Lumiere & Neopaque FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Jacquard fabric paints including Lumiere, Neopaque, Dye-Na-Flow, and Textile Colors, plus techniques for mixing, heat-setting, and special effects.
What is the difference between Lumiere & Neopaque, Dye-Na-Flow, and Textile Colors?
All three are waterbased acrylic paints and they all work together very well. However, each one has its own unique characteristics: Dye-Na-Flow is a very fluid textile paint that has the consistency of water. It can be used for water color like washes and silk painting techniques. Textile Colors are medium bodied semi-opaque paints ideal for fabric painting. Lumiere & Neopaque are light bodied, very flexible paints suitable for various surfaces such as leather, paper, & fabric. The Neopaques are very opaque and excellent for covering dark materials. The Lumiere line is a gorgeous assortment of metallics & pearlescents.
Can I mix Lumiere & Neopaque with Jacquard Textile Colors and Dye-Na-Flow?
Absolutely, all are acrylic paints and they work very well together. Keep in mind that the consistencies of each paint are different, so your resulting colors may be thicker or thinner.
How do I use Lumiere & Neopaque for stamping?
You can use them straight from the bottle. Try applying them to the stamp with a sponge brush or makeup sponge.
Can I thin Lumiere & Neopaque for airbrushing?
Yes. They can be diluted with water by up to 25% to pass through an airbrush.
I've followed all the directions for heat setting, but my paints are washing off. What did I do wrong?
Make sure that you are using a dry iron at the correct temperature setting for the fabric. If you don't heat set at a high enough temperature for a long enough time, the paint may not be thoroughly set. Sometimes if you are using a top loading washing machine, it can abrade the paint from the fabric. Pre-washing fabrics before doing any surface treatments to remove any factory sizings may also help.
Are Lumiere & Neopaque dry-cleanable?
Yes. Once properly heat set, Lumiere & Neopaque are dry cleanable.
When do I use the Flowable Extender?
Flowable Extender is the medium-bodied clear acrylic base for Lumiere & Neopaque. Mix it into any other Lumiere and Neopaque color to create transparency without changing the consistency of the paint. For a transparent metallic shimmer, try adding some Pearl-Ex Powdered Pigments to the extender for use on fabric.
What are the ways to heat-set textile paints?
Heat setting is necessary with most Fabric Paints to lock the color into the fibers so it's washable. (Paint must be thoroughly dry!) There are a few different methods. Ironing is a major home option. Preheat the iron at the maximum temperature safe for the fabric. Most paints say to iron each spot for 2-3 minutes. Using Aluminum foil can cut back on this time. Place aluminum foil on the ironing board with the shiny side up. Put the fabric over that with the painted face down. Place another sheet of foil on top, shiny side down. Each square foot must be pressed for 15-25 seconds keeping the iron moving so as to not scorch the fabric. (Inexpensive plastic irons sometimes don't get hot enough). A commercial dryer that reaches 250 degrees minimum can be used for 30-45 minutes depending on the fabric and fabric paint used. The dryer must be preheated and please note that home dryers usually don't get hot enough. Another method is using a commercial conveyor type oven: 350* for 3 minutes, 2 passes if necessary. A home oven can be safely used (except for accessories that have plastic inserts!), 250* for 25 min. Coil the fabric in a loose roll and lay it on some paper, not allowing the fabric to touch the side or rack of the oven. All temperatures and amounts of times are dependant on the
