So I bought a better umbrella than the flabby collapsible purse size one that I’ve been slinging for the past year or so, and I got one with stiff arms and a pointy top. You know, a proper umbrella. It’s clear, which is nice for visibility purposes, but it had a border around the bottom of thin zebra-y print black and white, which just did not look right. But it was on sale, and I thought “I’ve got fabric ink at home! No problem”, and after getting it home, promptly painted the zebra print border with plain black ink. It looks miles better now, except I realized after I’d painted the whole thing that screen ink needs to be set with heat, and I’m not sure how hot I can get the umbrella fabric (which is typical umbrella fabric, and feels nylon-y to me). Then I checked the instructions on the ink, and it says don’t use it on nylon. Clearly this needs to be waterproofed before I use it, but I’m a bit stumped. I can try to heat set it, but I’m not convinced it’ll work. I thought about coating it in a good pose of clear nail polish (of which I have lots), but again, not sure of the durability (or the stiffness issue — the fabric needs to bend when the umbrella is collapsed) of it.
So, internet, any bright ideas?
I suggest a hairdryer. Then I’d test getting it really wet at home where any running ink can pour into the sink.
Yep, a shower test is definitely in order. The hair dryer idea’s a good one — hopefully my neighbours have one I can borrow (it’s been years since I owned one).
What Buella said…
The hairdryer is a great idea. Otherwise, Modpog? I haven’t really thought that one through though either…
Modpodge! Or my shoe sealant! Yes!