Silk painting has the characteristics of watercolour painting - soft, flowing colours, or sharp, precise hues - all on silk.

Silk is produced by the larvae of the Chinese moth Bombyx mori (commonly called the silkworm). The larvae spin cocoons of silk fibres which people unwind to be respun into silk threads. The silk threads are then woven into silk fabric.

Special paints for silk fabric are used in this craft. Silk paints need to be 'fixed' (bound) to the fabric either by ironing, steaming, or using a chemical solution - refer to the silk paint manufacturer's instructions.