Best Printmaking Inks of 2026

"I keep returning to this ink set because the colors blend smoothly into custom shades and the prints hold up beautifully wash after wash. I mainly print on towels, and even without fabric medium, the results are still vivid and long-lasting. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable, mixable inks."

"I was block printing on cotton and these inks cured well and stayed bright after washing, especially when I heat set them. The colors didn't bleed or fade, and the consistency was great for my projects. Just make sure to clean up quickly, as the oils can be harder to wash off than water-based inks."

"Great value for oil-based ink! I used these for printing on a scarf and the results were excellent. The product quality is very good, and I plan to buy larger tubes next time because I can see myself using these inks a lot more in the future."

"I absolutely love how smoothly this ink rolls out and the rich, thick texture it provides. It's perfect for my roller and produces great results. Very happy with the quality and value!"

"As someone who used this ink for block printing, I noticed that even with a thin application, the ink stayed tacky and took a long time to dry. There weren't any instructions about curing or heat treatment, so I think it's best suited for crafts or projects where immediate drying isn't a concern."

"I used this ink for a printmaking class and found that, although it was thicker than what I'm used to, it performed beautifully for linocuts and etchings. My instructor even recommended it to others. If you don't mind waiting a bit longer for drying, the results are really worth it—I've already bought more!"

"As someone just starting out with linocutting, I found this ink to be smooth, clump-free, and perfect for test runs. The smaller bottle size was ideal for trying things out, and the prints came out really nice. It does dry pretty fast, but overall, it's a great choice for beginners."

"My daughter used this ink for her project and the results were clean, well-printed, and had a nice matte finish. Easy to clean with water and it works well with different paper textures. We found that using only a little ink goes a long way, and a rubber roller helps get the best results."

"I've relied on Speedball inks for over 40 years, and while they're usually reliable and effective, this batch was a bit stickier than expected, which made prints less consistent. It took a bit of experimenting to thin it out, but clean-up was still easy."

"I've been using this ink for a while and I absolutely love the vibrant colors and how quickly it dries. The soft, thick texture is just what I need for my prints, and it's both easy to use and practical. I think it's a fantastic choice for anyone from beginners to more advanced printmakers."

"As a professional, I've worked with many inks, but I keep coming back to this one because of its excellent saturation, viscosity, and effortless cleanup. It works beautifully once you get the hang of prepping your paper. I appreciate that it's budget-friendly and non-toxic without sacrificing color quality."

"I tried both the brown and black inks, and while the brown was excellent, I had issues with the black not drying fully and smudging over time. It's a bit disappointing given the price, so I'm hesitant to try more colors from this brand."

"For someone new to block printing, I found this kit to be exactly what I needed to get started. The inks have a nice, sticky consistency and are easy to roll out. The colors are vivid and opaque, although the yellow is a little less so, which I expected. Even with the small tubes, a little goes a long way, and I was able to make multiple prints without running out. Cleanup was simple, and the quick drying time let me work with several colors without waiting."

"I've experimented with several ink brands, but these are by far superior in quality. The colors come out beautifully on both paper and fabric, and I love mixing them, especially with the metallics for a shimmery effect. My only gripe is the price and tube size, since I go through them quickly, but I keep coming back because nothing else compares for print quality."

"The ink spreads well and the colors are bright, with no harsh chemical smell. Cleanup is hassle-free, which I appreciate. The only minor issue is that the gold dries faster than the other colors, but that's typical for metallic inks."

"I've been using this ink for years in my professional printmaking, and I appreciate its excellent saturation, smooth viscosity, and effortless cleanup. I switched from oil-based inks but didn't have to sacrifice color quality. This ink has proven to be reliable and budget friendly, so I’ll stick with it even though some friends have moved on to trendier brands."

"I love how quickly this ink dries and the vividness of its color. The texture is just right—soft and thick—and it's really practical for both beginners and experienced printmakers. Definitely a great value for the price!"

"While the brown ink was excellent, I found that the black ink didn’t dry completely, even after several days. It tended to smudge easily, which resulted in some wasted prints for me. I was hoping for more consistency across colors from this brand."

"I've used Speedball fabric ink for years and it consistently delivers the best quality, with fast drying and vibrant results. I've tried other brands but always come back to Speedball for my T-shirt screen printing projects."

"As someone who crafts custom fabric designs, I find this ink smooth, easy to work with, and incredibly vibrant—even after several washes, my prints look fresh. The jars last a long time, and it's become an essential part of my projects."

"For my first attempt at stamping fabric, this ink was a fantastic choice. I heat set my print, washed it several times, and the design stayed bright and intact. It applies well and holds up on different fabric colors."

"I've used Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink for several creative projects, and I'm consistently impressed by its bold, vibrant colors and professional-level coverage. The ink applies smoothly, dries quickly, and my prints stay vivid and sharp even after many washes. Cleanup is simple—just water! I absolutely recommend this ink to anyone looking to take their fabric printing up a notch."

"This ink is super easy to use and clean up. The colors come out bright and beautiful, and I love the perfect consistency and quick drying. I’ve ordered this multiple times and am planning to get larger containers for future projects—perfect for custom T-shirts or group events at a great price."

"I’ve relied on this brand for years because it always leaves my projects looking and feeling great—the finish is soft, not stiff like some other fabric paints. However, I did notice that some jars leaked during shipping, but it’s a minor issue and I’ll definitely keep buying it."

"Speedball ink has never let me down. It’s got a nice, thick texture that makes it simple to roll onto printing blocks, and I love that it dries to the touch in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for anyone who’s new to printmaking."

"I use these for classroom activities, and the inks are straightforward and easy to handle. The amount in each tube is just right for my needs, and I appreciate how quickly everything cleans up after a session."

"I’m just getting into lino cut stamping, and I’ve tried the yellow and red inks from this set. The consistency feels just right, though I did notice the yellow is a bit light, especially when covering dark markings. Still, it works well for my beginner projects."

"I've been using this ink for all my fabric printing projects, and the colors come out rich and stay vibrant even after several washes. It applies smoothly and is suitable for both beginners and experienced printers. I also love that it doesn't require a heat set, which saves time and hassle."

"I wanted a fabric ink that would survive the laundry and daily wear—this one definitely delivers. The pigment holds up perfectly after washing, and there’s no fading or bleeding. I also appreciate that there’s no transfer onto other fabrics when I wash my tote bags. I’m happy with the results and will continue using it for future projects."

"While this white ink is incredibly opaque and works great for block printing on black fabric, it does dry quite fast, making it tricky to use for detailed work. Be prepared for a bit of a smell—it reminds me of oil paint, so I print with the windows open. Overall, it gets the job done, especially for cotton or linen."