Archival Fabric Paint to Use in A Museum Setting

[Connie R.]

Does anyone know of a fabric paint that is archival or acid free, that could be used up against artifacts or textiles in a museum setting???? I use SHiva paint sticks, but I am sure that since they are oil based, that would not work.
I am Gayles on The Quilt Show, or e mail me at mailto:[email protected] if you have a helpful suggestion. Thank you!!! (Please indicate Forum in the e mail subject area.)

[Connie R.]

I thought OIL based paints would be ideal since the Masters ( Rembrant, Michael Angelo etc) used oils and those painting have hung on for 100s of years.

Ancient Japanese artist used inks for their scroll arts on silks, satins and fabrics scrolls. ( I saw that on a PBS special just last week) Tsukineko Products would be good for that. I saw Trish Stewart of Texas ( twisted threads) do a presentation and workshop and her work was beautiful using the inks. She also had fun ways to using the projects that is kid friendly.

I do not think the ink would give you textures but thread painting could do that.

http://<br /> <a href="http://www.t...ainpg.html</a>

Hope this helps...

[Connie R.]

I thought OIL based paints would be ideal since the Masters ( Rembrant, Michael Angelo etc) used oils and those painting have hung on for 100s of years.

Half, right, LadyRags. The Masters used oil based paints on cloth canvas that were carefully sealed to prevent any of the oils or solvents from actually touching the cloth. Were it not for the careful application of these prepared sealants, the oil in the paint would have rotted the canvas in short order, as any number of art students can attest.

I, myself, always use dye on fabric, never paint. Sorry I cannot help, Gayles.

[Connie R.]

What I would do is contact the Henry Ford Museum. They are supposed to have an excellent fabric conservator (so I've heard, anyway )

Jean

[Connie R.]

Good Idea... Henry Ford Museum does have a great textile department. I am also sure there are other museums that have knowledgeable conservators. Maybe the Smithsonian.

Other people you might check are ART QUILTERS or painters such as Donna Dewberry... she paints on cloth all the time for her show. She might not be concerned with the longevity of the final product though and I assume that is why you are looking for ARCHIVAL PAINTS.