Magic sizing has been a popular product for many years, providing a convenient and effective way to temporarily add stiffness and body to fabrics. However, recent developments have seen the discontinuation of this beloved product. While some may mourn the loss of magic sizing, it is important to understand the reasons behind this decision. One of the main factors contributing to the discontinuation of magic sizing is the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their choices, they are seeking out products that align with their values. Magic sizing, like many aerosol products, contains harmful chemicals that are not biodegradable and can contribute to air pollution.
Magic sizing, like many aerosol products, contains harmful chemicals that are not biodegradable and can contribute to air pollution. In response to this shift in consumer preferences, manufacturers are choosing to invest in greener alternatives that are less harmful to the planet. Another reason for the decline of magic sizing is the changing fashion trends and fabrics.
Silk Painting How to
Usually, when you place your brush on the silk the paint/dyes spread uncontrolled. Unless there is a resist line, the color won't stop. But you could spread some kind of substance on top of the silk to slow this process. These substances are called antispreads or antifusants. When antispread is painted on silk and let dry before applying the dyes, it will stop the flow of colours. The silk becomes almost like a piece of paper, and the dyes can be painted directly on the silk without using gutta or other type of resists. Very detailed works with no outlines can be achieve by this method.
Jacquard's No Flow
Paint this onto your silk and let it dry before using any silk dye. It's like painting on a primer and then painting over it with your dyes. The dyes will now hold their line without spreading across the fabric. You can now paint without any resists. Washes out easily with soap and water. Can be steamed but a little harder to get out afterward. Works with all dyes. Some artists use primers like this so they can paint their signature in a corner of their piece.
Sennelier's Stop Flow
Call it what you will, it is painted onto the silk (and dried) before the paint or dye, which it then keeps from spreading when it touches the silk. The dye stays put where you want it instead of wicking all over the place. Allows for freehand painting without Gutta or other resists to "fence" the dye. Think of it as sizing to prep the canvas with. It washes out with water in the end. This is the only one that can also be used with flowable paints like Dynaflow and Setacolor.
2M Antifusant by Dupont
(Not available in the U.S.) Antifusant 2M is made of Essence F (a solvent) and can be applied on white or coloured silk. It does not effect or change the colour of already painted silk, and it keeps its soft hand and brilliance.
Solvent Based Antispread
You can make your own 2M Antispread by mixing Essence F plus Essence F-based gutta, or any other solvent-based gutta plus its solvent.
1HO Antifusant by Dupont
Antifusant 1HO is water based and should be used only on white silk.
Water Based Antispread
You can make your own 1HO Antispread by mixing water based gutta plus water.
Magic Sizing
Magic Sizing (a fabric finishing spray similar to spray starch) can be sprayed onto dry stretched silk. Once evenly applied, the surface can be air dried or set with a hot hair dryer. Painting on the finished surface is much like painting on watercolor paper.
Very little dye is needed and dry brush techniques are recommended as the sizing works as a ‘stop flow’ . It fills in the fibers of the silk and prevents the dyes from flooding the surface. A stiffer brush may be used to ‘scrub’ the colors into the surface of the silk.
For use in smaller areas, such as reflections, the sizing can be sprayed into a glass and brushed on to selected areas to protect the white surface.
After setting the dyes as recommended by your particular dye, the Magic Sizing washes out of the finish work leaving no film or thickness to the dye.
Anti-spread by Beatriz Castro
You can make your own 1HO Antispread by mixing water based gutta plus water.
In the past, fabrics were often thicker and more rigid, requiring the use of a product like magic sizing to add body and shape. However, modern fabrics are designed to be lightweight and flowy, with a more natural drape. These fabrics do not benefit from the use of magic sizing, as it can make them stiff and unnatural. As a result, the demand for this product has decreased significantly. Additionally, advances in fabric technology and laundry care have made the use of magic sizing less necessary. Many fabrics now come pre-treated with crease-resistant finishes or are designed to be machine washable without losing their shape. Furthermore, fabric softeners and other laundry products have improved, providing similar benefits to what magic sizing once offered. While the discontinuation of magic sizing may be a disappointment for some, it is ultimately a reflection of changing consumer preferences and advancements in the industry. As manufacturers continue to innovate and develop more sustainable and effective alternatives, it is likely that consumers will find new products that meet their needs. So, while the era of magic sizing may have come to an end, it is just the beginning of a new chapter in fabric care and innovation..
Reviews for "The Rise and Fall of Magic Sizing: Lessons Learned for the Fashion Industry"
- John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with Magic Sizing Stopped. I found it to be very ineffective in making my clothes look wrinkle-free. The spray seemed to just evaporate into the air without actually doing anything to help smooth out the fabric. I tried using it on different types of materials, but the results were always the same. It was a waste of money for me.
- Emma - 1 out of 5 stars - Magic Sizing Stopped didn't live up to its claims at all. I followed the instructions carefully, but my clothes still ended up looking wrinkled and creased. The spray also had a strange scent that lingered on the fabric, which I didn't like. Overall, it was a disappointing product and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for Magic Sizing Stopped, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The spray bottle malfunctioned after just a few uses, making it difficult to apply the product evenly. Even when the spray was working, I didn't notice a significant improvement in the appearance of my clothes. It was a letdown and I won't be purchasing it again.
- Mark - 2 out of 5 stars - I was not impressed with Magic Sizing Stopped. It left a sticky residue on my clothes and didn't do much to reduce wrinkles. I found it to be quite messy to use and it didn't provide the results I was hoping for. I would suggest trying other wrinkle-reducing products instead.