We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Curtains are like the sidekicks to our windows. When done right, they can really amp up the look of a room, tie the decor together, or even be the star of the show. But if your curtains are feeling kinda basic, don’t worry – block printing is a super easy way to give them a quick and affordable upgrade. All you need is some fabric-safe paint, a foam brush, and a wooden printing block, and you can totally transform those boring curtains into something really special. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can even get creative and make your own printing blocks. Just cut an old piece of fabric in half and press a metal cookie cutter into it – voila, instant block! And if you don’t have a foam brush, a regular dish sponge works just fine. Once you’ve got your supplies ready, just lay down some old newspaper or a clean cloth to keep your workspace paint-free, and you’re good to go.
Realpeoplegroup/Getty Images
How to upgrade your old curtains with block printing
First things first, take down your curtains and give them a good wash. Once they’re dry, iron them out nice and smooth. Now, set up your workspace – lay down an old cloth or newspaper to protect your surfaces. Get your paint and printing block ready, and give the block a good coating of paint. Dab off any excess, then gently press the block onto your curtain fabric. Try to be really even with the paint coverage to avoid any blotchy areas.
Repeat the printing process all over your curtain, starting from one edge and working your way in. It’s a good idea to measure the distance between each print so everything looks nice and neat. If you don’t want to deal with the wet paint, you can even mark out a grid beforehand and use that as a guide. Once the whole curtain is printed, let the paint dry completely. Then, give it a final press with the iron to set the design.
Tips and tricks for block printing your curtains
One super important tip is to avoid pressing the block down on the same spot twice – that’ll just make the design look all chunky and uneven. Make sure to reapply paint after each press to keep the coverage nice and consistent. Since this can take some time, especially for bigger curtains, be prepared to set aside a few hours to get the job done, especially if you’re new to block printing.
It’s also a good idea to practice on an old scrap of fabric first. That way you can play around with different designs and color combos before you start working on your actual curtains. If you can find a piece of fabric in the same shade as your curtains, even better – that’ll help you visualize exactly how the finished look will turn out. Just be sure to keep your brushes/sponges separate if you go this route. And when it comes to mixing colors, have fun with it! Try using different shades for the distinct sections of a single block design for some extra dimension and wow-factor. You can even get creative and add some custom hand-painted touches if you really want to make it your own.
