How-To

Burnout Velvet

Create beautiful faux-bois velvet with this DIY technique from artist Kevin O'Brien.

Tools and Materials

  • Screen-printing screen
  • White silk/rayon velvet
  • Fiber Etch fiber-removing solution
  • Rubber squeegee
  • Iron
  • Metal scraper
  • Fabric dye
    • Paintbrush

Velvet Burnout How-To:

  1. Transfer chosen design to screen with a screen-printing kit (drawing fluid or photo emulsion). Alternatively, have a screen-printing studio transfer the design for you.
  2. Lay white velvet with back (smooth side) facing up. Place screen over velvet; pour solution over screen. Using a rubber squeegee, drag liquid across design. Remove screen and let dry.
  3. Iron the back of the velvet with a hot iron. The heat will activate the solution to dissolve the fibers.
  4. Turn fabric over. Using a metal scraper, scrape away dissolved velvet to reveal design.
  5. Dye fabric with a base color. Brush a second color of dye onto the velvet with a paintbrush. Let fabric dry before using or sewing.

Resources

Screen-printing kits, white velvet, Fiber Etch solution, Alter Ego dyes, and all other tools from Dharma Trading Co.

Reviews (1)

  • SeamusONeil
    6 Mar, 2012

    I love burn-out velvet. Kevin O'Brien makes the best there is. I can't imagine trying to match his incredible designs and quality. That said, I'll have to give this a try! Good luck to me.