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Best Printmaking Inks of 2026

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Ann Hale

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Printmaking inks are a crucial component of any printmaker's toolkit. These inks are specially formulated to produce high-quality prints with crisp lines and vibrant colors. They come in a variety of colors and consistencies, including oil-based, water-based, and solvent-based inks. Oil-based inks are known for their rich colors and long drying time, while water-based inks are more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up. Solvent-based inks are ideal for printing on non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal. Whether you're a professional printmaker or a hobbyist, there's a printmaking ink out there that will suit your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Printmaking Inks

#TOP 1

Speedball Block Printing Inks 1.25oz 6/Pkg

Speedball Block Printing Inks 1.25oz 6/Pkg Cover

Speedball Premium Block Printing Ink Set - 6 Colors for Fabric and Paper - Water Soluble Oil Based Ink - 1.25 oz Each - Non Toxic Art Supplies

The Speedball Block Printing Inks 1.25oz 6/Pkg is a high-quality printmaking ink made in the United States. This package includes six inks that work well on both fabric and paper. With a package length of 4.25", width of 2.0", and height of 5.5", it is easy to store and use for your printing needs.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vivid, mixable colors
  • Durable, wash-fast prints
  • Good for fabric printing
  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to use for beginners

What We Don't Like

  • Small tube size
  • Occasional thick or gummy texture

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 2

Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set

Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set Cover

Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, 6-Color Printmaking Ink Set for Linoleum Block, 3.5 floz

Falling in Art Ink Set offers vibrant colors, safe paints, easy cleaning, and multiple uses. The bright colors ensure spectacular results, safe paints make it suitable for all, easy cleaning saves time, and the versatility allows for various projects. You can enjoy creating prints on different surfaces effortlessly with this set.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Good coverage and smooth rolling
  • Rich, thick ink consistency
  • Works well for crafts
  • Blends colors easily
  • Affordable and good value

What We Don't Like

  • Drying time may be longer
  • Occasional tackiness on some surfaces

What Customers Say

"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!"

#TOP 3

Speedball Water Soluble Block Ink

Speedball Water Soluble Block Ink Cover

Speedball Art Products Company Water Soluble Block Ink

Speedball Block Printing Ink is designed for those who love block and relief printing. Its finely milled pigments ensure that you achieve even coverage, resulting in vibrant prints every time. The ink dries to a beautiful, satiny finish, enhancing the overall look of your artwork. Whether you’re using linoleum, wood, or soft block surfaces, this ink adapts seamlessly, making it versatile for various projects. Cleanup is a breeze, as it washes away easily with soap and water, allowing you to focus more on your creativity and less on the mess.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy cleanup with water
  • Good for beginners
  • Matte finish
  • Works on various papers
  • Minimal ink needed

What We Don't Like

  • Dries quickly
  • Occasionally sticky texture

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 4

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black Cover

Speedball Art Products Company 003600 003600 150cc Water Soluble Block Ink Black

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink is a water-based ink that delivers consistent and smooth coverage, perfect for beginners and experts alike. It works well on linoleum, wood, cardboard, flexible printing plates or polyfoam to create gorgeous prints with a rich, satiny finish. The ink is AP certified safe, non-toxic, and easily cleans up with soap and water.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Quick drying time
  • Easy to clean
  • Vivid color saturation
  • Great for beginners
  • Good value for money

What We Don't Like

  • Occasional inconsistent texture
  • Some colors slow to dry

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 5

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set Cover

Speedball 3470 Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set – 6 Bold Colors with Satiny Finish - 1.25 FL OZ Tubes, Multicolor

The Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set is perfect for creating bold colored prints with a rich, satiny finish. The ink can be used on various surfaces such as linoleum, wood, soft block surfaces, flexible printing plates, and polyfoam. The ink has a tack that ensures even coverage and consistent results. Cleaning up is quick and easy with soap and water. The set includes six tubes of water-soluble block printing ink in black, red, blue, yellow, white, and gold.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High ink quality
  • Bright and opaque colors
  • Easy cleanup
  • Good for beginners
  • Mixes and layers well

What We Don't Like

  • Small tube size
  • Somewhat expensive

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 6

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black Cover

Speedball 3800 Water Soluble Block Printing Ink – Bold Color With Satin Finish Ap Non- Toxic 8 Fl. oz., Black

Speedball Printing Ink is perfect for printing on paper or cardboard with linoleum, wood, or soft block surfaces, flexible printing plates, or polyfoam. The ink is ground and milled to the perfect consistency and has a tack that ensures even coverage for consistent, spectacular results every time. The inks print bold color and dry to a rich, satiny finish. Clean-up is quick and easy with soap and water. All colors carry the AP Seal, making them safe for adults and children. Whether you are creating gorgeous prints in your home studio or classroom, Speedball Printing Ink is a reliable choice.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Quick drying time
  • Easy cleanup
  • Rich color saturation
  • Good value for money
  • Thick, smooth texture

What We Don't Like

  • Occasional inconsistent texture
  • Some colors dry slowly

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 7

Speedball Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink 8 oz

Speedball Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink 8 oz Cover

Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce, Black for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking

The Speedball Black Screen Ink is a great choice for artists looking to create vibrant and consistent prints. It delivers rich color that stands out on various fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends, giving you flexibility in your projects. You’ll appreciate how smoothly it applies, making your work easier and more reliable every time. Plus, the ink feels soft on fabric after printing, so your designs won’t feel stiff or heavy. When properly heat-set, the prints become permanent, ensuring your artwork lasts through wear and washing. This ink also works well on paper and cardboard, adding to its versatility.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, long-lasting colors
  • Easy fabric application
  • Quick drying time
  • Works on dark fabrics
  • Economical, a little goes far

What We Don't Like

  • Seal removal occasionally difficult
  • Color expectation may vary

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 8

Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set for Screen Printing

Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set for Screen Printing Cover

Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set, 6-Colors, 4 Fl Oz for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking

The Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set for Screen Printing includes 6 vibrant easy mixing colors that can be used as-is or mixed together to create custom colors. The water-based ink applies easily, delivers smooth uniform coverage with no clumps, and is ultra low odor. After heat set, your design will have long-lasting durability on a range of fabrics, including cotton, canvas, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. All colors are safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for studio and classroom printing. Made in the USA with consistent quality and dedicated customer service.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant color palette
  • Excellent coverage
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Easy cleanup
  • Smooth application

What We Don't Like

  • Minor leakage during shipping
  • Lack of mixing guide

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 9

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set Cover

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set – 4 Bold Colors With Satiny Finish - 1.25 FL OZ Tubes

The Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set is perfect for home studios or classrooms, providing bold and rich colors with a satiny finish. The ink is easy to use on various surfaces and provides consistent, spectacular results every time. Additionally, it's safe for both adults and children, carrying the AP Seal and cleaning up easily with soap and water. The set includes four 1.25oz tubes of ink in black, red, blue, and yellow.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Thick, easy-to-use consistency
  • Quick drying time
  • Vibrant primary colors
  • Simple clean-up
  • Ideal for beginners

What We Don't Like

  • Yellow ink less saturated
  • Tube sealing could improve

What Customers Say

"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."

#TOP 10

Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink 003576

Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink 003576 Cover

Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink, 2.5 oz, Black, Non-Toxic Water-Miscible, No Heat Setting Required, Made in USA

Speedball Block Printing Ink offers vibrant, opaque colors that bring your fabric and paper projects to life. This versatile ink works beautifully on various materials, including cotton and polyester, making it ideal for diverse artistic endeavors. You’ll appreciate that there’s no need for heat setting; just let the ink dry overnight for a permanent finish. Cleanup is a breeze as well—soap and water easily wash away any mess. With this ink, you can focus more on your creativity and less on the hassle of complicated processes.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, opaque colors
  • Excellent wash durability
  • No heat setting needed
  • Works on cotton and linen
  • Easy for beginners

What We Don't Like

  • Dries quickly on block
  • Slight odor

What Customers Say

"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."

Printmaking Inks Comparison Table

#TOP 1 Speedball Block Printing Inks 1.25oz 6/Pkg Cover

Speedball Block Printing Inks 1.25oz 6/Pkg

#TOP 2 Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set Cover

Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set

#TOP 3 Speedball Water Soluble Block Ink Cover

Speedball Water Soluble Block Ink

#TOP 4 Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black Cover

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black

#TOP 5 Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set Cover

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set

#TOP 6 Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black Cover

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Black

#TOP 7 Speedball Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink 8 oz Cover

Speedball Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink 8 oz

#TOP 8 Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set for Screen Printing Cover

Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set for Screen Printing

#TOP 9 Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set Cover

Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set

#TOP 10 Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink 003576 Cover

Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink 003576

Brand Speedball Falling in Art Speedball Speedball Speedball Speedball Speedball Speedball Speedball Speedball
Package Information Tube Bottle Jar Tube Tube Jar Jar Jar Bottle Jar
Paint Type Block Printing Acrylic Watercolor Block Printing Watercolor Water-based Water-based Screen Printing Block Printing Oil
Item Volume 1.25 Fluid Ounces 250 Milliliters 73.93 Milliliters 150 Milliliters 221.8 Milliliters 236.58 Milliliters 8 Fluid Ounces 4 Fluid Ounces 37 Milliliters 74 Milliliters
Global Trade Identification Number 00651032034794 - - 00651032036002 00651032034701 00651032038006 00651032045608 00651032145049 00651032034770 00651032035708
Item Weight 0.8 ounces 2.4 pounds - - 11.2 ounces - 0.64 ounces - 8 ounces 3.2 ounces
FTB Score
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.4
9.2
9.2
9.2
9.0
Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of ink is used in printmaking?

Printmaking typically uses oil-based inks that are dried after printing. There are three main types of offset inks: sheetfed, heatset, and coldset. However, there is a growing trend towards using renewable resources like soy-based products in printmaking inks.

2. What is the difference between poster inks and fabric inks?

Poster inks are specifically designed for printing on porous or glossy paper materials, while fabric inks are used for printing on textiles. Both types of inks can be used for screen printing shirts, but the screen printing process for shirts and flat work is generally similar.

3. Do you need special ink for T-shirt printing?

No, you don't need special ink for T-shirt printing. Any ink and any inkjet printer can be used to transfer a personalized image onto a shirt. It's a simple process that can be done at home using equipment you probably already have.

Editor's Notes

During our printmaking ink research, we found 24 printmaking ink products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 76,521 customer reviews through our big data system to write the printmaking inks list. We found that most customers choose printmaking inks with an average price of $20.39.

The printmaking inks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of printmaking inks, including Speedball, Falling in Art. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 582 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.