Galaxy dresses that mimic the look of the starry sky have become popular in recent years, but you don't have to spend a fortune to make this one part of your collection. Make your own using black clothes, bleach, and white paint. This is what you should do.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating the Galaxy
Step 1. Place the black t-shirt on top of a large plastic trash bag
Cover the inside of the shirt with plastic too.
- You can use any plastic. You just need something that will prevent bleach and paint from dripping onto the floor or dripping off clothes.
- Placing the plastic inside the shirt will prevent the bleach from dripping through it and staining the other side.
- If possible, wear a plain black cotton shirt. Cotton and other absorbent fabrics can be used to make this shirt. You should also wear a black t-shirt, avoid wearing white or other colored shirts.
Step 2. Mix bleach with water
Mix three parts water with seven parts bleach in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed.
- You can use a small spray bottle to make this shirt. You don't need to use a large amount of bleach for this project.
- Avoid using pure bleach as it can damage the fabric.
Step 3. Spray bleach on the clothes
Spray the clothes with the bleach solution randomly but carefully.
- Spray several times on the parts that are close to each other, then spray the parts that are far apart. Spraying the bleach close to where the other bleach sprays will create the appearance of a connected star cluster, while spraying it further apart helps create the illusion of depth and distance by making it appear as if there is another star cluster in the distance.
- Bleach will create a red to orange color on black clothes.
- Don't spray too much on the clothes. You want some of the black areas to remain so that the galactic pattern appears clearer. Otherwise, your clothes will end up looking like a rusty color from the wrong wash.
Step 4. Make a cluster of stars in the center of the shirt
Roll the fabric in the center of the shirt and spray the roll with bleach.
- Steps are optional steps, and you can create a galaxy suit without creating a cluster of stars in the center of the shirt.
- Wait until you get the pattern of the bleach you want on the shirt before creating a cluster of stars in the center of the shirt.
Step 5. Dry the area that has been sprayed with bleach
You can make the bleach dry naturally or you can speed up the process by using a hairdryer.
- If it dries naturally, place the shirt in a sunny location and allow it to dry completely.
- If you want to speed up this process, dry the clothes by placing the hairdryer on the wet area exposed to the bleach and setting it to low,
- Drying clothes can take 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6. Wash and dry the clothes
Rinse the shirt with warm water and let it dry naturally.
Washing the clothes will stop the bleach from working further on the fabric. As a result, the bleach will do less damage to the clothes
Part 2 of 3: Adding Stars
Step 1. Splash white paint on the shirt
Dip a stiff brush in white paint and then shake the brush by pulling the bristles back and quickly releasing them over the shirt.
- Be sure to use fabric paint, as many other types of paint can wear off when washed.
- You can also use an old toothbrush instead of a paint brush.
- You can also shake the paint off the brush by holding the brush in one hand and quickly swinging your wrist toward the shirt. However, this method does not give you control over where the dots of paint will fall.
- Try to concentrate on the specks of paint around the star cluster you created. A few stray stars won't be a problem, but the majority should be closer to the bleach portion of the shirt than the blank.
- You may want to practice first to make sure you're getting the flicks just right. You'll need to make tiny dots of paint, and if you don't know what you're doing, you'll end up making a big blob.
Step 2. Blur large spots of paint
If you get some larger, thicker smears of paint on your shirt, remedy the situation by blurring the smears with the palm of your hand.
Just press down on the lump with your hand. Don't rub your hands back and forth, as doing so will damage the points. Press down on the dots of paint to lighten the paint, and make them stand out less
Step 3. Deliberately add some larger paint dots
If desired, you can create a constellation effect by dripping a few large globs of paint or bleach in various places on the shirt.
- This step is optional. If used, the large blob should be about twice as large as the normal point size.
- Don't add too many lumps, as they have a tendency to be too flashy.
Part 3 of 3: The Final Touch
Step 1. Rub in some other colors
A normal palette consists of blues, yellows, and purples, but you can get more creative if you wish. Use a sponge brush to gently apply color around the edges of the star cluster and in the center of the white spots of the star.
- You don't need to add more color, but the right color can add depth and visuals to your galaxy outfit.
- For a more feminine look, you can use colors like magenta, dark purple, and light pink.
- If you don't have a sponge brush, a plain sponge can also be used. However, choose a sponge with small holes. The dishwasher sponge is too porous.
- Use a light acrylic paint for this step. Fabric paint tends to be more opaque, and you'll need something a little more transparent to create the desired effect.
Step 2. Blur the color with water
Lighten and smooth the appearance of paint by wiping it with a sponge soaked in water or a tissue.
- When you're done, you should still be able to see the paint star or cluster of stars under the paint add-on.
- Mix until you get the desired effect. Some parts can be darker than others, but the added color should only be used to create a deeper effect. This section should not be the focal point of the dress.
Step 3. You can spray the color instead of wiping it off
Use spray cloth paint to spray the edges of the cluster of stars, creating a deeper effect.
- This method works well if you end up bleaching a large part of your shirt instead of just a small part.
- You can use multiple colors, but it will work better if you only use one or two of the same color, like purple and blue.
- Tie dye watercolors can also work if you can't use spray fabric paint
- You don't need to dilute the paint with water afterwards.
Step 4. Dry, rinse and dry again
Once everything is done, allow the clothes to dry overnight. Rinse with cold water and let dry naturally.
Tips
- You can create an interesting effect by placing the stencil over your shirt and painting only the inside of the stencil. Use a large, simple stencil that centers on the front of the shirt.
- Wear disposable plastic gloves, especially when using bleach. Bleach can irritate the skin, so it's a good idea to have something to protect your hands at work. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using bleach to prevent yourself from accidentally spilling it on your eyes or mouth.
Required Items
- black shirt
- Bleach
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Big plastic bag
- Plastic gloves
- Hair dryer
- white cloth paint
- Stiff paint brush or toothbrush
- Acrylic paints in various colors
- Sponge brush or sponge
