Solar shades are great window treatments that can protect you from UV rays. They often come in plain colors, but if you are wondering whether you can give them a fresh look with paint, we've researched this topic to help you.
You can paint solar shades using acrylic fabric paint. It is best to use paint that sticks to fabric since solar shades are made from meticulously woven fabric. You can mix acrylic paint with a fabric medium to create a paint mixture that will work on solar shades without cracking or fading easily.
There is more to learn about this topic, like how to properly paint your blinds so your DIY project won't be a disaster! We will also tackle how to make acrylic fabric paint, among other related topics. So keep reading to learn more.
Painting Solar Shades
Painting your solar shades is a great way to match your window treatments to your room's overall theme. Most solar shades come in plain colors, but if you want to put your creativity to work, you can simply roll up your sleeves and do a DIY project.
Although it is possible to paint your solar shades, using the correct type of paint is essential to avoid ruining your window treatment. You don't want that, so here's the best type of paint for this DIY project.
Acrylic Fabric Paint
You should paint solar shades with a paint that will withstand sunlight, water, and moisture exposure. Thankfully, we have acrylic fabric paint for that!
This fabric paint consists of a mixture of acrylic paint and fabric medium. When mixed properly, this paint can provide several benefits that regular acrylic paint cannot offer.
Want to know more about acrylic fabric paint before getting yourself some? Then let's take a look at some of its benefits.
Durable
Acrylic fabric paints are by far the best paint to choose when you want to give your solar shades a fresh look. These fabric paints are known for their durability despite heat exposure, multiple washes, and daily usage of the item on which it is applied.
Long-Lasting
Another benefit of using acrylic fabric paint is that it doesn't peel or crack easily. However, applying acrylic alone on flexible materials such as fabric will certainly cause the painting to break or flake.
But since acrylic fabric paint contains fabric medium, the medium allows the acrylic paint to be flexible.
Wide Range Of Colors
Acrylic paints come in different colors that you can choose for your DIY project, from the lightest shades to the darkest. They even come in metallic colors!
How To Make Acrylic Fabric Paint For Solar Shades
The key to a successful DIY project is using the correct materials. Here is a simple guide to making acrylic fabric paint that you can use on your solar shades.
1. Prepare The Materials
For this project, you will need the following:
- Acrylic paint
- Fabric medium
- Mixing bowl
- Brush or stirrer
2. Mix The Paint
To make an acrylic fabric paint mixture, pour 2/3 of the acrylic paint into the mixing bowl. Add 1/3 of the fabric medium. Mix the paint and medium evenly and wait a few minutes for the medium to thin the paint.
The fabric medium is a liquid solution. It will not take a lot of time to mix well with the acrylic paint so make sure that you do not wait too long for it to thin the acrylic paint.
Check out this fabric medium on Amazon.
How To Paint Your Solar Shades With Acrylic Fabric Paint
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Once you have your acrylic fabric paint, it is time to proceed to your DIY project. Here is a step-by-step guide that you can follow.
1. Clean The Solar Shades
Ensure that your solar shades are free from dust and dirt. However, you don't need to wash them. Use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to clean the solar shades by dipping the sponge or cloth into tap water.
Also, avoid using detergents or other types of soap when cleaning your solar shades unless they have hard-to-remove stains.
Ensure that you wring your sponge or cloth before wiping the shades to ensure that the shades aren't soaking in too much water. It would be best if you then left them to dry before painting.
Check out these solar shades on Amazon.
2. Prepare Your Materials Needed
Gather all the materials you will need for the project. These are:
- Painting palette or bowl
- Paintbrush
- Acrylic fabric paint
- Safety mask and glovesarry out the project in a well-ventilated area to avoid putting your
You should work in a well-ventilated area to avoid putting your health at risk due to the chemicals in the paint you will apply to your solar shades.
3. Remove The Solar Shades From The Brackets
Remove the shades from the bracket so you can work on them more easily without getting paint on the floor or walls.
To remove the shades from the bracket, open the clamp on the bracket, then gently lift the roller out. You don't need to unmount the other parts of the shades unless you want to paint the brackets as well.
4. Begin painting
Let your creativity flow. You can play with colors and create patterns, or you can simply change the original color of your shades.
However, the existing color of your shades may affect the new color you will apply. So don't forget to refer to a color wheel for additional guidance on how to balance out the original and new colors.
5. Let The Paint Dry
Leave the painted solar shades in a well-ventilated area and wait for them to air-dry completely. Avoid putting the shades in areas near fire or equipment that produces extreme heat to avoid damaging them, although they are fire-resistant.
6. Set The Paint
Once your shades are completely dry, it is time to set the paint you applied. Because your paint has acrylic, heat up an iron and run it over the painted parts of the shade to seal them and make them permanent.
Do not forget to put a layer of cloth between your iron and your shades to avoid transferring the paint to the iron.
7. Put The Shades Back Into The Bracket
Secure the shades in the bracket using the safety clamp. Close the headrail to keep the shades in place, then test if they will go up or down.
Can You Put Solar Shades In A Clothes Dryer?
Although solar shades are made from fabric, putting them in a clothes dryer is not advisable. The heat inside the dryer can damage the fibers of your solar shades and might affect their efficiency in preventing UV rays from entering the room.
Solar Shades Vs. Roller Blinds: Which To Choose?
Despite the common misconception that solar shades and roller blinds are the same, they are two different types of window treatments. Therefore, the best solution for your home will depend on your preference.
Solar shades are specifically made to block the harmful UV rays from the sun from entering, while roller blinds simply stop light from entering your home. Consequently, solar shades are more expensive than roller blinds.
Final Thoughts
Painting your solar shades can be fun and a great way to unleash your creative side. Remember to use the appropriate type of paint for a successful outcome. In addition, practice safety precautions when working with paint to avoid health hazards.
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