· printmaking inks · 12 min read
10 Best Block Printing Inks for Vibrant and Durable Prints
Discover the top-rated block printing inks for artists seeking exceptional results. Our curated selection offers vibrant colors, water-soluble options, and professional-grade formulas, ensuring stunning prints every time.
Block printing inks are essential for creating beautiful and long-lasting prints. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide will introduce you to the best block printing inks on the market, helping you find the perfect ink for your next project.
Overview

PROS
- Water-soluble formula for easy cleanup and vibrant results
- Rich, opaque black pigment for stunning prints
- Exceptional adhesion and durability on paper and fabric
CONS
- Slightly slower drying time compared to oil-based inks
- May require multiple coats for intense opacity
For block printing enthusiasts seeking exceptional results, Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink in Black is an indispensable choice. Its water-soluble formula not only makes cleanup a breeze but also yields vibrant, long-lasting prints. The rich, opaque black pigment ensures striking contrasts and fine details, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.
Speedball's block printing ink exhibits excellent adhesion on various surfaces, including paper and fabric, giving you the versatility to explore different printing techniques. Its water-based nature allows for easy blending and layering, fostering creativity and experimentation. While the drying time may be slightly longer compared to oil-based inks, the patience is rewarded with prints that resist smudging and fading over time.

PROS
- Offers a rich array of six bold colors to cater to diverse artistic visions
- Water-soluble formula ensures effortless cleanup, making it ideal for beginners and experienced printers alike
- Satin finish imparts a smooth, professional touch to your prints, enhancing their visual appeal
- Exceptional opacity guarantees crisp and vibrant results, allowing your designs to shine
- 1.25-ounce tubes provide ample ink for multiple projects, ensuring uninterrupted creativity
CONS
- May require multiple layers for deep, saturated hues on certain surfaces
- Might dry slightly faster than preferred by some users, requiring occasional rewetting during printing
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of block printing with Speedball's Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink. This remarkable set empowers you with six bold colors, each boasting a stunning satin finish that transforms your prints into eye-catching masterpieces. The water-soluble formula grants you the freedom to wash up easily, making it a joy to use for artists of all skill levels.
With its exceptional opacity, Speedball's Block Printing Ink delivers crisp and vibrant impressions that capture every intricate detail of your design. The 1.25-ounce tubes ensure that you have ample ink to bring your creative visions to life, allowing you to experiment and create without limitations. Experience the joy of block printing with Speedball's Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink and watch your artistic expressions come alive with unparalleled clarity and depth.

PROS
- Easily soluble in water, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and opaque, producing striking prints with intense pigmentation.
- Compatible with various block printing techniques, offering versatility for artists.
- Ideal for creating detailed prints with smooth, even coverage.
- Water-based formula ensures safe and environmentally friendly use.
CONS
- May require multiple layers for darker prints, increasing project time.
- Can be slightly slower drying than some oil-based inks, requiring patience.
Unleash your creativity with Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink, the perfect ally for artists seeking vibrant and effortless prints. Its water-based formula not only simplifies cleanup but also aligns with eco-conscious practices.
The rich, opaque nature of this ink guarantees captivating prints with exceptional depth and clarity. Its versatility extends to diverse block printing techniques, empowering artists with creative freedom. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your block printing journey, Sax True Flow Ink empowers you to produce stunning, detailed prints with each application.

PROS
- Water-soluble formula for easy cleanup
- Produces rich, bold blacks for striking prints
- Versatile ink suitable for various surfaces including paper, fabric, and wood
- Non-toxic and safe for use by all ages
CONS
- Can dry out over time if not sealed properly
- May require multiple layers for optimal opacity
Experience the art of block printing with Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink. Its unique water-based formula ensures effortless cleanup and makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned artists. This black ink delivers intense and captivating prints, bringing your designs to life with remarkable clarity. Whether you're on paper, fabric, or wood, True Flow Ink effortlessly adapts to your chosen surface, enabling boundless creativity. Its non-toxic composition provides peace of mind, ensuring a safe and enjoyable printing experience. While its longevity is not infinite, proper storage techniques can extend its life. Occasional touch-ups may be necessary to achieve desired opacity, but the stunning results will undoubtedly make the effort worthwhile.

PROS
- Encapsulates premium block printing ink tailored for fabric surfaces, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting results.
- Provides an array of colors to cater to diverse artistic visions, allowing for captivating and intricate designs on fabric.
CONS
- May require proper ventilation to dissipate any potential odors during usage.
- Ensure adherence to manufacturer's instructions for optimal application and desired outcomes.
Embark on a captivating textile art journey with Speedball's Fabric Block Printing Ink. This premium ink is meticulously designed to adorn fabrics with vibrant and enduring prints, unlocking boundless creative possibilities. Its diverse color palette empowers artists to weave intricate designs, transforming ordinary textiles into expressive masterpieces.
Speedball's Fabric Block Printing Ink exudes durability, ensuring your creations withstand the test of time. Whether adorning garments, home décor, or wearable art, this ink remains steadfast, preserving the vibrancy of your vision. Its ease of application allows for smooth and precise printing, empowering artists of all levels to produce stunning fabric prints.

PROS
- AP certification guarantees non-toxicity, ensuring safety in both studio and classroom settings.
- Oil-based formula provides excellent adhesion and durability, creating lasting, vibrant prints.
CONS
- Requires careful cleanup with solvents, as water cannot remove oil-based inks.
- May have a strong odor during use, necessitating proper ventilation.
Elevate your block printing artistry with Speedball's exceptional Oil-Based Block Printing Ink Starter Set. This professional-grade ink set empowers you to create stunning, permanent prints that will stand the test of time. Certified by the Arts and Creative Materials Institute (AP), the non-toxic formula ensures a safe and enjoyable creative experience for artists of all levels.
Harnessing the power of oil-based pigments, this ink delivers unparalleled adhesion and durability. Your prints will emerge crisp, vibrant, and resistant to fading, allowing you to showcase your creations with confidence. However, it's important to note that oil-based inks require specific solvents for cleanup, as water alone cannot dissolve them. Additionally, proper ventilation is recommended during use due to the potential for strong odors.

PROS
- Vibrant turquoise color produces stunning block prints.
- Water-soluble formula for easy cleanup and mixing to achieve desired hues.
CONS
- May require multiple layers for achieving bold colors.
- Consistency might vary, requiring adjustments during printing.
Speedball's water-soluble block printing ink offers exceptional versatility for block printing, lino printing, and screen printing. Its vibrant turquoise hue instantly captivates, delivering eye-catching prints that will surely impress. This water-based formula is a breeze to clean up, allowing artists to experiment freely without the hassle of harsh solvents. Mixing colors is effortless, empowering you to achieve a myriad of shades that match your artistic vision.
While the ink's consistency may vary slightly, this characteristic provides an opportunity for artists to customize the ink's texture and flow. Seasoned printmakers can take advantage of this variability to create unique effects and achieve their desired results. However, beginners may require some experimentation to find the optimal consistency for their specific printing techniques.

PROS
- Effortlessly water-soluble, ensuring hassle-free cleanup and versatility across a range of surfaces.
- Exceptional vibrancy and opacity deliver captivating prints that command attention.
CONS
- May require multiple coats for optimal opacity, slightly extending the printing process.
- Tendency to dry quickly, demanding swift and precise application to prevent potential smudging.
Embark on an artistic adventure with Speedball's Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, the essential companion for transforming your creative visions into tangible masterpieces. Its water-based formula grants effortless cleanup, allowing you to explore and experiment without the constraints of harsh chemicals. Spread the magic across various surfaces, embracing the boundless possibilities of paper, fabric, and even wood.
Unveiling the secrets of this remarkable ink reveals an extraordinary vibrancy and opacity that will leave your prints radiating with enchanting brilliance. Each stroke bears witness to the ink's rich pigmentation, ensuring that your artistry shines through with exceptional clarity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, Speedball's Block Printing Ink empowers you to unleash your creativity and produce prints that will captivate all who lay their eyes upon them.

PROS
- Water-soluble formula allows for easy cleanup and versatility in techniques.
- Produces rich, vibrant hues that bring designs to life.
- Ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering ease of use and professional results.
- Conforms to ASTM D-4236 standards for non-toxicity, ensuring safe usage.
CONS
- May require multiple layers for opaque coverage, potentially increasing project time.
- Can be sensitive to moisture and humidity, necessitating proper storage conditions.
Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink in Blue offers a remarkable balance of vibrant color and effortless cleanup. Its water-based formula allows for simple removal with just soap and water, making it an excellent choice for beginners and those experimenting with different techniques. Despite its water solubility, this ink delivers intense, eye-catching hues that add depth and dimension to block prints. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, this ink empowers you to explore your artistic vision and achieve stunning results.
While multiple layers may be necessary to attain full opacity, the versatility of Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink more than compensates for this minor inconvenience. Its ease of use and non-toxic composition, conforming to ASTM D-4236 standards, provide peace of mind and encourage experimentation. However, it's worth noting that proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain its quality, as exposure to moisture and humidity can affect its performance. Embrace the vibrant possibilities and let the Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink in Blue ignite your creativity today!

PROS
- Premium quality green block printing ink offers vibrant hues
- Water-soluble formula simplifies cleanup and promotes eco-friendly practices
CONS
- Not suitable for use on fabrics
Enrich your block printing endeavors with this exceptional Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink. Its mesmerizing green hue will effortlessly bring your designs to life, promising a vivid and captivating end result. The ink's expertly crafted formula flows smoothly, ensuring seamless application and precise detailing. Its water-soluble nature allows for effortless cleanup, eliminating the need for harsh solvents and reducing environmental impact.
With its generous 8-ounce capacity, this ink offers ample supply for both small-scale projects and larger creative expressions. Its compatibility with a range of surfaces makes it a versatile choice for exploring diverse substrates. Trust Sax True Flow's unwavering quality to elevate your block printing experiences to new heights.
In this article, we've explored the top block printing inks available today. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, our curated selection offers a diverse range of options to meet your specific needs and preferences. From water-soluble inks to professional-grade formulas, we've highlighted the essential qualities of each ink to assist you in making an informed decision. Remember to consider factors such as color vibrancy, durability, and ease of use when choosing the best block printing ink for your unique project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best block printing ink for beginners?
For beginners, water-soluble block printing inks like Sax True Flow or Speedball Water-Soluble are recommended due to their ease of use and cleanup.
What is the most durable block printing ink?
Oil-based block printing inks, such as Speedball Oil-Based, provide excellent durability and resistance to fading and water damage, making them ideal for outdoor or long-lasting prints.
What is the best block printing ink for vibrant colors?
Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink offers a wide range of vibrant colors, making it a popular choice for artists seeking bold and eye-catching prints.
What is the best block printing ink for large prints?
For large-scale prints, consider Speedball 1299777 True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink, which comes in a larger 16-ounce container.
What is the best block printing ink for fine details?
Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, 5-Ounce Tube (Platinum White) is renowned for its precision and ability to capture intricate details, making it ideal for detailed prints.













