My kids and I love to craft and add our personal touches to our clothes. We’ve used all kinds of fabric markers, but our absolute favorite is Sharpie. They come in many different pen tips and colors, which is great for detail-oriented projects. They’re also super easy to find online or in stores.
But we’ve noticed that sometimes the ink washes out too easily and doesn’t seem to last as long on clothing while other times it seems to stay put forever. So we did a little research and experimentation to figure out how to make Sharpie last longer on clothes even after washing!
Does Sharpie Wash Out of Clothes?
Sharpies can write on almost any surface including fabric. The ink is permanent on most surfaces, but will it wash out of clothes?
If you’re using a regular Sharpie pen to write on clothing, it will start to fade even after the first wash. The ink won’t disappear completely however, it will eventually start to bleed and become blurred and fuzzy. However, if you’re using a fabric Sharpie pen, the ink is made to be permanent on clothing and should withstand multiple washes with very little fading.
Tips to Make Sharpie Last Longer on Clothes
If you’re looking for ways to make your Sharpie drawings and writings last longer on clothes, here are a few tips:
1. Use a laundry Sharpie marker
Sharpie and other companies make laundry markers that are specifically designed to be used on fabric. The ink in these markers is made to be permanent and will withstand multiple washes without fading.
I’ve tested and compared a Sharpie Rub-A-Dub vs. a standard Sharpie Permanent Marker and you can see the difference in the ink after just one wash. The picture below is after just one wash! The regular Sharpie faded quite a bit while the laundry marker barely lost any color.
2. Draw on both sides of the clothing
You might think drawing on both sides of the fabric is difficult, but it really isn’t. It’s especially easy when drawing on light-colored clothing and the results are worth it! Drawing on both sides will ensure more of the fibers absorb the ink and make the design more resistant to fading. Plus your design will have a more bold and more vibrant look.
3. Apply several layers of ink
Just like with any drawing or painting, applying several layers of ink will make the design more resistant to fading. The first layer of ink will soak into the fabric and subsequent layers will adhere to the first layer making it more difficult for the ink to be removed. If you want your design to be super permanent, try applying several layers of ink.
4. Give the ink enough time to dry
Sharpie ink dries very fast on paper or other surfaces, but it can take a little longer to dry on fabric. Give the ink a few hours before getting it wet or wearing it to allow the ink to completely dry and set.
5. Use a fixative
A fixative is a clear spray that you can apply over clothing dyes and can also help preserve Sharpie designs. You can find fixatives at most craft stores or online. I’ve used Rit ColorStay on cotton before and it works very well. It should also work on other natural fibers, but I would avoid it on synthetics.
6. Store clothing properly
Believe it or not, how you store your clothing can also affect how long the Sharpie designs last. Clothes that are tightly rolled or stored in a dark place are more likely to hold their color than those that are stored loosely or in a light place.
To prevent fading, store clothing in a cool, dark place like a drawer or closet. If you’re storing clothing for a long period of time, consider wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper to further protect the fabric.
7. Only wash when necessary
Washing clothes too often can cause the colors to fade, so only wash when necessary. If you’re just wearing the clothing around the house, there’s no need to wash it every time you wear it.
Conclusion
So, does Sharpie wash out of clothes? The answer is yes and no. Regular Sharpie markers will fade after a few washes, but there are ways to make them last longer. Fabric Sharpies are made to be permanent on clothing and should withstand multiple washes without fading. If you’re looking for ways to make your Sharpie drawings and writings last longer on clothes, try one of the tips above.
Do you have any tips for making Sharpie last longer on clothes? Share them in the comments below!