This thread is archived.
I had this thought the other day while tipping my nails with glitter: does something similar exist for fabric? Basically, is there a way to add metallic shimmer to fabrics with a spray or something? The nail polish stuff is just glitter in a clear coating, but most of what I've found on a google search seems to be pure paint with no clear base ([url]http://www.amazon.com/So-Soft-Fabric-Paint-Silver-Sa/dp/B001GAMHR2[/url] or [url]http://www.joann.com/tulip-fashion-glitter-shimmer-fabric-paint-175-ounces/10940526.html[/url] for example) - so for those more experienced in doing creative work than me, does something like what I'm talking about exist?
Glitter-paint exists, yeah, but if you're looking for something more secure, you'd be essentially using glue like you would with paper. Brush-on glue in patterns onto the fabric and then tip the glitter on, but you do run the risk of having extra glitter get stuck in the fabric if it has any kind of texture or nap.
My partner did something years ago that was much more successful than plain old glitter, she used glue and a metallic pigment (I believe it came from Jacquard), because the pigment could be tapped into the glue while it was being applied. It still came out looking sparkly, like hammered gold applied to the fabric (to silk velvet, no less!) but with much less mess than glitter - and a LOT LESS SHEDDING. I don't know if Jacquard still makes the powdered pigments, though, or if there's a similar substitute these days.
Really, anytime glitter and fabric are involved, there is going to be glitter-shed. You can't avoid it. There is no way, even using fabric that comes with glitter accents already applied to it, to stop glitter from getting everywhere. That's why it's the herpes of costuming. So if you want to use actual glitter, you're going to get it everywhere you don't want it no matter what, and have to accept this. Accept the repeated vacuuming and Swiffer-ing, accept that glitter will be on every other item of clothing, every other piece of the costume, etc. So, might want to look into a metallic pigment instead.
Then again, if you're looking to add "sheen" to a fabric that is matte? No, there's no real way to do that. Fabrics with sheen get it from the fibers and how they're woven, it isn't a finish and there's no substitute. Things like craft glitter-spray (seen it for woodcraft, floral, etc) is literally just spray-on adhesive with chunks of glitter, which most likely won't adhere well to the fabric and all your glitter will shed off.
I'm guessing you mean [url=http://www.dharmatrading.com/paints/pearl-ex-pigments.html?lnav=paints.html]these[/url], Capsule -- Pearl-Ex pigments. They are beautiful, beautiful things, and were my first thought in terms of glittery (albeit with all those problems you've mentioned).
Thanks for the advice! Glitter everywhere is a pain... but the outfit needs some oomph. I think those Jacquard items might be exactly what I need! Time to go experiment...
Anyone have pics of it in use on fabric?
YES the Pearl-EX! That's it! Thank you. :D
Ah, good, there is a picture. Like I mentioned, this was my partner's work, glue and the pigment on silk velvet to get an embossed look:
[url]http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2015380/[/url]