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, pure 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 residue. For non-porous materials, lightly sand or scrape the surface to create texture.
2. Use a suitable primer: the use of a super flexible foam primer from Green Stuff World is designed to improve adhesion on practically any material. For plastics and metals, use a compatible primer.
3. Apply a very thin first coat: the first coat must be very thin, sometimes it even acts almost as a primer. It can be diluted with water or acrylic thinner.
4. Subsequent coats should be thin and even: apply several thin coats rather than thick coats. We recommend that between coats the surface should be slightly sticky to the touch. This prevents a thick film from forming that could peel or wrinkle.
5. The best way to achieve a very fine application is to thin it a lot and allow it to dry thoroughly between each application. Using an airbrush or spray gun allows extremely fine layers to be sprayed on. The more the paint accumulates, the longer it will take to dry and the easier it will be to peel off, especially if it is scratched or rubbed a lot.
6. Let it dry properly: let it dry completely, as handling it too soon can weaken the adhesion. Drying time can be affected by ambient temperature, humidity, and the type of material. Some more porous materials dry very quickly, while others, on the contrary, are smoother or have non-stick properties that require more drying time. In the case of complicated materials with low adhesion properties, we recommend leaving them to dry for at least 24 hours.
7. Seal with a flexible varnish: apply a compatible sealer or varnish to protect the 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.