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The 8 Best printmaking inks of 2025

Are you trying to find printmaking inks among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling printmaking inks on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 24 hours of research and did 23 printmaking inks tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best printmaking inks you can buy today

No. 1
Speedball 3470 Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set – 6 Bold Colors with Satiny Finish - 1.25 FL OZ Tubes, Multicolor
  • INDUSTRY LEADING PRINTING INK – These block printing inks receive rave reviews from artists and students for good reason. Included are red, blue, yellow, black, white and gold water-soluble inks that are all ground and milled to the perfect consistency.
  • CREATE GORGEOUS PRINTS – The water-soluble printmaking ink is ideal for block and relief printing. Use this premium ink on linoleum, wood, Speedy-Cut Easy, Speedy-Cut, Speedy-Carve and Polyprint.
  • INK HAS EXCELLENT TACK – The printing inks in this set all have nice tack which ensures even coverage and allows you to produce consistent, spectacular results every time.
  • QUICK, EASY CLEAN UP – There is no messy clean up when using this water-soluble printing ink. When you are done with your project the ink will come right off you using soap and water.
  • AP CERTIFIED – The Speedball Block Printing Ink Starter Set is safe for adults and children to use. It is ACMI AP Certified and conforms to ASTM D-4236.
No. 2
Speedball Art Products Company 003600 003600 150cc Water Soluble Block Ink Black
  • INDUSTRY LEADING PRINTING INK – This block printing ink receives rave reviews from artists and students for good reason. The wide variety of ink colors are all ground and milled to the perfect consistency which create bold prints that dry to a rich, satiny finish.
  • CREATE GORGEOUS PRINTS – The water soluble printmaking ink is ideal for block and relief printing. Use this premium ink on linoleum, wood, flexible printing plates, Speedy-Cut, Speedy-Carve and Polyprint.
  • INK HAS EXCELLENT TACK – This printing ink has a tack which ensures even coverage and allows you to produce consistent, spectacular results every time.
  • QUICK, EASY CLEANUP – There is no messy clean up when using this black printing ink. When you are done with your project the ink will come right off you using soap and water.
  • NON-TOXIC AND SAFE – The Speedball Block Printing Ink is safe for adults and children to use. It is ACMI AP Non-Toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236.
No. 3
Speedball Art Products Company 003477 003477 Block Printing Ink Set
  • Block Printing Ink Set
  • Block Printing Ink
  • Safe and economical
No. 4
Speedball Art Products Company Water Soluble Block Ink
  • Created from pigments ground and milled to the perfect consistency for block/relief printing ensuring even coverage and consistently spectacular results
  • Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Inks print bold color and dry to a rich, satiny finish
  • Great for printing with linoleum, wood or soft block surfaces, flexible printing plates or polyfoam
  • Cleans up easily with soap and water
  • 75cc (2. 5oz) Tube
No. 5
Speedball 4504W Fabric Screenprinting Ink Set
  • Perfect ink for t-shirts! Ideal for screen printing on cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon and other synthetic fibers as well as paper!
  • Offers great coverage and a super soft hand on the fabric.
  • Rich, vibrant color is permanent on fabric when properly heat set
  • AP certified; Easy clean up with soap and water
  • 6 (4oz) colors: Black, Green, White, Blue, Yellow, and Red
No. 6
Falling in Art Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, 6-Color Printmaking Ink Set for Linoleum Block, 3.5 floz
  • Bright Color: Falling in Art block printing ink set is effective and features vibrant colors including white, red, yellow, blue, green, and black. It will ensure even coverage and allow for consistent, spectacular colors and textures.
  • Safe Paints: Falling in Art screen printing ink is free from harmful chemicals and is safe to use with minimal odor. It is water-resistant and durable, suitable for beginners or artists to make lots of art projects.
  • Easy to Clean: Falling in Art block printing ink is simple to apply and dries quickly. It is water-soluble which means that you can clean your tools and surfaces with just soap and water.
  • Multiple Use: Falling in Art printmaking ink can create wonderful paints, ideal for printing on cardboard or linoleum, wood, or soft block surfaces. The large 250ml bottle provides ample supply for printing needs.
  • From Us: Falling in Art aims to provide tons of premium painting art supplies, brushes, easels and easel sets, canvas panels, and more to satisfy your needs to be an artist. Once you meet issues when using our products, pls feel free to contact us.
No. 7
Speedball 003576 Fabric Block Printing Ink
  • BOLD OPAQUE COLORS – The water-miscible, oil-based fabric block printing ink from Speedball produces bold, opaque colors. With a wide variety of ink to choose from, there is a color for every project.
  • Use on fabric & paper – the versatile block printing ink creates beautiful results on both fabric and paper. Use on cotton, polyester, linen, rayon and other synthetic fibers (not nylon). the ink really pops on paper and cardboard too
  • NO HEAT SET REQUIRED – This ink requires no heat set to get a permanent result! Simply let the ink dry overnight and it will be dry to the touch in the morning. Wait at least one week before washing.
  • Quick, easy cleanup – there is no messy clean up when using this block printing ink. When you are done with your project the ink will come right off you using soap and water
  • Acmi ap certified – the speedball fabric block printing ink is safe for adults and children to use. It is acmi ap non-toxic and conforms to astm d-4236
No. 8
Speedball Professional Relief Ink Supergraphic Black 8OZ
  • DEVELOPED IN COOPERATION WITH AN ARTIST FOR ARTISTS - Created with world renowned relief artist, Bill Fick, the Speedball Super graphic Black ink is the premier ink for the relief industry
  • SAFER PRINTMAKING - Water-miscible, oil-based printmaking ink cleans up with soap and water
  • PROFESSIONAL QUALITY - Made of the highest quality, lightfast pigments available with no added fillers
  • DEVELOPED FOR PROFESSIONALS - Delivers rich, intense, crisp prints with the archival qualities professionals demand
  • EXCEPTIONAL WORKING PROPERTIES - Formulated for the working properties professional artists desire - consistent roll-out, beautiful transfer and tack, and holds fine details
No. 9
Speedball Water-Soluble Metallic Block Printing Ink Set – 4 Iridescent Colors With Satiny Finish - 1.25 FL OZ Tubes
  • LIGHTFAST PRINTING INK – These block printing inks receive rave reviews from artists and students for good reason. Included are silver, gold, pewter and copper inks that are iridescent and dry to a rich, satiny finish.
  • CREATE GORGEOUS PRINTS – The water-soluble printmaking ink is ideal for block and relief printing. Use this premium ink on linoleum, wood, Speedy-Cut Easy, Speedy-Cut, Speedy-Carve and Polyprint.
  • INK HAS EXCELLENT TACK – The metallic printing inks in this set all have nice tack which ensures even coverage and allows you to produce consistent, spectacular results every time.
  • QUICK, EASY CLEAN UP – There is no messy clean up when using this block printing ink. When you are done with your project the ink will come right off you using soap and water.
  • AP CERTIFIED – The Speedball Metallic Block Printing Ink Set is safe for adults and children to use. It is ACMI AP Certified and conforms to ASTM D-4236.
SaleNo. 10
Sax True Flow Water Soluble Block Printing Ink, 8 Ounce Jar, Black - 461924
  • The Sax True Flow Block printing ink is bold, bright, applies smoothly and dries evenly. Non-toxic, water based formula cleans up with soap and water for classroom convenience. Suitable for linoleum, wood block, flexible vinyl plate, and polyfoam. 8 ounce jar.
  • Water-based formula cleans up quickly and easily with soap and water
  • Economical pricing makes this ink perfect for the classroom
  • Ideal for printing with wood block, linoleum, vinyl plate and poly foam
No. 11
Akua Intaglio Water-Based Ink, 8-Ounce Jar, Carbon Black
  • CREATED BY PRINTMAKERS FOR PRINTMAKERS - Susan Rostow developed Akua Intaglio Inks to deliver brilliant colors, intense blacks and unmatched working properties
  • DRIES THROUGH ABSORPTION - Akua Intaglio Inks only dry through absorption - they will not dry on the printmaking plate
  • VERSATILITY - These inks are ideal for Intaglio/Etching, Monotype, Gel printing and Collagraph printmaking
  • THE AKUA SYSTEM - Akua Intaglio Inks may be used with Akua Liquid Pigment and Akua Intaglio Modifiers
  • EASY CLEAN-UP - Cleans up easily with soap and water
No. 12
Speedball 150ml 5oz Water-Soluble Block Ink Turquoise, for Block Printing, Lino Printing, Screen Printing, for Artists Kit
  • USE These water soluble printing inks are created from ground pigments and milled to the perfect consistency. Ink will print bold in colour, and dry to a rich, satiny finish. Offer even coverage, and consistent results. Essential for artists stash
  • VARIETY Whether you’re just starting out with an all-in-one kit or artists wanting to add a selection of pro tools and accessories to your studio, Speedball is your go-to for all things screen printing, block printing and Calligraphy
  • WASHABLE Printing ink colours clean up with soap and water, and carry the AP Seal of Approval. Great for printing with linoleum, soft block surfaces, wood, polyfoam, or flexible printing plates. Artists and crafters companion for printing creation
  • IDEAL Ink provides excellent tack which is great for fine art prints, card making, paper crafting, gift wrapping and more. Can be used to carve, ink, print and reveal. Ink mixes beautifully to allow for limitless colour options
  • BRAND Speedball history of manufacturing fine art materials began in Camden, NJ in 1899. Since then, their offerings have grown and evolved, but providing customers with superior products and service at an affordable price remains the same
No. 13
UCreate Printmaking Paper, White, 9" x 12", 100 Sheets
  • Ideal for beginning artists
  • Heayvweight paper is acid-free
  • Use for block printing, relief printing and other types of printmaking
  • Large pack of 100 sheets
  • Great for classroom use
No. 14
Sax Versablock Block Printing Inks for School and Arts and Crafts Use, Assorted Colors, 8 Ounce Jars, Set of 8
  • Sax Versablock Block Printing Ink Set is highly water-resistant when dried and comes in wide mouthed container. Created with non-toxic, water-based materials. The performance and handling of oil-based ink is easy to clean with soap and water. Each jar contains 8 ounces of ink.
  • Water-based formula with performance qualities of oil-based ink
  • Before paint has dried, clean up is quick and easy with soap and water
  • Intermixable colors are perfect for classroom or home art projects
  • AP certified
No. 15
Schmincke - aqua-LINOLDRUCK, linoleum printing set with 5 x 20 ml tubes, 82 005 097, finest linoleum printing inks, sharp contours, even print, brilliant colors, best light fastness…
  • 🎨 THE BRAND: Schmincke has been producing the best, finest artists' colors Made in Germany since 1881 and they are available in over 60 countries. The range includes watercolors, acrylics, oil colors, pastels, gouache colors, airbrush colors and much more.
  • 🎨 Aqua lino printing set: Compact cardboard set for lino printing (L x W x H: 11.1 x 10.6 x 2.0 cm) with 5 selected colors, basic colors + black and white in tubes of 20 ml each. With the basic color selection, countless other brilliant colors can be easily mixed. Ideal to start with different printing techniques in best Schmincke quality.
  • 🎨 COLORS: Included colorS are: 100 - titanium white, 210 - permanent yellow, 330 - magenta, 440 - cyan, 735 - ivory black
  • 🎨 Quality: The finest aqua lino printing inks (15 colors as well as 3 effect tones) allow the best, sharply contoured lino and material prints. The water-based inks are highly lightfast (4-5 stars only) and have a unique color depth. All colors are ready to use, can be mixed with each other and diluted with water. The optimal open times allow perfect processing for prints on paper, cardboard, etc.
  • 🎨 Good to know: The aqua lino printing inks are formulated on a gum arabic basis and contain high-quality organic and inorganic pigments. They allow a sharp and even print. The inks dry within 15 minutes smudge-proof but not waterproof and can be overprinted if necessary.
No. 16
Speedball 3450 Oil-Based Block Printing Ink For Professional, Permanent Prints AP Certified 1.25 FL OZ, Black, 37cc tube (003450)
  • TOP-QUALITY PIGMENTS – The oil based block printing ink from Speedball is specifically designed for professional printing to produce top quality prints.
  • RICH INTENSE COLOR - This black block printing ink produces beautiful, vibrant color. It can be used as is or mixed with other colors to achieve various shades.
  • PRINT ON PAPER & FABRIC – Use the oil based printing ink on both fabric and paper. It transfers great to cotton, polyester, linen, rayon and other synthetic fibers (not nylon) and also paper and cardboard.
  • PERMANENT RESULTS – The oil based block printing ink has a slower drying time, but will produce a permanent result. The ink is also waterproof.
  • NON-TOXIC & SAFE - The Oil Based Block Printing Ink is safe for everyone to use. It is ACMI AP Non-Toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236, so it can be used in school or at home.
No. 17
Lsushine Craft Ink Pad Stamps Partner DIY Color,15 Color Craft Ink Pad for Stamps, Paper, Wood Fabric (Pack of 15)
  • Applicable to fabric, wood, paper, scrapbooking card-making, posters, notepads, journals. These are excellent for many different kinds of projects.
  • Can write CARDS, write a letter, writing a diary of you
  • You can use it for other kind of craft as well. Use your imagination.
  • Product Size: 2.95 x 1.97 x 0.97 inch / 7.2 x 5.2 x 1.8 CM. Ink Pad Size: 2.36 x 1.5 Inch/ 6 x 3.8 CM
  • The color stayed pretty. Multiple Color for selection: Red, Black, Dark blue, Purple, Dark green, Light green, Light blue, Gold, Silver, Yellow, Pink, Orange. After the ink is dry on paper, it is waterproof.
No. 18
Speedball 3471 Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit – Includes Ink, Brayer, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve
  • PERFECT INTRO SET – The block printing starter kit has all the essentials to get you started in block printing. It is ideal for students and beginners.
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED – Kit contains: 1.25oz (37ml) Black Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink, Soft Rubber Pop-In Brayer, Lino Handle, #1, #2, and #5 Lino Cutters and 4 x 6 inch Speedy-Carve block.
  • CREATE FUN PRINTS – Use the block printing starter kit to create your own prints, greeting cards and many other paper crafts.
  • INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS – The linoleum block printing set comes with a basic instruction booklet. Reference the step-by-step images on the back of the box for more detailed instructions.
  • SAVES YOU MONEY – This super value bundle will save you money by not having to purchase each of these products separately!
No. 19
Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack - 16 Oz. of Water Based, High Opacity Ink for T-Shirt Silkscreen Printmaking - Screen Printing Paint Ink for Textiles (White & Black)
  • Value Pack: High quality screen printing ink comes in 2 bottles of 8 ounces. Our multipack offers savings and our convenient packaging is suitable for small to large-size projects. Use scissors or a cutter to conveniently open the foil seal.
  • Superior Coverage: Achieve bold prints whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner with our high opacity ink! Our paint for screen printing is formulated to provide exceptional coverage, ensuring vivid and crisp results.
  • Long-Lasting Results: No more dull, lifeless prints on your shirt - our fabric ink is designed to provide excellent durability once heat set. Create permanent eye-popping prints on a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, canvas, linen, cotton blends and many more!
  • Water-Based: Transform your projects into true masterpieces with our water-based ink. Its smooth and easy-flow consistency ensures flawless prints every time. Cleaning up our silkscreen ink is also a breeze with just soap and water.
  • Non-Toxic: Print your designs worry-free with no harsh smell. Your printmaking ink for textiles conforms to ASTM D-4236. Dive in and make a splash with our eco-friendly screen printing ink today! Include this as your stocking stuffer gift this Christmas season!
No. 20
Speedball 004637 Acrylic Screen Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 8 fl. oz., Black
  • Formulated to produce the highest quality results whether used by the professional or hobbyist
  • Featuring 30 colors including process, glow-in-the-dark, and fluorescents, Speedball acrylic screen printing inks are the brand of choice for screen printers
  • Colors print with richness and are ideal for use on paper, wooden and cardboard
  • All colors carry the ap seal and clean up easily with soap and water
  • Black 8Oz

How to choose a good printmaking inks

Does the idea of finding a fantastic printmaking inks make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in printmaking inks. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top printmaking inks products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top printmaking inks on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top printmaking inks brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top printmaking inks based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the printmaking inks were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good printmaking inks, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your printmaking inks.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting printmaking inks for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our printmaking inks. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what printmaking inks should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on printmaking inks.