For this project you will need:
- A high contrast image
- SolarFast
- SolarFast Wash
- T-Shirt
- Brush/Foam Brush
- Newsprint/Newspaper
- A sheet of Glass
- OHP film or similar
- A sunny day!
Create a negative image in a programme such as Photoshop by inverting a high contrast black and white image. We used one of our dog – Fletcher! Print this image on clear film.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric1.jpg)
Tape off the area you wish to print. You can use masking tape or parcel tape. Press hard to make sure that it has good contact with the T-shirt. If you do not need sharp edges you don’t need to tape.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric2.jpg)
Place a piece of newspaper or newsprint inside your T-shirt to stop bleed through. Paint the SolarFast onto your T-shirt. Making sure it is evenly distributed.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric3.jpg)
Dab off any excess SolarFast with a piece of cloth or kitchen roll.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric4.jpg)
Place your negative on top of the SolarFast and take out into the sun. Place a sheet of glass onto the T-shirt to keep it tightly together. You will see the colour begin to change – full sun works best.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric5.jpg)
Remove the glass and take inside away from the sun before removing the negative. You do not want the SolarFast to continue exposing.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric6.jpg)
Wash the T-shirt in hot water using SolarFast Wash. Washing in a machine is best. The colour will change at this point.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric7.jpg)
The finished T-shirt (and Bag!)
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric8.jpg)
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/images/blog/SolarFast-on-fabric9.jpg)
Download a printable pdf here!