What are flexible paints?

Flexible paints are coatings specially formulated to maintain their integrity and adhesion even when the surface to which they are applied moves or deforms. Unlike traditional ones, which can crack or peel when subjected to stress, Flexi paints contain resins and additives that allow them to adapt to changes without compromising their appearance or functionality.

Ours are designed to be latex- and vinyl-free to avoid allergies and to be compatible with flexible materials such as foams, latex, fabrics, leather, 3D prints, and other thermoplastic and cosplay materials.

On the other hand, this type of flexi paint is NOT suitable for painting on glass, ceramic, glossy plastic, synthetic leather, metal, concrete, stone, hardwood, silicone surfaces, or waxed or oiled surfaces, especially if these materials have not been properly primed and prepared for it.

It is important to bear in mind that they are not the same as elastic paints. Although they have a certain elasticity, if they are stretched too much, they can break or crack, as they are designed to adapt to moderate movements without losing adhesion but not to stretch too much.

How to Apply Flexi Paints for Better Adhesion and to Prevent Peeling?

To ensure they adhere well and do not peel like skin, especially on low-adhesion materials, follow these steps:

1. Surface Preparation – Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, grease, or residues. For non-porous materials, lightly sand or scuff the surface to create texture.
2. Use a Primer – Apply a suitable primer designed for the material to improve adhesion. For plastics and metals, use a compatible adhesion promoter.
3. Thin, Even Layers – This is the most important step in its application. Apply multiple thin coats instead of thick layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. This prevents them from forming a thick film that can peel. The best way to achieve a very thin application is to thin them a lot and let it dry well between each application. The fastest way to achieve a thin application would be to use an airbrush or a spray gun that allows extremely thin coats to be sprayed. The more the paint builds up, the easier it is to peel it off, especially if it is scratched or rubbed off a lot.
4. Allow Proper Drying Time – Let it fully cure, as premature handling can weaken adhesion. Drying time can be affected by ambient temperature, humidity, and type of material. There are more porous materials that dry very fast, and others that, on the contrary, are smoother or have non-stick properties that need more drying time. For complicated materials with low adhesion properties, we recommend letting them dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Seal with a Flexible Varnish – Apply a compatible sealer or varnish to protect the flexi paint from cracking and peeling over time.

Remember that if you accumulate many thin layers, in the end, you will also have a thick layer, as well as a very thick layer given without control, and therefore, susceptible to peeling when scratched with something. 

Is acrylic paint flexible?

Yes, acrylic paints are generally that way, but not all acrylic paints have the same level of flexibility. Standard acrylic paints tend to become brittle over time and may crack or break if they are repeatedly flexed. While they can handle minor expansions and contractions, they are not designed to endure continuous bending or stretching.

On the other hand, flexible acrylic paints are specially formulated to withstand repeated flexing without cracking. They contain additional resins and plasticizers that enhance their elasticity, making them ideal for applications on surfaces that experience frequent movement.

If you need flexibility, it is essential to choose a flexi paint specifically labeled as such. Care must be taken with mixtures between paints from different families, such as standard paints, varnishes, or non-flexible mediums, as the flexibility property is easily lost or at least altered in mixtures. The mixtures do not necessarily have to be pliant. 

What is flexible acrylic paint used for​?

They have numerous applications due to their versatility and durability:

- Art and Crafts: It is widely used by artists and hobbyists for painting canvases, murals, and various artistic surfaces.

- Textiles: It is commonly used in fabric and garment decoration since its flexibility prevents cracking or peeling when the fabric is stretched or folded.

- Cosplay: they are widely used in cosplay for painting EVA foam, latex, leather, and glossy plastics, ensuring they won’t crack when costumes bend or stretch. It is ideal for armor, props, and fabric details, providing durability and a professional finish.

- Miniatures and Models: Many model painters and hobbyists use them on flexible figurines and models where surfaces might experience slight movement or deformations.

- Footwear and Leather Goods: It is used to customize shoes, bags, and other leather items, ensuring the flexible paint does not crack with use.

Can flexible paint be used on fabrics?

Yes, they are commonly used on fabrics. However, to enhance its durability and prevent it from cracking or washing out, a fabric medium is often mixed with the paint before application. Heat-setting the paint with an iron after drying further increases its longevity. 

On the other hand, there are other types that by their nature are not recommended at all, such as silk, satin, chiffon, tulle, organza, leatherette, velvet, heavily waxed fabrics, water-repellent fabrics, and stretchy spandex without a proper medium.

For more complex materials, spray versions are recommended, as solvents have much better adhesion properties on complex surfaces.