric couch. This method will work for everyone.

Things you will need

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Paper Towel
  • Sponge
  • Stained cloth

Step-1:

To remove permanent markers or old sharpie stains from the fabric, you need rubbing alcohol. Firstly, place a paper towel. Now keep the stained area of the fabric on it.

Step-2:

Now deep a sponge on the rubbing alcohol. And then, you can start dabbing around the stained area. 

Step-3:

Now you can change the paper towel. Do this until all the stains come out from the fabric.

Fabric markers vs Sharpie Marker

After reading this article, now you must be thinking what the difference between fabric markers and sharpie markers. Although both of them are markers, they have a huge difference between them. That’s why in this part of this article, we will tell you the difference between fabric markers and sharpie markers.

Fabric markers

  1. Fabric Markers are usually two types. One of them is washable and the other one is permanent. So if you want something durable, then a permanent fabric marker would be a great choice. And for short time use, you can look for a washable one.
  2. Fabric markers are usually waterproof and bleed-proof. That’s why you won’t have to worry about fabric bleeding even after a few washes.
  3. Fabric markers come in both affordable and expensive price ranges. It depends on the formulation.
  4. This type of marker is only for fabrics. So you can show your artistic side in your fabric with this marker.
  5. Fabric markers come in vibrant options with a limited color selection.

Sharpie Marker

  1. Sharpie marker is a popular brand. It can dry quickly without fading. As this marker is parmesan, so sometimes it can be difficult to work with it.
  2. Although, sharpie markers are known as permanent. However, if you use this on the fabric, after a few washes. And the colors will fade away.
  3. Sharpie markers are more affordable than fabric markers. You can get a set of this marker for $5.
  4. Some people use sharpies on fabric instead of using fabric markers. However, without some extra steps, the colors will wash away.
  5. You will get sharpie colors in different colors. It has many color options.

Conclusion

So probably after reading this article, all of your confusion must be gone. Sharpie is a big and popular brand name. They have always provided the best services. However, when it comes to fabrics, you need to be careful. Because not every fabric reacts the same way like paper or wooden things. Hopefully, now you know whether you can use a sharpie on fabric or not.

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