How to Paint Faux Fur - Many Different ways to Color Fur

[@curiosity_killed_the_batt]

im a furby customizer and so i do a lot of fabric dying with paint. my favorite method is to water down acrylic paint and then slowly apply it with a toothbrush lol

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oh, what a fun thing to get to do! I love the acrylic paint method but have also been liking the cold water dye (Jacquard is the brand I use). Have you tried it? Whoa, it gives some INSANE color for brights but I'm not sure with the wear the suits get if it would work or not.

[@curiosity_killed_the_batt]

@@SarahNenniDaher i actually havnt heard of cold water dye before, ill have to look into it but it sounds pretty cool :0

[@youhuhyouhuhwuh5484]

literally why im here as well!!

[@W1pp11]

IM GOING TO TRY THIS!! I’m trying to change the color of my fur for my fur suit and these methods that she showed were really nice but didn’t seem very soft so I’m going to try this! Thank you!

[@crimsonking2908]

I am using this tutorial for my fursuit I am making.

[@torielric]

I wish you well! I hope it turns out great!

[@crimsonking2908]

@@torielric thank u

[@mcyqts474]

sameeee i cant do it its so hard lol, have you got far? best of luck

[@kat5610]

I am too does it work well?

[@rexiox7521]

Same

[@Echo0393]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! I’ve been trying to dye my Furby nothing has worked until this!

[@seichethebobcat]

what method did you use? i’m also trying to dye a furby

[@phroonie.]

Needed this for my cosplay hat- thank you so much!!

[@SwtGrnEyed86]

I was JUST asking myself, "hmmm, I wonder if Sarah has a video of just dying fur...?" And here we are lol I figured it was as simple as you made it out to be, but my brain likes to complicate things 🤪 thanks for sharing! I'm new to the fur game, and I finally talked my mother into giving me her stash of unused faux fur, so wish me luck!! 😂

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Whoa, free faux fur? That's amazing! Some might need the synthetic dye. I haven't published that sunflower gnome video yet (so far behind), but if you need a recommendation on the dye I used, it's this one amzn.to/2I0ecZG

[@LillieNeedles]

I wanna try this on some faux fur shoes...

[@_-itsKat-_]

Using this for a tail !

[@nikkihelms1737]

I've had good luck using permanent markers, then paint on 91% rubbing alcohol to blend out.

[@soufflegirl6640]

Ohhh, this is very helpful! Though I’m looking to create a dip dye look for a faux fur coat- and was wondering if you ever created the video you mentioned for cosplayers? Just cause it seems particularly daunting for such a large scale project But very budget friendly since I already have sooo many acrylics for painting!

[@mariakn3001]

Thank you, I am a crafter and will give it a try.

[@samanthadean1083]

Thanks for this!!! I needed this info for my Trolls Easter eggs!!!

[@Mojothepyruttarrr]

Whoop whoop can't wait to do my suit❤ thenk you

[@vicram.ezekiel]

Mwcl?!?!

[@donnahoward3694]

I love your tutorials and experiments ! Great results and tips

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Glad you like them, Donna. Thank you so much for watching. ❤

[@kaywilliams8309]

Thank you for this, was wondering how to have more colors without having to buy colored fur❤️❤️❤️

[@_ashertherian8254]

Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial, I’m making a fursuit and I can’t buy more fur so I thought I would need to work with the pink color

[@celinev8690]

Good luck with the making of your fursuit! :)

[@_ashertherian8254]

@@celinev8690 thank you so much!

[@squidgymossforest]

hey same here!!!!!

[@aLienaTom]

Hi- sorry I was wondering which method you tried and did it work? I’m making a fursuit too :’D

[@squidgymossforest]

@@aLienaTomHi! Im a fursuit maker and I've tried all of these hacks from various places, I've discovered your best bet really is to just buy the right colours or use an airbrush. The texture painting fur leaves is absolutely abysmal and looks awful too, especially when you brush it out. It's just not worth messing up fur you've spent good money on compared to forking out a bit more for the right colours.

[@EllieMonfared]

Great. Thanks a million. I'll do it now 💝

[@MaryBrite]

Been wanting to make a fuzzy footstool look like moss. I'm planning to take the cover off and dye it, but this might help me give it a more mottled, natural look. :3

[@hotdog_flavouredwater]

OMG THANK GOSH I NEEDED THIS FOR A FURSUIT

[@camiandthebird3323]

same i need it for a dino mask lol

[@lemonsdaiily]

I was worried how i could dye my velvet boots without an airbrush. This is really helpful I'm gonna try your watercolor method (because it's wallet friendly lol)! Thank you 💓

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oooh let me know how it turns out - I've not tried velvet.

[@susanduplan8702]

I am so glad I found you!!!! thanks. I want to make multi toned pom poms for my knotted hats. Big ones.

[@evelyns-leckerrein]

if i don't get a color. then I use simple yarn. then I take a brush and comb it fluffy.

[@S0URsoda_Dragonz]

I need this to make the fur on my coat pink, thank you soo much!!

[@lindadagley5822]

I'm going try highlights in my brown fur...it's off a old sweater...Thanks again..

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oooh, that's a great idea!

[@lindak7193]

Totally cool Sarah!!

[@erebosthemogoreg]

My faux fur became a gummy texture after I tried this and... While I love the colors I feel that I have permanently ruined... The faux fur I have. I don't know what to do now.

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Whoa, I'm sorry - that has never happened to me. Were you able to dry it out? What type of paint did you use?

[@erebosthemogoreg]

@@SarahNenniDaher I used an acrylic but supposedly I don't think I watered it down enough but other people in my house suspect humidity???

[@csihopkins]

Awesome! Thank you

[@nadiawolfie8151]

Thank you for this! It helps a lot! I have one question: can you use tie dye color kits to color faux fur??? Will that work ?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Great question! I believe you can use it for a single color but it won't come out as vibrant. I don't think you can get the classic "tie dye look," however, because only natural fibers will allow for the blending.

[@artsforallinc.2715]

Love

[@0ak.Leaf.]

Thanks for this tutorial I am using this for my therian mask!!

[@odysseyiscool]

nice

[@1giyuu_Tomioka]

Did it work?

[@0ak.Leaf.]

@@1giyuu_Tomioka I tried acrylic paint on the fur and Idk if I did something wrong but it didn't work so I just used markers and it worked better

[@heartofthewild680]

Doe these methods change the texture of the fur? Also can the fur still be washed after without losing the color?

[@lynn1464]

Thanks for sharing

[@fawnsart1533]

Does the watercolor or acrylic run out when washed?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I haven't washed them, but my guess would be yes.

[@Fac7Design]

@@SarahNenniDaher which method leaves the faux fur the softest? I have a stuffed animal that is losing its color and I would like to touch it up. Thanks!

[@daedalus6197]

Dying a small amount of fur for a costume tomorrow! I know I'm late to the vid, but thanks for the help!

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Glad I could help. Have fun.

[@joyceterra2265]

Great tips.

[@VFKAdventureRabbit]

I can't seem to find anyone who's made any sort of tutorial for painting patterns onto faux fur, such as dalmatian spots and the like. Do you think any of the techniques here be used alongside some form of stencil to target more specific patches of fur?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oooh, that's a great question. Just off the top of my head, it would be a bit tricky, especially with the longer piles of fur. You'd have to color specific fibers while avoiding the surround ones, so this particular method WOULD work, but would be quite tedious. This one might be one that I would buy the fur if you could find it. If you cannot find it, it would likely mean taping off surround areas to avoid any paint or dye getting spread around. I'm sorry, I haven't tried this.

[@dragames]

So I have a friend who wants me to make a fursuit for him, but I don't want to sew the patterns (super lazy) but his character has black stripes. Someone suggested I use Tulip fabric spray to make the stripes. But, if these other methods work... how permanent are they?

[@BayMaxAcademy]

Okay but which turns out the softest? I want to do this with an Art doll. I am making a bat mixed with Strawberry cow.

[@cococcake9370]

THANK YOU- for saving me $$$ is it washable with out bleeding?

[@colorbar.s]

Thank you!! This is very helpful :)

[@j1sg]

Thanks I'm making a tail fory cosplay and this helped

[@SarahNenniDaher]

So glad it helped, Marley!

[@crimsonking2908]

That's awesome !! I like cosplay and fursuiting.

[@amoraa5114]

Thank you so much!! I was having trouble with the fur matting even with airbrushing now I kno I need more water with my paints! What type of fine tooth comb do u use to brush out any leftover mats at the end? 👀👀

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Glad I could help! I use a couple of pet brushes I picked up - one is more like a comb with a short and long set of teeth. Most combs would do - or a slicker brush if you're coloring a lot of fur at one time.

[@amoraa5114]

Sarah Nenni-Daher thank you so much I’ll be using this video for reference!! 😭😭

[@alwayslivecreatively9069]

Thank you so much for this education. I've had the best luck with watercolor. I am having a hard time finding the long pile fur that you use. Most of the links for fur you use are unavailable. Will you be updating where you get the long fur now? Will you be doing a video for making the clay feet? I always look forward to new videos from you. Take care, hope to see more new videos.

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I do have a video up with the clay feet in one style - it's in the gnome playlist. I hope to get another one up, soon. As for the fur, sadly, this is made overseas. With the virus putting the world on lockdown, there are shortages all around. You can try Etsy (search 3 inch Mongolian fur).

[@rebeccaokelly4838]

Great video! Do you think this would work on a Faux fur, polyester fluffy hat?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I don't see why not, but it wouldn't likely be colorfast (in case you wanted to wash it).

[@KHopeJHope]

Hi! I bought the Jacquard dyes at your recommendation (doing an ombré glow in the dark rug and I loved your ombré gnome technique). My question is; do I need to wash it/soak in soda ash first since it’s faux fur? And anymore tips regarding the procion Mx dyes? I bought the fixer too but would love to return if that’s unnecessary!! My main concern is not ruining the texture. Thanks!!!!!

[@pomegranatejuice6937]

Hi! If I dye with fabric paint and it gets wet/I wash it, would there be any problems at all?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

You might. I would pay attention to the fabric paint's instructions. This is basically painting on plastic, not fabric. :(

[@pomegranatejuice6937]

@@SarahNenniDaher aw I see! A lot of my characters have fur colors that are almost impossible to find in faux furs so :( thank you for the reply!

[@kristyl1954]

Do you have a link to the video that was “coming soon”? I’d like to see how you did the multiple colours on one large piece of faux fur

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I haven't edited it yet, Kristy. I'm sorry. It's on the sunflower gnome so I'll work to get that out soon.

[@denysworkman3982]

Yes please! Can't wait for that one!

[@mewmila]

is it out?

[@lisalull6521]

Yes, I would like to see this video as well.

[@milesgravestone2543]

i have a couple of questions, 1. if i was to use gray or dark red acrylic paint on a black tail would it show up? 2. would the acrylic make the fur stiff??

[@Mealzanator]

Hi I bought a little cat tail that's is black, want to make it purple. But thinking because it's black it might not work? What do you recommend? It's a cosutume for the purple cheshire cat in Alice in wonderland.

[@HeartlessLens]

Would this work on faux fur that's already a dark colour? Like painting a dark green fur red for example.

[@chirosechi4537]

Ok, I know that if they get wet the colour might transfer. But what about dry touching? After they are completely dry and you touch them, or rub gently will they stain? And if so, which one would be most likely to do that. My guess is maybe watercolours?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Every method I've shared (so far) is not transferable with dry touch. Liquid watercolor will transfer (PH Martin Hydra) if not watered down, just as an FYI. I tried it with orange and it NEVER stopped transferring color.

[@chirosechi4537]

@@SarahNenniDaher that's very helpful, thank you :D I think I'll try the craft acrylic then ^^

[@RZ-sh6yi]

What works best as a permanent for black faux fur? I have a tassle cap with a faux fur pom pom I want to dye a rose gold.

[@TisaTinkers]

When you wash the hand painted piece does it was out?

[@mcyqts474]

wait how do i dye then ahah?

[@laurenbrown9957]

I have White Faux Fur Trim on a Santa Claus Cloak I'm using for a Krampus Costume. I want the White to look dirty and grimey. Not sure if I should go for the Acrylic method or just paint with Rita Dye?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

If you're wearing anything that might color transfer near it, I would go for the dye

[@Kira.the.therian]

Can i use glow in the dark colors?

[@JimboHamster]

Is watercolor method is long lasting?

[@bugger2002]

if you wash it or something will it washout? like is it permanent? (im only like 2 minutes into this video but still lol)

[@SarahNenniDaher]

It is not permanent, and some paints even discolor after sweating. I recommend buying pre-colored fur if needing to wash.

[@katmadison7607]

Question. How about food coloring?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oh. my goodness, I have no idea. Food coloring is best on natural fibers and faux fur is obviously not. I would stick with a synthetic dye for the best results.

[@LEIDYZARANYA]

Is there a way to paint like this in gold color?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I have not tried metallic paint, however if you don’t fry it with any heat (air dry), I don’t believe it will lose shine because you’re painting plastic. I’d do a test with a small bit of fur, let it dry, and see

[@torielric]

Could you use this method to add glow in the dark paint to colored fur?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Hmmm... You could, but you might need something intense like Vanta black. I say that because it does tend to lighten up a bit.

[@torielric]

Sarah Nenni-Daher You can use glow (LIT) pigment mixed into paint that matches the fur color. You can also mix the pigment as instructed, water it down, apply it, then brush the fur out when dry. In white fur, the paint fades, but the glow is still partially present. Wetting a brush and then painting extra pigment straight into the watered down paint is also an option. Patterns can be painted on shorter fur as well!

[@SarahNenniDaher]

@torielric Yes! We've done the patterns around here, but haven't done the glow in the dark... YET. 😉

[@meowmeowghost]

I have realistic fake fur and i want to dye it a very dark almost Bordeaux color, which method would be best to preserve the softness and texture?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

For that, I would get dye for synthetic fabrics and air dry after triple rinsing. Any heat will warp the ends of faux fur.

[@meowmeowghost]

@@SarahNenniDaher thank you so much! It's amazing you're still replying to and helping people here!

[@csihopkins]

Where do you get milk paint? I live on SSI check and can't afford too much but I can't find any green grinch for so I have to dye it myself

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I got it at the craft store, but honestly, you can use anything you have on hand - acrylic paint or even watercolor. Some have even told me they've used food coloring (I have not yet).

[@nolajames1054]

I'm making a tail for somebody and they requested spots. I was hoping I could dye them on there to make it easier for me. Is there a certain method you would recommend for this?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

What a great idea. For darker spots, I would lay them on top of the already dyed fur. For lighter spots, I'd do them first and try and choose colors which would look okay when blended... I'm thinking the fibers would let the paint travel.

[@nolajames1054]

@@SarahNenniDaher hm okay. Thank you!

[@SarahNenniDaher]

@@nolajames1054 Let me know how it goes - I'm curious to see which works best (paint or dye).

[@Kokiicat]

is this waterproof? im doing this for a fursuit and it needs to be permanent so i can wash the fur

[@SarahNenniDaher]

No. The only true permanent color would be the manufacturer's color. The only thing mostly permanent would be synthetic material dye (but it can 'shed' color).

[@killianb776]

I'm using this tutorial to make a fire opossum for a friend

[@sheilas.6170]

Were did you get Mongolian fur

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I buy it on Amazon by the. yard, mostly. I use this supplier repeatedly (not sure on the others that sell on Amazon)*: amzn.to/32I0EtF Sometimes Joann's craft stores has the 3" white Mongolian in their fur section, so I'd try there, as well. But they usually have the 2" gorilla there if you cannot find that. If you need tiny little pieces, I use this seller on Etsy*: rufflesandrainboots.com/go/mongolian-fur-partial-cuts/

[@candydee5763]

Did u wash or just brush

[@lauriejackson7350]

I did this for the first time Used the acrylic paint to make a beard for the Grinch

[@aprilmadison8221]

Hummm...ok Sarah haven't tried this yet..but...lol

[@lisa__rcs]

Where did you buy the Mongolian faux fur?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I get it on Amazon - just search Mongolian fur - Barcelonetta or Shannon Fabrics brands are great.

[@crimsonking2908]

It doesn't make it crusty does it ??

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Once it dries, it will rough and crusty. I use a brush or comb and it becomes soft again. The only thing I'll say is that the less-expensive craft fur will be a bit rougher than the nicer Mongolian.

[@crimsonking2908]

@@SarahNenniDaher oh ok

[@Kira.the.therian]

Is it waterproof?

[@CJSanimatronics]

do you think this will work for light gray fur?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I haven't tested it, but if the painted color is darker, it might.

[@CJSanimatronics]

@@SarahNenniDaher ok thanks!

[@StacyBluebird]

I have a fox tail that I want to dye the tip black. But the problem is I believe its a real fox tail (The way its made like its skinned and sown together without stuffing inside and just a skin looking material and how my dogs and cats freak out about it) Would it be safe to use watercolor/etc on the fur?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Oh, I'm so sorry, I have no idea. You might want to ask a taxidermist on a Reddit thread or if you can find a channel here on KZbin. Sorry, I just haven't ever worked with real fur, only faux.

[@StacyBluebird]

@@SarahNenniDaher Okay, well thank you ^^

[@ceccesketches4257]

does the fur get crusty-ish when it dries? (with the acrylic method)

[@lauriejackson7350]

I use this way. If you brush it out it's not to bad.

[@awawa5594]

I tried to dye my fur to make a Raphtalia ears/tail but it came out so rough and hard

[@SarahNenniDaher]

How did you color it? Did you brush it out after it was dry?

[@awawa5594]

@@SarahNenniDaher I used acrylics and yeah I tried brushing it after. Should I try with more water? >

[@SarahNenniDaher]

@@awawa5594 I would. Sometimes if the fur is of low quality it might need the synthetic dye (different from the dye for natural fabrics).

[@lisalull6521]

I want to do yellow with red tips or vise-versa, how do you recommend this? Thanks for all your tutorial videos!!

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I'm not sure how big of a piece you want to dye? Are you doing something small like a gnome beard or doll hair or something large like a jacket or an outfit? Most likely, I would dye the entire thing yellow and let it dry completely. If you are making something small, I would probably dry brush the paint (or use alcohol ink markers or on a paint brush) applied directly onto the tips in sections. To avoid contamination, I would start at the top, folding a small section up, applying the color, and protecting it from the layer above. If you're making something large, I would probably try brushing out the fur perpendicular to the ground and dip-dying it into very, very concentrated dye, hanging it the same way to dry to avoid contamination. If you opt to brush it on, contamination is probably going to occur.

[@lisalull6521]

@@SarahNenniDaher I am trying to make Kansas City Chiefs hair that they have on hats and stuff but I cannot find it anywhere!

[@lisalull6521]

@@SarahNenniDaher also have you made a video on how you did the multiple colored fall beard

[@SarahNenniDaher]

@@lisalull6521 Yes, I have a couple on the multi-colored beards (this one is most recent using alcohol ink): kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpO2gWurr5qDa5o For that, I would use the alcohol ink marker or on a small paint brush and do just the tips, protecting layers. You can control the markers and a small paint brush really well.

[@xelalumen]

i have a different type of faux fur issue. So i emailed you, Miss Sarah.

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Just got it and sent you a note back. I hope it helps because coloring those kitties would be a great memorial.

[@lauragersey583]

Is there any way to get rid of the paint smell when it's finished?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I didn't have a strong paint smell, so I'm not sure. I would think airing it outside would help (both acrylic paints and faux fur are plastic, and this works to air out out-gassing items).

[@laurenelliott6034]

What size and type of brush

[@argentlorena]

Can these be washed?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

No, this would likely not be the same after washing.

[@red-jackal2230]

Is it waterproof so I can toss it in the washer?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

No, this is not a waterproof method. The only washable color-safe option for costumes or other wearables will be synthetic dye applied following the instructions.

[@red-jackal2230]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! I was hopping for a quick way to apply patterns onto faux fur without having to cut and then sew them on, thank you so much for clarifying that (it would have taken me ages to figure that out) :)

[@kessdog1]

i want to go for a bright colour what method do you suggest

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Bright colors are a bit more difficult using paint, as you have to dilute it. I would go for the RIT dye which is either all-purpose (make sure it covers nylon) or the full synthetic. There are a TON of colors available.

[@lidda9010]

Anyone have experience using white acrylic paint on black fur?

[@chickenbone2837]

Does this work for faux fur keychains? Like the balls?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

These processes could result in color transfer, so I would 100% use synthetic dye for those. Synthetic dye is designed to penetrate the fibers.

[@chickenbone2837]

Sarah Nenni-Daher okay thank you so much!

[@pamfortner8516]

I need to dye my gransons's 100% polyester fake fur costume. How and what do I use?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

I would try and find dye for synthetic fabrics for that. Premade might have a coating on it, but if anything will stick it will be that.

[@pamfortner8516]

@@SarahNenniDaher thank you. Since it says wash in cold water only should I just use acrylic paint and a brush? The Dye More says it will dye it but heat method works best?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

You can definitely try the paint if you're doing accents, but if you're doing it all over it might transfer. So sometimes pre-made costumes have this coating on them which won't take the paint. I would try a spot test. Once it dries and you brush it out, try rubbing it against a scrap of light colored fabric. I just don't want your grandson sitting on your chairs and that color transferring! :)

[@scottwilliams846]

I feel like I didn't water down my fabric paint enough...

[@shopping2scale]

Good afternoon, I would like to use the markers to make pompoms by just doing the tips. Once dried, if they come in contact with damp/wet circumstances, will it run? Thank you

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Yes, the water based markers (like the Tombow) will definitely run and transfer to other parts NOT fur. The permanent markers have (depends on the color), so I'd not rely on them if you need color fast. The best way to avoid transfer is dye or paint.

[@tammiecharlstonallen8153]

All

[@Rose_Haw]

I've never seen "milk paint" in any store

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Hi there. Milk paint is readily available on Amazon and Blick Art and is seasonally held by Joann craft stores.I picked up a few milk paint colors (blues and grays) but don't recommend them as they have a very strong odor.

[@IHEARTATLLLL]

Any other furries here lol?

[@odysseyiscool]

i think we ALL are here in the comments, mate XD UwU

[@odysseyiscool]

lol weir all just furries on a budget here in the comments

[@SarahNenniDaher]

LOL

[@thefront5871]

After these paints dry on the furr, do they give off any kind of odor? Thanks!

[@prassotillo6686]

Can I use a hairdryer to dry after coloring?

[@SarahNenniDaher]

Yes, but hold it quite far away or the fibers will sort of get frizzy.

[@prassotillo6686]

@@SarahNenniDaher does this method apply to furbies and labubus? Dolls with fur