Paint for Jeans

Not every product can deliver the best paint for jeans. Ordinary fabric paint often cracks or fades. 

That’s why Angelus paint, used straight or paired with our 2-Soft Fabric Medium, is trusted by beginners and professionals alike for denim painting.

• Exceptional Durability: Designs withstand daily wear, stretching, and machine washing.

• Washable and Long-lasting: Heat-set and sealed, your artwork stays vibrant after wash.

• Crack-Resistant: Use acrylics straight for a screen-print–like hand, or mix 1:1 with 2-Soft to help paint soak in and keep denim softer.

• Wide, vibrant colors: From primary colours to metallics, Angelus offers over 100 colors for customization.

• Easy to Apply and Blend: Build smooth base layers, add fine details, or fill large areas with confidence.

Angelus has been producing professional-quality paint for over 100 years. Proudly made in the USA, our paints are formulated for use on multiple surfaces. That heritage is why artists and DIY customisers trust us to deliver vibrant, durable results.

Before you put brush to denim, ensure you have the right setup. Angelus paints perform at their best when used with the proper preparation and tools. Here’s your go-to kit:

• Angelus Acrylic Leather Paints: Choose from over 100 colors in our paint collection.

• Angelus 2-Soft Fabric Medium (optional): Mix 1:1 with paint for added softness and launderability; heat-setting is required when using 2-Soft.

• Quality Paint Brushes: Our Angelus paint brushes are designed to provide you with precision and smooth coverage, without stray bristles.

• Palette or Mixing Cups: For combining paint and 2-Soft.

• Painter’s Tape and Stencils: Keep your lines clean and your vision sharp.

• Heat Gun: Required for 2-Soft to heat-set your paint and lock it into the fibers.

• Angelus 4-Coat Finisher or Acrylic Finisher: Add a professional layer of protection with our clear coat finishers.

For the best results, jeans should be clean and free from oils or finishes. Use acrylics straight or mix 1:1 with 2-Soft, then finish with a protective coat to help your artwork last.

Painting on denim isn’t complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginners and experienced artists alike:

Step 1: Prep and Plan

Slide a piece of cardboard inside your jeans to prevent bleed-through. Sketch your design with chalk or a fabric marker. If your jeans are dark, apply a white base coat so your colors stand out.

Step 2: Choose Your Paint Method

Option A: Use acrylics straight for bold color and a screen-print–like feel. 

Option B: Mix 1:1 with 2-Soft to help the paint soak in and keep denim softer (heat-setting required).

Step 3: Build Thin Base Layers

Apply thin layers of paint rather than heavy coats. Allow each layer to completely dry before adding the next. This prevents cracking and builds depth.

Step 4: Add Colors and Details

Start with primary colors or solid base fills, then layer blends and shadows. Use smaller brushes for shading, highlights, or fine details.

Step 5: Heat Set for Durability

Once your design is fully dry, heat set it with a heat gun or a household hair dryer if you used 2-Soft. This step locks the pigment into the denim fibers, making your artwork durable.

Step 6: Seal with a Clear Coat

Finish your jeans with Angelus Acrylic Finisher. A clear coat adds protection against wear, moisture, and fading.

Your custom art deserves the right care, and the way you wash and dry your denim makes all the difference. 

Always turn your jeans inside out before washing to reduce friction on the painted surface. Use cold water since hot water can weaken the bond between the paint and the fabric. 

Choose a gentle cycle so both the denim and the painted layers are protected. When it comes to drying, let your jeans air dry whenever possible. High-heat dryer cycles can cause unnecessary stress and cracking.

To maximize durability, seal all painted areas with an Angelus Acrylic Finisher before the first wash. With proper sealing and careful care, your artwork will stay vibrant and wearable for years.

Custom-painted denim is a statement piece. Here’s how to style it:

• Streetwear: Pair bold painted jeans with sneakers and a graphic tee for everyday edge.

• Festival looks: Neon or metallic designs shine on denim jackets and jeans under stage lights.

• Casual flair: Add floral or geometric details to bring a subtle personality to your daily outfits.

• Bold artwear: Treat your jeans as a wearable canvas and cover them in mural-style art.

With Angelus paints, you’re not limited to trends. You can create personal designs that express exactly who you are.