A Complete Guide to Jacquard Fabric Paints: Lumiere, Neopaque, Textile Color and Dye-Na-Flow
Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or a beginner looking to add colour and creativity to fabrics, Jacquard fabric paints offer incredible versatility. At Just Crafty, we stock a range of Jacquard products, each designed to deliver vibrant, long-lasting colour and unique effects.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences, uses, and application techniques for Jacquard Lumiere, Jacquard Neopaque, and Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow — helping you choose the right paint for your project and achieve professional results.
Why Choose Jacquard Fabric Paints?
Jacquard paints are renowned for their high pigmentation, durability, and flexibility. Unlike ordinary craft paints, they are specifically formulated for textiles, ensuring your designs remain bright, soft, and flexible after washing.
Key benefits include:
- Vibrant, long-lasting colour
- Flexible finish that moves with the fabric
- Variety of effects: metallic, opaque, translucent, or flowing
- Suitable for multiple fabric types, including cotton, silk, polyester blends, and more
Jacquard Lumiere: Metallic and Shimmering Fabric Paint
Jacquard Lumiere is a metallic fabric paint that dries to a soft, flexible finish with a subtle shimmer. It’s ideal for adding highlights, embellishments, or an elegant touch to any textile project.
Key Properties
- Opaque, metallic finish with high shimmer
- Flexible and durable, does not crack
- Vibrant colours suitable for layering or blending
- Works on both light and dark fabrics
Best Uses
- Adding metallic accents to clothing, tote bags, or cushions
- Highlighting textures in mixed-media textile art
- Creating shimmering patterns for home décor or costume design
How to Apply
- Prepare the fabric – Wash and iron to remove sizing or finishes.
- Shake or stir the bottle to ensure even distribution of the metallic pigment.
- Apply with a brush, sponge, or stencil for precise or broad designs.
- Allow to dry for 24 hours; optionally, heat-set with an iron for added durability.
- Layer colours for shading or effects, letting each layer dry before applying the next.
Metallic paints, such as Lumiere, often look even more vibrant when applied over a contrasting base colour.
Jacquard Neopaque: Brilliantly Opaque Fabric Paint
Jacquard Neopaque is a highly pigmented, opaque fabric paint that works beautifully on dark or light fabrics. Its soft, flexible finish ensures durability without cracking or flaking.
Key Properties
- 100% opaque coverage in just one layer
- Soft, flexible finish that moves with the fabric
- Ideal for dark fabrics, where other paints may require multiple layers
- Washable and permanent after heat setting
Best Uses
- Customising t-shirts, jackets, and denim
- Hand-painted designs on canvas bags or hats
- Layering with other paints for bold, striking effects
How to Apply
- Prepare the fabric – Wash and iron before painting.
- Apply directly from the bottle or use a palette for mixing colours.
- Use a brush, sponge, or stencil for detailed or patterned designs.
- Let dry completely (usually 24 hours) before heat setting.
- Layer if necessary to achieve full opacity and vibrant colour.
Tip: Neopaque is excellent for lettering or precise patterns where full opacity is needed.
Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow: Fluid and Water-Based Fabric Paint
Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow is a fluid, water-based fabric paint that produces a soft, translucent effect. It is permanent, washable, and highly blendable, making it perfect for creating flowing, painterly designs on fabrics.
Key Properties
- Highly fluid, translucent finish
- Soft and flexible, dries smooth without stiffness
- Excellent for blending, shading, and watercolour effects
- Can be used on light and dark fabrics (use a white base for dark fabrics if needed)
Best Uses
- Watercolour-style paintings on clothing or home textiles
- Ombre or gradient effects
- Stencilling for soft, flowing designs
- Layering with Lumiere or Neopaque for mixed-media effects
How to Apply
- Prepare the fabric – Wash and iron to remove sizing or finishes.
- Dilute slightly with water if needed for smooth blending.
- Apply with brushes, sponges, or droppers to create fluid designs.
- Layer multiple colours while wet for blending effects.
- Allow to dry and heat set to ensure permanence.
Tip: Dye-Na-Flow is ideal for silk painting or delicate fabrics because of its smooth, fluid consistency.
Jacquard Color Fabric Paints: Vibrant, Versatile Textile Paint
Jacquard Color Fabric Paints are the classic, high-quality fabric paints that crafters and textile artists rely on. They offer rich, opaque colour and a soft, flexible finish, suitable for a wide variety of fabrics and creative techniques.
Key Properties
- Highly pigmented for bright, vibrant colour
- Soft and flexible once dry, prevents cracking
- Opaque and translucent options for layering or shading
- Washable and permanent after heat setting
- Works on cotton, linen, silk, polyester, and blends
Best Uses
- Custom t-shirts, tote bags, and home textiles
- Hand-painted designs on accessories like hats, scarves, or shoes
- Layering with other Jacquard paints for mixed-media effects
- Stencilling, freehand painting, or detailed illustrations
How to Apply
- Prepare your fabric – Wash and iron to remove finishes or sizing.
- Shake or stir the paint to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed.
- Apply with brushes, sponges, or stencils for precise designs.
- Layer if needed, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Heat set after complete drying (typically 24 hours) to ensure wash-fast results.
💡 Tip: Jacquard Color Fabric Paints can be mixed together to create custom shades, or combined with Lumiere for a metallic highlight or Dye-Na-Flow for soft, blended effects.
Tips for All Jacquard Fabric Paints
- Wash fabrics before painting to remove chemicals or sizing that can prevent adhesion.
- Test on a scrap piece of fabric to preview colour and drying behaviour.
- Use a heat setting (such as an iron or heat press) after the fabric is fully dry to set the designs permanently.
- Layer thoughtfully — let each layer dry thoroughly to prevent unintended mixing.
- Protect your workspace with cardboard, plastic, or craft mats.
Creative Projects Using Jacquard Fabric Paints
- Custom Apparel – Add metallic highlights with Lumiere, solid patterns with Neopaque, and soft gradients with Dye-Na-Flow on t-shirts, hoodies, or scarves.
- Home Décor – Personalise cushions, table runners, or tote bags with layered paints for vibrant, long-lasting designs.
- Mixed-Media Art – Combine paints with stencils, fabric glue (like E6000), or sequins for layered textile artwork.
- Kids’ Crafts – Dye-Na-Flow’s soft, water-based consistency makes it great for safe, easy painting projects for children.
Caring for Painted Fabrics
To keep your Jacquard-painted fabrics looking their best:
- Allow paint to dry completely (at least 24 hours) before heat setting.
- Heat set using an iron or heat press according to the instructions on the bottle.
- Wash fabrics inside out on a gentle cycle.
- Avoid bleach and harsh detergents to preserve colour.
Following these steps ensures your designs remain vibrant, flexible, and durable.
Why Buy Jacquard Fabric Paints from Just Crafty?
At Just Crafty, we provide the full range of Jacquard paints, including Lumiere, Neopaque, and Dye-Na-Flow. Our selection is ideal for hobbyists and professional crafters alike:
- High-quality pigments for bold, lasting colour
- Safe, durable, and flexible formulations
- Expert guidance on how to use each product effectively
- Convenient sizes for small or large projects
No matter your skill level or project type, Jacquard paints from Just Crafty let you bring your fabric creations to life.
Final Thoughts
Jacquard fabric paints are incredibly versatile, offering metallic shimmer, opaque vibrancy, and fluid, watercolour effects. By understanding the properties of Lumiere, Neopaque, and Dye-Na-Flow, you can select the right paint for every creative idea.
From personalising clothing and accessories to creating vibrant home décor or mixed-media textile art, Jacquard paints give you the tools to make every project shine.