Screen printing is a popular method of transferring designs onto various surfaces, including t-shirts, posters, and even wood. While the process itself is essential, the quality of the ink used plays a significant role in the final product's appearance and durability. That's why finding the best screen printing ink is crucial for any project.
When looking for the best screen printing ink, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to ensure that the ink is compatible with the surface you'll be printing on. Different surfaces require different types of ink, so it's essential to choose the right one for your project.
Another critical factor to consider is the ink's opacity. If you're printing on darker surfaces, you'll need an ink that is highly opaque to ensure that the design is visible. On the other hand, if you're printing on lighter surfaces, you may want to choose an ink with a lower opacity to achieve a more subtle effect.
Finally, the ink's drying time is also essential to consider. You'll want to choose an ink that dries quickly to prevent smudging and ensure that the final product is durable and long-lasting.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best screen printing ink options on the market and help you find the perfect one for your project.
Best Screen Printing Inks
When it comes to screen printing, choosing the right ink can make all the difference in the quality of your prints. Whether you're a seasoned screen printer or just starting out, finding the best ink for your needs is essential. In this article, we've rounded up the top screen printing inks on the market based on factors such as color vibrancy, durability, and ease of use. So, whether you're printing on cotton, polyester, or a blend, we've got you covered with our list of the best screen printing inks available.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
If you're looking for a versatile and beginner-friendly fabric screen printing ink set, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a solid choice. We have used these inks for our graphic t-shirts.
Pros
- The set includes 6 vibrant colors that are easy to mix and create custom colors with.
- The water-based ink is easy to use and delivers smooth, uniform coverage with no clumps, making it ideal for beginners and pros alike.
- The ink is permanent after heat set, providing long-lasting durability for your designs.
Cons
- The ink is not suitable for use on nylon.
- The blue ink may be chunky and difficult to paint on some surfaces, especially t-shirts.
- Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, with some jars arriving damaged or leaking.
This fabric screen printing ink starter set includes 6, 4-ounce jars of black, red, blue, white, green, and yellow fabric screen-printing ink. These inks are ideal for use on cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetic fibers, as well as paper or cardboard. The ink can be screen printed or painted on with a brush and cleans up easily with water. When properly heat-set, the ink is wash-fast.
The ink is non-flammable, contains no solvents, and has no offensive smell. It is AP certified and conforms to ASTM D-4236, making it safe for use in the studio and classroom. The ink is proudly made in the USA, and Speedball has been formulating water-based inks for over 75 years.
Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and beginner-friendly fabric screen printing ink set, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a solid choice.
Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink
If you're a professional screen printer or someone who enjoys screen printing as a hobby, the Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is an excellent choice for you.
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
- Ideal for printing paper, wood, and cardboard. Not recommended for use on fabrics.
- May wear off after the first wash.
- Some users reported issues with opacity.
This water-based, acrylic screen printing ink is safe to use in the studio or classroom and carries the AP Seal. It's easy to clean up with soap and water, making it a convenient choice for artists of all levels. While it's not recommended for use on fabrics, it provides excellent results when printing on paper, wood, and cardboard.
The Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink offers artists a wide range of vibrant colors to choose from, ensuring that their prints will stand out. Its excellent working properties provide great coverage and consistent workability every time, making it a reliable choice for professional screen printers and hobbyists alike.
While some users reported issues with opacity and wear off after the first wash, the Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is still an excellent choice for those looking for a quality screen printing ink. Overall, if you're looking for a professional-quality screen printing ink that offers vibrant colors and consistent workability, the Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is worth considering.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce, Cotton Candy Pink for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking
If you're looking for a high-quality, water-soluble screen printing ink that works on paper and textiles, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is worth checking out. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Offers vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time.
- Ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. Also works great on paper and cardboard.
- Produces a super soft-hand on fabric and is permanent once properly heat set/cured.
Cons
- May not work well on dark fabrics.
- May dry too quickly in the screen when printing large areas.
- May require several coats to achieve desired opacity on some fabrics.
This Speedball ink is a great choice for artists looking for a versatile and easy-to-use ink that produces permanent results on fabric. It's non-toxic and cleans up with soap and water, making it safe for use in the studio or classroom. Plus, all colors carry the AP Seal, ensuring that they meet or exceed safety standards.
When using this ink, you'll enjoy excellent working properties, including vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time. It's ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. It also works great on paper and cardboard, making it a versatile choice for artists.
One of the best things about this ink is that it produces a super soft-hand on fabric and is permanent once properly heat set/cured. This means that your prints will look great and hold up well over time. However, it's worth noting that this ink may not work well on dark fabrics and may dry too quickly in the screen when printing large areas. Additionally, it may require several coats to achieve desired opacity on some fabrics.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality screen printing ink that's safe, easy to use, and produces great results, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is definitely worth checking out.
Speedball Opaque Iridescent Fabric Screen Printing Ink
If you're looking for a screen printing ink that will add shimmer and shine to your projects, the Speedball Opaque Iridescent Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great option.
Pros
- The iridescent quality of the ink adds a unique and eye-catching element to your prints.
- The ink is versatile and can be used on a variety of fabrics, including light and dark colors.
- The ink produces permanent results on fabric once heat set, giving your prints a long-lasting finish.
Cons
- The ink may require multiple passes on darker fabrics to achieve the desired level of opacity.
- The ink may be more expensive compared to other screen printing inks on the market.
- The ink may have a thinner consistency compared to other screen printing inks, which could affect the level of detail in your prints.
This water-based, non-toxic, and non-flammable ink is safe for use in the studio or classroom and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. The ink comes in a pearly white metallic shade that looks like brushed metal when dry. The ink's shifting color quality adds a pearlescent effect to your prints, making them stand out from the crowd.
To achieve permanent results on fabric, the ink must be heat set for 3-5 minutes on each side of the garment using a household clothing iron. This ink produces a super soft-hand on fabric, making it comfortable to wear.
Overall, if you're looking to add a touch of shimmer and shine to your screen printing projects, the Speedball Opaque Iridescent Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great option to consider.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce, Fluorescent Lime Green
If you're looking for a versatile and permanent screen printing ink, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink might be an excellent choice for you.
Pros
- Offers vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time
- Ideal for printing on various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. Also works great on paper and cardboard
- Produces a super soft-hand on fabric and is permanent once properly heat set/cured
Cons
- Might be runny and not opaque enough for some users
- Some colors might not look the same as in the picture on the computer
- Might require a layer of white first when printing on dark shirts
This ink provides excellent working properties, making it a great choice for artists who want to achieve vibrant and long-lasting results. It is safe for use in the studio or classroom, and all colors carry the ap seal. Moreover, it is easy to clean up with soap and water.
You can use this ink on light-colored fabrics for the best results. However, some users might find it runny and not opaque enough, especially if they're printing on dark shirts. Additionally, some colors might not look the same as in the picture on the computer, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and permanent screen printing ink, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink might be an excellent choice for you.
Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink
If you're looking for a reliable and durable white screen printing ink, then Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink by Screen Print Direct is a great option.
Pros
- Low temperature curing
- Smooth and reliable
- Great for solid coverage on dark shirts and underbase
Cons
- Can be hard to work with for novice users
- Requires double washing for best results
- Only comes in a pint size
This ink is usable right out of the container and has a low temperature curing process. It's smooth and reliable, making it perfect for solid coverage on dark shirts and underbase. However, it may be hard to work with for novice users and requires double washing for best results. Additionally, it only comes in a pint size.
If you're an experienced screen printer looking for a reliable white ink, Rapid Cure® White Screen Printing Ink is a great option to consider.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Blue
If you're looking for a reliable and versatile screen printing ink, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- Offers vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time
- Ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. Also works great on paper and cardboard
- Inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured
Cons
- Not recommended for nonporous fabrics such as nylon
- May require proper heat set/curing to achieve permanent results on fabric
- Some users reported issues with the ink drying too quickly on the screen
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink comes in 25 rich colors, including fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark, and process colors. It offers artists more vibrant colors, greater coverage, smoother workability, softer hand, and easier cleanup than any other screen printing ink on the market. The ink is non-flammable and contains no offensive smells or solvents, making it safe for use in the studio or classroom. All colors carry the AP Seal, and cleanup is easy with soap and water.
This ink is ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics. It also works great on paper and cardboard. The inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured. For best results, use on light-colored fabrics.
While this ink offers excellent working properties and vibrant colors, it may not be suitable for nonporous fabrics such as nylon. Proper heat set/curing is required to achieve permanent results on fabric, and some users reported issues with the ink drying too quickly on the screen. Overall, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great choice for artists looking for a reliable and versatile screen printing ink.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
If you're looking for a high-quality screen printing ink set that can be used on a range of fabrics and paper, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The shimmering colors add stunning, iridescent effects to prints.
- The inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured.
- All colors carry the AP Seal, making them safe for use in the studio or classroom.
Cons
- Some users wished that the set included a true red instead of the Raspberry color.
- The white ink is a bit thicker than the other colors.
- A few users received damaged jars of ink.
This six-color set includes 4oz jars of opaque fabric screen printing ink in Silver, Raspberry, Blue Topaz, Citrine, Pearly White, and Black Pearl. These inks offer greater opacity without sacrificing any workability or softness of the fabric, making them ideal for use on light or dark colored fabrics.
The pearlescent screen printing inks are perfect for adding stunning, iridescent effects to prints. They can be used on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics, as well as paper and cardboard. The inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured.
All colors carry the AP Seal, making them safe for use in the studio or classroom. They are also wash-fast (when properly heat set), non-flammable, and contain no solvents or offensive odor.
Overall, the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile screen printing ink set.
Speedball Night Glo Fabric Screen Printing Ink
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to add some excitement to your fabric printing projects, Speedball Night Glo Fabric Screen Printing Ink is worth considering.
Pros
- Offers vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time
- Ideal for printing on a range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and other synthetics, as well as paper and cardboard
- Inks produce a super soft-hand on fabric and are permanent once properly heat set/cured
Cons
- Not for use on nylon
- Expensive compared to other options on the market
- Glow effect requires constant UV light to activate and doesn't last very long
This water-based and non-toxic ink is perfect for artists who want to add a special touch to their fabric, paper, or cardboard printing projects. The phosphorescent pigment in the ink glows in the dark once charged by light, making it a fun and unique addition to any project.
While the ink is easy to use and provides excellent working properties, it is not recommended for use on nylon. Additionally, the glow effect requires constant UV light to activate and doesn't last very long, which may be a downside for some users.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality ink that provides consistent results and a fun glow effect, Speedball Night Glo Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a great option to consider.
Plastisol Screen Wash by High Impact
If you're looking for an eco-friendly and affordable screen printing ink cleaner, Plastisol Screen Wash by High Impact is a great option.
Pros
- Powerful enough to remove plastisol and graphic inks.
- Environmentally friendly soy-based formula.
- Safe on most surfaces.
Cons
- May not work as well on UV and solvent inks.
- Some users reported a strong odor.
- Not suitable for cleaning water-based inks.
Plastisol Screen Wash by High Impact is specifically designed to clean plastisol inks from your screen printing press and screens. The soy-based formula makes it an eco-friendly option, and it's safe to use on most surfaces. It's also easy to use and comes in a quart container with a sprayer.
If you're looking for an affordable and effective screen printing ink cleaner, Plastisol Screen Wash by High Impact is a great choice. However, it may not work as well on UV and solvent inks, and some users have reported a strong odor. Additionally, it's not suitable for cleaning water-based inks.
Overall, if you're looking for an eco-friendly and affordable option to clean your screen printing press and screens, Plastisol Screen Wash by High Impact is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best screen printing ink, there are a few important features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Type of Ink
There are different types of screen printing ink available, such as water-based, plastisol, and discharge ink. Each type has its own unique properties and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Water-based ink is great for printing on light-colored fabrics, while plastisol ink is ideal for dark-colored fabrics. Discharge ink is a good option for achieving a soft, vintage look.
Color Range
Consider the color range of the ink you're considering. Some inks offer a wider range of colors than others, which can be important if you're looking to create designs with a lot of detail or color variation.
Opacity
Opacity refers to how well the ink covers the fabric. Some inks are more opaque than others, which can be important if you're printing on dark-colored fabrics. Look for inks with high opacity if you want to achieve vibrant, bold designs.
Curing Temperature
Different types of ink require different curing temperatures. Make sure the ink you choose is compatible with the type of fabric you'll be printing on and the curing equipment you have available.
Durability
Consider the durability of the ink you're considering. Some inks are more resistant to fading and cracking than others, which can be important if you're printing designs that will be washed frequently or exposed to the elements.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best screen printing ink for your needs and create high-quality, long-lasting designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should you consider when choosing ink for screen printing on t-shirts?
When selecting ink for t-shirt screen printing, it is essential to consider the type of fabric, the color of the garment, the desired print quality, and the printing method. For instance, water-based inks are ideal for light-colored shirts, whereas plastisol inks are suitable for printing on dark-colored garments.
Which type of ink is recommended for those new to screen printing?
If you are new to screen printing, it is best to start with water-based ink. It is easy to use, dries quickly, and is eco-friendly. Additionally, it is easier to clean up than plastisol ink.
How does the durability of screen printing ink vary between brands?
The durability of screen printing ink varies from brand to brand. Some brands offer inks that can withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking, while others may not hold up as well. It is crucial to choose a reputable brand that offers high-quality ink for your screen printing projects.
What are the main differences between plastisol and water-based screen printing inks?
Plastisol ink is a type of ink that sits on top of the fabric and requires heat to cure. It is ideal for printing on dark-colored shirts and offers a vibrant, opaque finish. On the other hand, water-based ink is absorbed into the fabric and creates a soft, breathable print. It is best for light-colored garments and offers a more natural look.
Can the same screen printing ink be used on different fabric types like cotton and polyester?
Some inks are designed to work on both cotton and polyester fabrics, while others may only work on one or the other. It is essential to check the ink specifications before purchasing to ensure that it is suitable for the fabric you intend to print on.
What are the advantages of using Speedball ink for screen printing projects?
Speedball ink is a high-quality ink that offers excellent color vibrancy and durability. It is easy to use and works well on a variety of fabrics. Additionally, it is eco-friendly and comes in a range of colors and finishes to suit any project.
