Acrylic paints, also known as "artist paints," are often found in church supply closets next to the water-based paints. They are good for higher end artistic projects, and where you want a permanent paint. Great for canvases and wood too.
One of the places you want "permanent" is when painting on fabrics, such as t-shirts, or pillowcases in Sunday School. Here's how to easily turn your acrylic paints into DURABLE fabric paints.
Fabric Paints
Make your own Fabric Paints using acrylic paints or puff paints you may already have in your supply closet.
To transform acrylic paints (which will crack on fabric) into flexible fabric paints... Just create a solution of 1 part glycerin to 5 parts water, then mix with your acrylic paints to make a fabric paint that's permanent and flexible. Or you can buy pre-mixed "glycerol" (water the glycerin) or "Liquidtex" -type products to add to acrylic paints to make them usable on fabrics.
This tip works with real acrylic or "water-based" acrylic-like paints.
Another idea Posted by Judi Leaming to transform acrylic paint
Use Textil Medium. From the label and back of a bottle of Folk Art Textile Medium (PLAID). "Prewash fabric. Secure to waxed paper covered board. (HINT: I just stuck pieces of foam board inside those obnoxious plastic "take-your-food" home from the grocery bags and then stuffed that inside the washed t-shirts.) Shake Medium well. Mix 1 part Medium to 2 parts FolkArt Acrylic Paint. Clean up while wet with some cool water. Before washing, air dry 24 hours then heat set. CARE: Wash inside out in cold water".
You can also "paint" with the "puff paints" they sell in small bottles in the craft isle at Wal Mart or the local craft store. Instead of applying directly to fabric, squeeze the puff paint onto a plate and use a brush to apply.
Great article about it here: https://blog.udemy.com/acrylic-paint-on-fabric/ That article also talks about HEAT SETTING your fabric/acrylic paints to speed up drying time and make more permanent.