Hand-Painted Ties: Strong Aroma Or Just Art?

Hand-painted ties became an accepted form of decoration in the US after the First World War. They were typically made from silk or wool, and could be washed gently in cool-to-lukewarm water with a neutral detergent. While hand-painted ties may not have a strong aroma themselves, the paint used may contain chemicals with a strong odour.

What are hand-painted ties made from?

Hand-painted ties are made from a variety of materials, including silk, wool, rayon, and cotton. Silk was the most common material for neckties in the early 20th century, but during World War II, when silk was in short supply, rayon and wool knit ties became popular alternatives. Silk has always been associated with quality, and in the 1920s, the quality of a man was often judged by the quality of his silk tie.

Hand-painted ties are also available in a variety of widths and lengths. In the 1930s, necktie widths grew wider (about 3.5 inches) and shorter to match the wider suit lapels and oversized shirt collars of the time. In the 1940s, ties became even wider and shorter, ending above the belt line. By the 1950s, tie lengths had reached 50 inches, and in the 1960s, ties could be as wide as 5 inches.

Hand-painted ties feature a range of designs, from abstract shapes and stand-out colours to hand-painted scenes of fishing, sailing, or hunting. In the 1940s, hand-painted ties often featured large canvas designs, including pin-up girls, hula dancers, and palm trees. In the 1950s, the designs became more abstract, cubist, and artistic. Today, hand-painted ties are still available in a variety of designs and are considered collectible items.

How are hand-painted ties made?

Hand-painted ties became an accepted form of decoration in the US after the First World War. They were often flamboyant and sold well through the 1950s.

Hand-painted ties are made by painting directly onto the fabric of the tie. The paint is usually applied with a brush, but can also be applied with a sponge or other tool to create different effects. The fabric is typically silk, but can also be cotton, wool, or synthetic fibres such as rayon. The paint used is typically a type of fabric paint that will not wash out, but some artists also use dyes or even watercolour paints.

The process of creating a hand-painted tie typically involves first sketching out a design on paper. This design is then transferred to the fabric, either by drawing directly onto the fabric with a pencil or pen, or by using a lightbox to trace the design. Once the design is on the fabric, the artist will mix their paints and begin painting. Some artists prefer to work in layers, building up the colour gradually, while others may paint more spontaneously, mixing colours directly on the fabric.

After the painting is complete, the tie may be steamed or heat-set to fix the paint, and then treated with a fabric medium to protect the paint and ensure that it does not crack or fade over time. Finally, the tie is pressed and packaged for sale.

Can you wash hand-painted ties?

Hand-painted ties can be washed, but it depends on the fabric of the tie. Ties are made from a variety of materials such as silk, wool, cotton, linen, polyester, and knit. The method of cleaning a hand-painted tie will depend on the type of fabric it is made from.

Washing hand-painted ties

If you intend to wash a hand-painted tie, it is important to first check the item's care tag for specific instructions. If the care tag is missing, the following general guidelines can be followed:

• Ties made from wool or silk are typically dry-clean only.
• Ties made from cotton, linen, or knit can usually be hand-washed or machine-washed.
• Ties made from silk can be gently washed in cool-to-lukewarm water with a neutral detergent or a detergent specifically designed for silk.
• Ties made from cotton or polyester can likely be hand-washed or machine-washed.

Hand-washing ties

To hand-wash a tie, fill a sink or basin with cool or warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Let the tie soak for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub any remaining stained areas with a soft cleaning brush. Rinse the tie thoroughly in clean, cool water and gently press out the excess moisture with a towel.

Machine-washing ties

Some ties can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water in the washing machine. It is recommended to place one to three ties in a garment bag prior to washing to prevent snagging and tangling. Always check the tie's care tag before machine-washing.

Drying ties

After washing, ties should be air-dried. First, press the tie with a towel to help remove excess water, then hang the tie on a clothesline or drying rack. Do not wring or twist a tie to remove water, as this can damage the fabric and shape of the tie.

Removing stains from ties

To treat stains on ties, it is important to act quickly. Blot the stain with a clean napkin or towel to absorb any excess liquid. Do not rub the stain, as this can further embed it into the fabric. If the stain is oil-based or greasy, absorb it with baking soda.

What are the best paints to use on silk ties?

When it comes to painting silk ties, there are a few different types of paint you can use. Here are some of the best options:

Silk Paints

Dye-Na-Flow and Setasilk are free-flowing silk paints that can be used to create beautiful and vibrant designs on silk ties. These paints are non-toxic and easy to use, making them a great option for beginners. Simply paint your desired design, let it dry, and then iron the tie to heat-set the paint. This method does not require any pre-washing or washing out of excess dye, making it a convenient and mess-free option.

Copic Markers

Copic markers are another great option for painting silk ties, especially if you want to create a design with a lot of detail. They are ideal for drawing outlines and filling in with colour. When using Copic markers, it is important to work sparingly and to add the outline last to prevent bleeding into other colours.

Gutta Outliner

Gutta outliner is a clear substance that can be used to create a barrier between different colours of paint, preventing them from running into each other. This technique is known as batik and can be used to create interesting effects on your silk tie. Keep in mind that the gutta outliner needs to be completely dry before adding paint, as wet paint can cause the interfacing to shrink away from the silk.

Chemical Dyes

Chemical dyes are commonly used to hand-paint fabrics and can be found in most handicraft stores. Yuzen is a popular hand-dyeing method that involves tracing patterns onto fabric with a blue plant extract and then outlining the design with starch to prevent colour mixing. The fabric is then brush-dyed with a base colour, and the desired colours are filled in. The fabric is steamed to fix the dye, and the process is repeated if painting on both sides of the fabric.

Ink

Ink can also be used to paint silk ties, but it is important to treat the fabric first and to know the fibre content of the tie before beginning.

When painting silk ties, it is generally recommended to dry clean or gently hand wash the tie after painting to prevent the paint from coming off.

How much do hand-painted ties cost?

The cost of hand-painted ties varies depending on the brand, material, and design. On Etsy, for example, hand-painted silk ties range from $6 to $468.08, with some ties on sale for 15% to 75% off the original price.

On eBay, hand-painted neckties range from $5.15 to $10.50 for shipping, with some ending soon due to auctions. Other hand-painted ties on eBay are priced at $8.25, $19.97, $21.25, $28.05, $351.06, and $39.95. Some of these ties are also on sale, with discounts ranging from 15% to 50% off the original price.

The wide range of prices for hand-painted ties may be due to various factors, including the complexity of the design, the materials used, the brand, and the seller's profit margin. It's worth noting that hand-painted ties can be considered a form of art, and the price may reflect the artist's reputation and the uniqueness of the design.

Frequently asked questions