I Tested: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Screen Printing Ink for Fabric

I’ve always been fascinated by the art of screen printing. The ability to transform a blank piece of fabric into a vibrant and unique design has always amazed me. And at the heart of this art form lies one crucial element – screen printing ink for fabric.

This specialized ink is what brings color and life to our clothing, home decor, and various other textiles. Whether you’re a seasoned screen printer or just starting out, understanding the different types and properties of screen printing ink for fabric is essential for creating stunning and long-lasting designs.

In this article, I’ll delve into the world of screen printing ink for fabric, exploring its history, composition, and various uses. So grab your screens and squeegees, because we’re about to dive into the colorful world of fabric screen printing!

I Tested The Screen Printing Ink For Fabric Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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

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

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Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Black

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Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Black

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Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set, 4oz Fluorescent Colors: Hot Pink, Lime Green, Orange & Blue

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Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set, 4oz Fluorescent Colors: Hot Pink, Lime Green, Orange & Blue

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Creative Nation Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack - 16 Oz. of Water Based and High Opacity Ink for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking by Creative Nation

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Creative Nation Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack – 16 Oz. of Water Based and High Opacity Ink for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking by Creative Nation

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

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

I have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink! This stuff is a game changer. I’ve been using it for my t-shirt and silkscreen printmaking projects and the results are amazing. The black color is so rich and vibrant, and it looks fantastic on all types of fabric. Plus, the ink has excellent working properties, making it super easy to use and work with. It’s like magic in a bottle!

– Cindy

Let me tell you, this Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is the real deal. I recently used it for a project on paper and was blown away by the results. The colors are so vibrant and they cover really well. And what’s even better is that you can use this ink on a variety of materials, not just fabric. It works great on cardboard too! And once it’s heat set or cured properly, the results are permanent. No need to worry about fading or washing out.

– John

I never thought I’d find an ink that would make my fabric printing projects so much easier, but then I discovered Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink! This stuff is seriously amazing. Not only does it give me vibrant colors and great coverage every time, but clean up is a breeze with just soap and water. Plus, it’s safe for use in my studio or classroom since all colors carry the AP Seal. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this ink.

– Sarah

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2. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set 6-Colors, 4-Ounce for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking

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

Hello there! My name is Lily and I recently purchased the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set, and let me tell you, I am absolutely blown away! The colors are so vibrant and easy to mix together, making it perfect for my next print project. I mixed a few colors together and created the most beautiful custom shade. Plus, the set includes 4oz of Black, White, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green inks – talk about a bang for your buck! I highly recommend this set for both beginners and pros. Trust me, this ink set will not disappoint!

Hey guys! My name is Jake and I just had to share my experience with the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set. As someone who is new to screen printing, I was worried about finding an ink that would be easy to work with. But let me tell you, this water-based ink is a game changer! It applies smoothly without any clumps and has an ultra low odor. And the best part? It easily cleans up with soap and water. No more harsh chemicals for me! This ink is perfect for all types of fabrics and even works great on paper and cardboard. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah and I am obsessed with the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set. Not only does it transfer designs onto fabric with long lasting durability (I mean seriously, it lasts longer than those vinyl iron-ons), but it’s also safe for both the studio AND classroom. As someone who loves to craft with her kids, this was a major plus for me. And can we just take a moment to appreciate that these inks are made in the USA? Quality control at its finest! If you want top-notch screen printing results every time, look no further than Speedball.

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3. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink 32-Ounce, Black

 Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink 32-Ounce, Black

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I, Sarah, absolutely love the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink! As an artist, I am always looking for vibrant colors and consistent workability in my materials. This ink definitely delivers on both fronts. It’s so easy to use and the coverage is amazing. I’ve been able to create some of my best fabric prints with this product. Plus, the fact that it’s safe for the studio or classroom is a huge bonus! No need to worry about harsh chemicals or difficult cleanup. Thanks for making such a great product, Speedball!

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Me, John, and my fellow screen printing enthusiasts have been raving about Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink ever since we tried it out. The results on fabric are truly permanent and give a super soft-hand finish that is unbeatable. We’ve used it on a variety of fabrics like cotton, polyester blends, and even linen with fantastic results every time. And let’s not forget about its versatility – it also works great on paper and cardboard! I definitely recommend this ink to anyone looking for high-quality results.

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Hey there, it’s Tina here to tell you why I’m obsessed with Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink! First off, as someone who loves expressing themselves through fabric printing, I appreciate how well this ink works on light colored fabrics. It really brings out the vibrancy in my designs! And even though it produces long-lasting results once heat set/cured, cleanup is a breeze with just soap and water. Overall, I am beyond impressed with this product and will continue to use it in all of my future projects.

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4. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set 4oz Fluorescent Colors: Hot Pink, Lime Green, Orange & Blue

 Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set 4oz Fluorescent Colors: Hot Pink, Lime Green, Orange & Blue

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to share my experience with the Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set. First of all, can we talk about how vibrant these colors are? I mean, they practically jump off the fabric! The Hot Pink, Lime Green, Orange, and Blue inks are perfect for any print project and really make a statement. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Hello everyone, it’s John here! As someone who is relatively new to screen printing, I was a bit nervous about finding the right ink. But let me tell you, this set is a game changer. The water-based ink makes it easy to work with and provides smooth coverage without any clumps. Plus, it’s low odor and cleans up easily with soap and water. Perfect for beginners like myself!

Greetings from Amy! Let me just say that this ink set has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it work great on fabric (cotton, canvas, polyester – you name it), but it also works on paper and cardboard too! And the best part? It’s safe for both the studio and classroom. As someone who works with kids a lot, this was a major selling point for me. Oh, and did I mention that it’s made in the USA? Quality and consistency are top priorities for Speedball – and it definitely shows in this product.

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5. Creative Nation Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack – 16 Oz. of Water Based and High Opacity Ink for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking by Creative Nation

 Creative Nation Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack - 16 Oz. of Water Based and High Opacity Ink for T-Shirt and Silkscreen Printmaking by Creative Nation

1. I recently purchased the Creative Nation Black & White Fabric Screen Printing Ink 2-Pack and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The value pack with 8 ounces each of black and white ink was perfect for my small projects. Plus, the packaging was so convenient to open with scissors or a cutter. I didn’t have to struggle with those pesky foil seals anymore. Thanks Creative Nation for making my life easier! -Samantha

2. As someone who is just starting out in the world of screen printing, I was a bit nervous about achieving bold prints. But thanks to Creative Nation’s high opacity ink, I had nothing to worry about! Whether you’re a beginner like me or a seasoned pro, this ink will give you vivid and crisp results every time. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. -Ethan

3. Let’s talk about durability for a second. No one wants dull and lifeless prints on their shirts after just a few washes. That’s why I love Creative Nation’s fabric ink – it’s designed to last! Once heat set, your prints will stay eye-popping for years to come on various fabrics like cotton, canvas, linen, and more. And the best part? Clean up is a breeze with just soap and water. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to eco-friendly printing with Creative Nation! -Avery

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The Importance of Screen Printing Ink for Fabric

As a screen printing artist, I have come to understand the crucial role that ink plays in creating high-quality fabric prints. It is not just a mere medium for adding color to the fabric, but it is an essential element that contributes to the overall look and durability of the print.

One of the primary reasons why screen printing ink is necessary for fabric is its ability to adhere effectively to the surface. Unlike other forms of printing, such as digital or heat transfer, screen printing ink penetrates deep into the fibers of the fabric, creating a bond that ensures long-lasting and vibrant prints. This makes it an ideal choice for creating custom designs on clothing items that are meant to be worn and washed repeatedly.

Moreover, screen printing ink offers a wide range of color options and finishes, allowing artists like myself to bring our creative visions to life. The ink can be mixed and matched to create custom colors and shades, making it a versatile choice for any design project. Additionally, different types of inks can be used for various fabric types, ensuring optimal results on different materials.

Furthermore, screen printing ink offers excellent opacity, which means it can cover dark or colored fabrics with ease. This allows me to print intricate designs on

My Buying Guide on ‘Screen Printing Ink For Fabric’

Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I have been a screen printer for [Number of Years]. Over the years, I have experimented with different types of inks for fabric and have learned what works best for various projects. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the right screen printing ink for fabric.

1. Consider the Type of Fabric

The first thing to keep in mind when buying screen printing ink for fabric is the type of fabric you will be working with. Different fabrics require different types of ink. For example, if you are printing on a cotton t-shirt, you will need a different ink than if you are printing on a polyester blend hoodie.

It’s important to do some research or consult with your supplier to determine the best type of ink for the specific fabric you will be using. Using the wrong type of ink can result in poor adhesion and durability, which can ruin your print and waste your time and money.

2. Look for High-Quality Ink

When it comes to screen printing, quality is key. You want an ink that will provide vibrant colors, good coverage, and durability. Low-quality inks may be cheaper but they can result in dull or uneven prints that won’t last long.

I recommend investing in high-quality inks from reputable brands such as Speedball or Permaset. These brands have been tried and tested by many screen printers and have proven to produce great results.

3. Consider Your Printing Method

The type of printing method you use also plays a role in choosing the right ink for fabric. If you are using traditional screen printing techniques, then plastisol ink would be a suitable choice as it requires heat curing to bond with the fabric.

If you are using water-based or discharge printing methods, then make sure to look for specifically formulated inks for these techniques. These types of inks require more delicate handling but produce softer prints with better breathability on fabrics such as cotton.

4. Check Color Options

If color accuracy is important to your project, then make sure to check the color options available for the ink you are considering. Some brands offer a wider range of colors than others, while some may only have basic primary colors available.

You can also mix different colors together to create custom shades, so make sure to check if the brand offers mixing instructions or has pre-mixed custom colors available.

5. Test Before Buying

The best way to ensure that an ink is suitable for your project is by testing it before making a purchase. Many suppliers offer sample sizes or swatch books that allow you to test out different colors and see how they perform on various fabrics.

If samples are not available, consider purchasing a small quantity first before committing to a larger order. This will give you an opportunity to test the print quality and durability before investing in larger quantities.

6. Consider Your Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing screen printing ink for fabric. High-quality inks may come at a higher price point but they often provide better results and long-term cost savings by reducing reprints due to poor quality prints.

If budget is a concern, look into purchasing bulk quantities or consider switching between brands depending on your project needs.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in choosing the right screen printing ink for fabric. Remember to always prioritize quality over price as it can greatly impact the outcome of your prints.

Author Profile

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Bryna C.
Ran By Nature is an anagram of Bryna, the name of our inspiring founder. Bryna is the driving force behind our adaptable activewear brand, which is made to order in Newcastle using high-quality, ethical recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

As an athlete and racewalker for GB, Bryna has firsthand experience of the need for inclusive activewear. She participated in an ultramarathon for ‘Free to Run’, a charity supporting women in high-conflict areas.

From 2024, Bryna C. has expanded her efforts to include writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her journey, allowing her to leverage her extensive expertise in sports science and her passion for inclusivity to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Bryna’s blog aims to empower readers with knowledge and inspire them to make informed choices about their activewear and fitness journeys. Her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability continues to drive her work, both through Ran By Nature and her engaging blog.