Acrylic paint can stiffen fabric because the paint is water-resistant. Acrylic paints are known for their ability to dry fast and completely, which makes it ideal for fabric painting of all sorts. If the fabric is stretched or stretched during the painting process, the paint can stiffen its texture. This is particularly true of the fabric’s sizing. This can be avoided by stretching the fabric while it is dry and by choosing paints that dry "to touch" and doesn't stiffen up.