How to heat-set fabric paint

Most water-based fabric paints are not wash-fast until they have been heat-set. Heat bonds the binder in the paint to the fibres, so the colour stays when the cloth is washed.

Let the paint dry completely first — at least 24 hours for thick layers. Turn the piece inside out, or lay a plain cotton cloth over the painted side.

Iron on the hottest setting the fabric allows, without steam, for three to five minutes, keeping the iron moving. Silk needs a lower setting and a pressing cloth.

Wait another two or three days before the first wash, and wash in cold water by hand. Always follow the instructions on your paint: some brands set by air-drying alone.