It’s best to use natural fibers like linen or cotton. Be mindful that the tighter the weave of the fabric, the easier it will be to paint. 

However, I enjoy a very organic look, so I didn't mind using this loose weave fabric shower curtain which I had purchased at my local Target.

Supplies:

• If you need a certain length or size here are some alternatives on Amazon for around $20.

• Truth be told, not all stencils are created equal, and  Stencil Revolution produced a quality product. It was easy to work and was more sturdy than other stencils I’ve used in the past.

• Acrylic Fabric Paint

• Tool for application Sponge or Brush

• Iron

Begin by placing the shower curtain on a flat and hard surface.

Use a drop cloth or contractor’s paper to protect your surface. To ensure the best design I recommend placing the stencil in the center of your shower curtain and secure it with painter’s tape. 

The fabric will soak up paint, so plan on working in layers. If you add too much paint for your first layer, it will bleed into the fabric. 

PRO TIP: The key is to apply a light first coat and allow a few minutes for the paint to dry. This will seal the paint and give your custom shower curtain a professional appearance.

Carefully peel back the stencil onto the protective contractor’s paper and make sure the stencil is completely dry before relocating it to a different area of the fabric. 

Incase you are seeking a crisp design here are my recommendations.

First, since loose weave fabrics can be tricky to work with, try ironing on freezer paper to give it stability. The freezer paper can be easily removed from the material without leaving any signs of residue.

Also, use spray adhesive on the back of your stencil, which you will be able to reposition throughout your project.

Remember, if you get paint on an area of the fabric, the design could be ruined. 

As I continued the project, I found an old paint brush was my favorite tool of choice. However, I still used a sponge near the edges of the stencil. 

Since I used a loose weave fabric, it was pretty uneven in a few areas. Therefore, when the stencil could not line up, I used a small artist brush and just drew in the lines. 

The above photo is a close up of an area that I drew in a few lines.

You can’t even tell! 

The more I work with this design, the more I fell in love with it.

My final step was to iron my shower curtain on a high setting for 3-4 minutes per area. I used parchment paper in between.

This helps melt the acrylic paint into the fabric for permanent results, as we don’t want our design to get ruined when it becomes wet. 

Side note: Before ironing, I was able to feel the paint on the surface of the fabric when running my hand over the design. Once the iron heated the paint, it was smooth to the touch.

I think it came out dreamy and it was a great way to get a luxury feel at a discounted price!