Mesh and canvas can be difficult to work with -- especially if you're unfamiliar with the best methods. Painting detailed designs on these softer, flexible materials can be challenging, but using the right approach and Angelus fabric paint makes incredible results achievable.
To help you learn how to paint mesh and canvas, @chadcantcolor created a tutorial to show you how to use Angelus Paints on these surfaces using the clean fade and dab method.
Continue reading to discover how to use this technique with Angelus fabric paint and the essential tools you’ll need to begin your own project.
What You Need
To paint canvas or mesh, you only need a few items:
- Angelus Paint
- Foam Pad
- Paint Brushes
- Angelus 2-Soft
Once you have all of your materials, it's time to get to work.
How to Paint Mesh with Angelus fabric paint
Start by prepping your shoes. To prep mesh and canvas shoes, tape off the areas that you don't want to paint, remove the laces, and use a shoe tree or plastic to stuff the shoe so that it holds its shape.
Before applying Angelus fabric paint, it’s important to mix Angelus 2-Soft with your paint at a 1:1 ratio. 2-Soft is a fabric medium specifically designed to allow Angelus fabric paint to bond effectively to soft materials like mesh and canvas, all without stiffening the material.
Then, using a #10 Filbert brush (or any other big, soft brush), apply your first coat of paint using light, even strokes. This will create an even coat without saturating the layers beneath the surface.
Alternatively, you can take a makeup sponge, dip it into your paint, and dab the surface of the shoe until the whole thing is covered. This technique uses a lot more paint but will help you get full coverage very quickly.
If you use the sponge method, be sure to still use a brush for the edges to protect the midsole from getting paint on it.
After your first coat dries, apply two to three more until the shoe is evenly coated.
How to Paint Canvas
Painting canvas is more or less the same as painting mesh. Prep the shoe by taping off the soles, removing the laces, and stuffing the shoe.
Just like painting mesh, start by creating a 50/50 ix of Angelus 2-Soft and your choice of paint. Then, use a brush to apply a light, even base coat to the shoe.
Tip: For precise painting near edges without blotching or going over lines when using Angelus fabric paint, use a micro detail brush.
If you want to kick things up a notch, grab two more colors to create a fade effect.
Pick where you want the fade to start (if you're painting Vans, you can start at the line), grab your medium color, and start painting. As you work your way up, use less and less pressure on the brush so that the medium shade naturally fades into the lighter one.
Then, using the same medium color of Angelus fabric paint,, fill in the area below the fade. Once that's done, take your third color, start from the bottom, and fade it into the second color using the same technique as before.
For more helpful tutorials like this one using Angelus fabric paint, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and don't forget to check out our online store to grab all the tools you need to create your next pair of customs.