Screen printing is a widely used technique to imprint designs onto different surfaces including fabric, paper, and synthetic materials. This method involves forcing ink through a mesh structure to generate a vivid and crisp copy on the surface of the material. However, the final product is highly contingent on the calibre of ink that is used. Thus, we have committed a substantial amount of time researching and examining various types of screen printing ink to pinpoint the most superior one.
When it comes to screen printing ink, there are two primary types: water-based and plastisol. Water-based ink is eco-friendly, easy to clean, and produces a soft hand feel. On the other hand, plastisol ink is more durable and produces a vibrant and opaque print. When choosing the best screen printing ink, it’s essential to consider the type of material you’ll be printing on, the desired print quality, and the environmental impact of the ink.
One critical factor to consider when choosing screen printing ink is the curing process. Plastisol ink requires high temperatures to cure, while water-based ink can air-dry or be cured with low heat. Proper curing ensures that the ink adheres to the material and produces a long-lasting print. Additionally, the ink’s viscosity, color range, and opacity should be considered when selecting the best ink for your project.
After extensive testing and research, we’ve identified the best screen printing ink: Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink. This water-based ink produces vibrant and opaque prints on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. It’s easy to clean, eco-friendly, and can be cured with low heat. Whether you’re a professional screen printer or a beginner, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is the perfect choice for your next project.
Best Screen Printing Inks
We have researched and tested various screen printing inks to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you are a professional screen printer or just starting out, the right ink can make all the difference in the quality and longevity of your prints. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top screen printing inks that offer vibrant colors, durability, and easy-to-use formulations. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect ink for your next project.
1. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
If you’re looking for a reliable fabric screen printing ink starter set, then the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a great option for you.
Pros
- The set includes six vibrant colors that are perfect for any print project.
- The water-based ink is easy to mix and apply, and it delivers smooth and uniform coverage every time.
- The ink is permanent after heat setting, making it more durable than other types of transfer designs.
Cons
- The blue ink may be chunky and difficult to apply, according to some users.
- Some users have reported that the ink arrived spilled or leaked in the package.
- The ink may not work well on nylon fabrics.
The Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a great choice for anyone who wants to create high-quality prints on a variety of fabrics. The ink is easy to use and delivers consistent results, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced screen printers.
The six colors included in the set are black, white, red, yellow, blue, and green, which can be used as-is or mixed together to create custom colors. The water-based ink is soluble and has excellent workability, making it easy to apply and producing smooth and uniform coverage with no clumps.
One of the best things about the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is that the ink is permanent after heat setting, which means that your designs will have more long-lasting durability than vinyl iron-on, plastisol, or chalk paint. The ink works well on a range of fabrics, including cotton, canvas, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics, as well as paper and cardboard.
The ink is also safe for use in the studio and classroom, as all colors carry the AP Seal and have been tested to be safe and non-toxic by the Arts & Creative Materials Institute. The ink is made in the USA, and Speedball has been a trusted name in screen printing for over 75 years.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile fabric screen printing ink starter set, then the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is definitely worth considering.
2. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink
If you’re looking for a reliable screen printing ink for your fabric projects, then the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great choice.
Pros
- Offers consistent workability with vibrant colors and great coverage
- Ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, linen, and other synthetics
- Inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured
Cons
- Not suitable for use on dark-colored fabrics
- May require thinning for use with finer mesh screens
- The ink can be a bit runny, making it difficult to control on the screen
We have used this ink for several fabric printing projects, and it has never let us down. The colors are vibrant and consistent, and the ink is easy to work with. It adheres well to fabric surfaces, and the results are permanent once heat set.
One of the best things about this ink is that it’s safe for use in the studio or classroom. All colors carry the AP Seal, and cleanup is easy with soap and water. It’s also versatile enough to use on paper and cardboard.
However, it’s important to note that this ink is best used on light-colored fabrics. Darker fabrics may not produce the desired results. Additionally, some users have reported that the ink can be a bit runny, which can make it difficult to control on the screen.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile screen printing ink for your fabric projects, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great choice.
3. Creative Nation Screen Printing Ink
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable screen printing ink, Creative Nation’s Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great choice.
Pros
- The ink comes in a value pack of 2 bottles of 8 ounces, making it suitable for small to large-size projects.
- The high opacity ink provides superior coverage, ensuring vivid and crisp results.
- Once heat set, the ink provides long-lasting results on a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, canvas, linen, cotton blends, and many more.
Cons
- The ink is water-based, which may not be suitable for all types of projects.
- The ink may dry too quickly, which can clog up the screens.
- Some users have reported issues with the white ink cracking and drying out.
We’ve used Creative Nation’s Screen Printing Ink on several projects and have been impressed with the results. The ink is easy to work with and provides excellent coverage, even on dark fabrics. We appreciate that it’s water-based, which makes clean-up a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the ink may dry too quickly, which can cause clogs in the screens. To avoid this, make sure to work quickly and clean your screens often. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the white ink cracking and drying out, so be sure to store it properly and use it as soon as possible.
Overall, we highly recommend Creative Nation’s Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink for anyone looking for a high-quality and affordable screen printing ink.
4. Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink
We highly recommend the Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink for anyone looking to create high-quality screen prints.
Pros
- The ink is very easy to use and does not require any special equipment or processes.
- The white color is very bright and vibrant, making it perfect for printing on dark fabrics.
- The ink has a low-temperature curing process, which means that it can be used on a wider range of fabrics without causing any damage.
Cons
- The ink can be a bit thick, which may require some additional mixing or thinning before use.
- The ink may not be as durable as some other screen printing inks, especially when used on fabrics that will be washed frequently.
- The ink may not be suitable for use on certain types of fabrics, such as nylon or polyester.
Overall, we believe that the Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create high-quality screen prints. The ink is easy to use and produces bright, vibrant colors that really pop on dark fabrics. While it may require a bit of extra mixing or thinning before use, the low-temperature curing process makes it a versatile option for a wide range of fabrics. However, it may not be as durable as some other screen printing inks, so it may not be the best choice for fabrics that will be washed frequently. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use screen printing ink, the Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink is definitely worth considering.
5. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, Black
If you’re looking for a versatile screen printing ink that performs exceptionally well on a variety of fabrics and surfaces, then the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink in Black is a great choice.
Pros
- Offers vibrant colors and great coverage
- Works well on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics
- Produces permanent results on fabric once properly heat set/cured
Cons
- May require a bit of practice to achieve the desired results
- Some users have reported issues with the ink drying out too quickly
- The jar may leak during shipping
We recently tried out this ink on a few different fabrics and were impressed with the results. The colors were bright and vibrant, and the ink had excellent coverage, even on darker fabrics. We also appreciated how easy it was to work with and how consistent the results were across different surfaces.
One thing to note is that you’ll need to properly heat set/cure the ink on fabric to ensure that it’s permanent. This involves applying heat to the ink with a heat press or iron, which can take a bit of practice to get right. However, once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be able to create long-lasting designs that won’t fade or wash out.
Overall, we think the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink in Black is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable ink for their screen printing projects. It’s easy to use, produces great results, and is safe for use in the studio or classroom.
6. Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce, Black
If you’re looking for a professional quality screen printing ink, then Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is the perfect choice for you. With its excellent working properties, vibrant colors, and great coverage, this ink will provide you with consistent workability every time.
Pros
- The brand of choice for professional screen printers available across a broad range of colors.
- Offers artists vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time.
- Unrivaled working time allows artists the ability to print without worry.
Cons
- Not recommended for use on fabrics.
- May require multiple coats for some projects.
- May dry out quickly if not stored properly.
We have used Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink for printing on paper, wood, and cardboard, and the results have always been impressive. The ink is water-based and easy to clean up with soap and water, making it safe for use in the studio or classroom.
One of the best features of this ink is its excellent working properties. It provides artists with vibrant colors and great coverage, and the consistency of the ink allows for easy printing without worrying about the ink drying too quickly.
However, it is important to note that this ink is not recommended for use on fabrics. We have also noticed that some projects may require multiple coats of ink to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, if not stored properly, the ink may dry out quickly, so be sure to keep the jar tightly sealed when not in use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a professional quality screen printing ink that provides excellent working properties and vibrant colors, then Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is definitely worth considering.
7. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use screen printing ink, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great option.
Pros
- The iridescent effect adds a beautiful shimmer to prints, making them stand out.
- This ink is suitable for printing on a wide range of fabrics, as well as paper and cardboard.
- Once heat-set, the ink produces permanent and soft results on fabric.
Cons
- The ink may dry in the screen if you’re not working fast enough, so you need to keep it moist.
- On darker fabrics, you may need to do multiple passes to achieve the desired whiteness.
- The container may arrive open, so be careful when handling it.
We’ve used this ink on various fabrics and paper, and we’re impressed with its performance. The iridescent effect adds a unique touch to prints, making them look more professional and eye-catching. We’ve used it on both light and dark fabrics, and it works well on both, although you may need to do multiple passes on darker fabrics to achieve the desired whiteness. Once heat-set, the ink produces permanent and soft results on fabric, which is a huge plus.
One thing to note is that the ink may dry in the screen if you’re not working fast enough, so we recommend misting it with water now and then and keeping your screen flooded. Also, be careful when handling the container, as it may arrive open.
Overall, we highly recommend the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality ink for their screen printing projects.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best screen printing ink, there are a few key factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of the most important features to look for when selecting a product.
Color Options
One of the first things to consider when choosing a screen printing ink is the color options available. Look for a product that offers a wide range of colors to ensure that you can achieve the exact look you want. Some inks may also be able to be mixed to create custom colors, which can be a great option for those looking for something unique.
Ink Type
Another important factor to consider is the type of ink you need. There are several different types of screen printing ink available, including plastisol, water-based, and discharge. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Durability
Durability is also a key consideration when choosing a screen printing ink. Look for a product that is designed to withstand multiple washes and maintain its vibrancy over time. Consider the type of fabric you will be printing on and choose an ink that is compatible with that material.
Ease of Use
Finally, it is important to choose an ink that is easy to use. Look for a product that is easy to mix and apply, and that dries quickly to prevent smudging and smearing. Consider the cleanup process as well, and choose an ink that is easy to clean up after use.
By considering these factors when choosing a screen printing ink, you can ensure that you select a product that meets your needs and delivers high-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between plastisol and water-based ink for screen printing?
Plastisol ink is a type of ink that is made from PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer. It is known for its durability, opacity, and ability to print on a wide range of materials. Water-based ink, on the other hand, is made from water-soluble pigments and binders. It is known for its soft feel, eco-friendliness, and ability to produce vibrant colors. The main difference between the two is that plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric, while water-based ink soaks into the fabric.
Which brand of screen printing ink is the most durable?
There are many brands of screen printing ink on the market, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular brands for durability include Wilflex, Rutland, and Union Ink. However, the durability of the ink also depends on the type of fabric it is printed on, the printing process, and the curing method used.
What are the best screen printing ink options for printing on fabric?
The best screen printing ink options for fabric depend on the type of fabric being printed on. For cotton and cotton blends, plastisol ink is a popular choice due to its ability to adhere well to the fabric and produce vibrant colors. Water-based ink is also a good option for cotton, as it produces a softer feel and can be used for printing on dark fabrics. For synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, dye sublimation ink is often used, as it fuses with the fabric and produces a long-lasting print.
What is the best ink for screen printing on black shirts?
When printing on black shirts, it is important to use an ink that is opaque and will stand out against the dark background. Plastisol ink is a popular choice for printing on black shirts, as it is known for its opacity and ability to produce vibrant colors. Water-based ink can also be used, but it may require a special underbase to ensure that the colors show up properly.
How do I choose the right type of screen printing ink for my project?
When choosing the right type of screen printing ink for your project, there are several factors to consider, including the type of fabric you will be printing on, the desired look and feel of the print, the color options available, and the durability of the ink. It is also important to consider the printing process and curing method that will be used, as these can affect the performance of the ink.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using PERMASET screen printing ink?
PERMASET screen printing ink is a water-based ink that is known for its eco-friendliness and ability to produce vibrant colors. Some of the advantages of using PERMASET ink include its soft feel, ease of use, and versatility. However, it may not be as durable as plastisol ink, and it may require special curing methods to ensure that the print lasts. Additionally, it may not be suitable for all types of fabric, and it may require a longer curing time than other types of ink.
