5 Must-Know Tips for Creating Hand Painted Senior Denim
- Tracey Bellion
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Hand painted senior denim is not a new trend and I had no idea!
Did you know that seniors in high school have been painting spirit wear for YEARS??? I've had several women write and inform me that apparently painted corduroy skirts and pants were all the rage back in the 60's!
It has certainly blossomed into crazy fun styles as of late... especially overalls... and many of them require sewing with ruffles, trims, patches and more!
One thing I do NOT enjoy is sewing (I really wish I did), so my senior denim is more of the vintage vibe like the original hand painted corduroy!
Mine are VERY easy to create... and you don't need to feel overwhelmed at the idea of creating a pair of hand painted denim for the senior in your life!
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Supplies Used: Painted Denim Projects
Chalk
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5 Must-Know Tricks for Creating Hand Painted Senior Denim
I've had the pleasure of doing a few this year and thought I would share them with you here... and offer a few pointers! Following these easy tips to get a stunning look every time!
#1 Sketch Your Design First
I find it very helpful to sketch out my ideas first! I don't always perfectly stick to the sketched design... as you can see the overalls with bubbles were first intended to just be circles and even included a turtle!
#2 Draw your Design in Chalk First.
Trust me on this one! Using basic chalkboard chalk, sketch your design directly onto the denim. It’s erasable, flexible, and makes planning your artwork so much easier.
#3 Alway Paint a White Base
Lay down a coat of white paint before applying colors. This helps to keep your paint colors on your finished product bright and true to color. I compare it to priming a canvas or a piece of furniture.... you are blocking the tone of the denim as well as locking up the fabric fibers to more smoothly paint your final design.
PRO TIP: Sometimes I paint with just watered down chalk mineral paint... and lately I've been adding a textile additive to some of my chalk mineral paint as well. I honestly can't tell a difference in the final feel - they both allow the paint to move smoothly across the fabric. I encourage you to try painting both ways (water or additive) and see which you prefer.
#4 Add Extra Details
Don't shy away from other products that may help to enhance your art....such as fabric paint pens or dimensional fabric paint for outlines and accents. They can add depth and really make your design pop.
#5 Always Heat Set your Design!
Seal your design by ironing (low heat, no steam, with a thin pillow case barrier). You can also toss in the dryer for a warm tumble.
And for extra setting power, brush on a quick layer of Easy Peasy Spray Wax on all painted surfaces.
Your art WILL NOT budge!
PRO TIP: For a lasting design, I recommend gentle wash in cold water.... and hang dry.
How can I help with YOUR Custom Denim project?
Paint Your Own Project
If you'd like a much more in depth look into painting denim, I've got you covered!
I have many very detailed (and affordable) denim painting classes that guide you through all the steps to create your own hand painted denim wearable artwork. These video courses cover several types of painting techniques as well as design instruction and gives you all the tricks and tips to make it look great and just as importantly make it LAST through the wash!
These classes are pre-recorded, self paced and yours to watch as many times as you want or need!
Be warned......painting denim is a little bit addicting!
You may never look at a denim jacket or pair of overalls the same!
Allow ME to paint it for YOU!
I offer a variety of painted canvas & denim projects that I custom create for you! You provide the vision, we collaborate on the final look, and I create a beautiful lasting piece just for you! See all my wearable artwork offerings HERE...or just shoot me an email with your custom design ideas.
More Inspiration: Painted Denim
I have been painting on denim for years! ALL the denim that I can get my hands on. Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Men's Faux Leather Jacket - a personalized gift for my music artist son-in-law
Fall Painted Overalls - Embrace the fall weather with these custom overalls
Volleyball Sports Jacket - another jacket to support your favorite athlete
Original Painted Overalls - step-by-step guide to creating painted overalls
Denim Jacket Abstract Art - Abstract Floral Lady
Floral Painted Blue Jeans - wear them and wash them and wear them again!
Storytelling Denim Jacket - a beautiful jacket with a heartwarming story
Faux Wood Grain Denim Jacket - learn this technical for a men's denim design
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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