Water-Soluble Block Printing Inks

What are the different types of Speedball block printing inks?

Speedball has four main types of block printing inks: Water-Soluble, Fabric, Professional Relief, and Oil-Based inks. Water-Soluble inks are designed for printing on paper for a range of experience levels. Fabric inks are designed for printing on fabric and require no heat set. Professional Relief inks have a single pigment formulation designed for use on paper. Oil-Based inks have a traditional oil-based formulation and require solvent or vegetable oil for cleanup.

What is the shelf life of Speedball block printing inks?

Speedball block printing inks are good for 2 years post manufacture, however when properly stored and cared for they can last much longer.

Can I add water to modify the inks?

We do not recommend adding water to modify the inks, we offer a selection of ink modifiers that can be added to change the ink to suit your project needs.

Can I mix inks to make my own colors?

Yes! Our inks can mix if you want to make new colors, however we recommend staying within the same line. For example, we would not recommend mixing water-soluble inks with fabric inks as it may alter the properties of the ink.

What do I need to use for cleanup after printing with Speedball block printing inks?

Our Water-Soluble, Fabric, and Professional Relief inks can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. Speedball Oil-Based inks require solvent or vegetable oil for proper clean up.

What is the difference between water-based and water-soluble ink?

The term “water-soluble” is used to describe substances that dissolve in water. The term “water-based” implies that water is among the ingredients in the inks' formulation.