Fabric soaks paint in, so the question is less whether it will stick than whether it stays soft and survives the wash. Bleo is made for that: it soaks into the fibres like a dye, stays flexible, and once heat set takes gentle washing. Jubilee and Super GILD sit on top of the weave, so keep them to thin layers on decorative pieces that are rarely washed. Wash new fabric first to remove any softener. GILD Originals and Chrome are not made for fabric.
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Bleo is made for fabric. Jubilee and Super GILD also work on it, for decoration.
Made for fabric: cushions, linens and clothing. It soaks into the fibres like a dye, and once heat set it takes gentle washing.
Thin, controlled layers for stencilled pattern on pieces that are rarely washed.
For light-use fabrics such as decorative cushions, wall hangings and textile art.
Four steps, from a fresh piece to one you can use and wash.
Make sure the fabric is clean and free of dirt, oils and fabric softener.
Try a hidden area first, especially on treated or synthetic fabrics.
Use a soft synthetic brush, or a roller or sponge for larger areas. One coat tints; more coats deepen the colour.
When it is fully dry, iron without steam for several minutes, with a cloth between the iron and the paint.
Bleo is made for fabric. The other two are for decoration.
| On this surface | Bleo | Jubilee | Super GILD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made for fabric | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Cushions, linens, clothing | Stencilled decoration | Wall hangings, textile art |
| Keeps the fabric soft | Yes | Use thin layers | Light-use pieces |
| The look | A dye-like wash | Solid, opaque colour | Metallic detail |
| Outdoors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch dry | About 1 hour | About 30 minutes | About 30 minutes |
| Colours | 25 | 30 | 3 shades |
Projects from the Making blog.
How to use Bleo on upholstery, clothing and textiles: preparing the fabric, applying thin coats and heat setting for soft, washable colour.
From hand-stencilled linen napkins to softly gilded candlelight, discover four simple handmade ideas that bring colour, texture and character to your table. Using Bleo River Blue and Super GILD Platinum, these projects celebrate thoughtful entertaining, natural materials and the pleasure of making something by hand.
An outdoor wooden seat and hand-painted striped cushions by Marcie K Designs, both in Bleo Dusty Rose. One colour carried across timber and fabric.
Yes, gently. Once fully cured and heat set, Bleo gives a durable finish suitable for gentle washing. Heat set anything you will wash often, such as clothing or cushion covers.
Yes. Bleo soaks into the fibres without cracking or stiffening, so the fabric keeps its natural feel.
For anything that will be washed often, yes. Once the paint is fully dry, iron without steam for several minutes, with a cloth between the iron and the paint.
Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen work best. Always test first, especially on treated or synthetic textiles.
Yes, on light-use fabrics such as decorative cushions, wall hangings and textile art. It suits pieces that are not washed often or heavily worn.
No. Both need a sealed, non-absorbent surface to form their finish, and fabric soaks them in first, so they dry dull. For metallic detail on fabric, use Super GILD.
Yes. Bleo is waterproof and fade-resistant once cured, and suits outdoor cushions and seat pads. Jubilee can also be used on outdoor fabric, with no top coat needed. Super GILD works outdoors on light-use pieces.
Yes, with Jubilee or Bleo, but test first. Velvet’s high pile absorbs much more paint than a flat-woven fabric, and the result can vary.
Try a small, hidden area and let it dry fully, so you can judge the look and feel before committing to the whole piece.
We design and develop our premium paints here in Kent, the Garden of England. With the beautiful North Downs on our doorstep, we're inspired to create colours that work in harmony with the natural beauty that surrounds us.
We make paints that are a joy to use.
