Block printing with linoleum (lino) demands inks that deliver crisp lines, strong definition, and reliable drying across fabrics and paper. The following five inks and kits represent well-regarded options from Speedball and Schmincke that work well for lino relief printing. These selections cover oil-based, water-miscible inks suitable for fabric and paper, beginner-friendly starter kits, and professional-grade linoleum inks. This guide highlights drying times, washability, color range, and surface versatility to help you choose the right ink for your projects.
| Product | Brand | Use | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedball Premium Block Printing Ink Set | Speedball | Fabric & Paper | 6 opaque colors; water-miscible oil-based |
| Speedball Starter Block Printing Kit | Speedball | Beginner/Studio | All-in-one starter with inks and tools |
| Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink, 2.5 Oz | Speedball | Fabric & Paper | No heat set required; water-miscible |
| Schmincke Aqua-Linoldruck Linoleum Set | Schmincke | Linoleum Printing | High-quality German inks; five colors |
| Speedball 16oz Water-Soluble Block Ink Black | Speedball | Linoleum/Block Printing | Large volume; water-soluble; versatile |
Speedball Premium Block Printing Ink Set
The Premium Block Printing Ink Set offers professional-grade, water-miscible oil-based inks in six vibrant, opaque colors. Designed for both fabric and paper, these inks produce bold, lasting impressions without heat setting. They are suitable for printing on cotton, polyester, linen, rayon, and many synthetic fibers, with air-drying for textile applications. On paper, the inks deliver rich saturation and precise detail. The set supports a range of media—from posters to cards—while maintaining clean color separation and crisp edges in lino prints. Non-toxic formulation enhances studio safety for makers of all levels.
Speedball Starter Block Printing Kit
The Speedball Starter Kit is an ideal entry point for beginners and students. It includes 1.25oz black water-soluble block printing ink, a soft rubber brayer, a lino handle, and #1, #2, and #5 lino cutters plus a 4 x 6 inch Speedy-Carve block. This kit covers essential tools and ink to create initial prints, greeting cards, and simple paper crafts. The kit emphasizes ease of use, straightforward cleanup, and the ability to explore multiple textures and line qualities with minimal setup.
Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink, 2.5 Oz
This 2.5-ounce Speedball ink for fabric and paper delivers bold, opaque colors with a water-miscible, oil-based formula. It requires no heat setting to become permanent; simply air-dry and wait for the finish. The ink performs well on cotton, polyester, linen, rayon, and other synthetic fibers, with strong color on paper and cardboard as well. It’s designed for straightforward, washable outcomes after a suitable cure time—making it a reliable choice for fabric prints like t-shirts and tote bags as well as mixed-media paper pieces.
Schmincke Aqua-Linoldruck Linoleum Set
Schmincke Aqua-Linoldruck is a compact linoleum printing set that brings German craftsmanship to the studio. The 5-tube color selection includes white and primary hues along with black, enabling a wide range of tonal mixing for detailed lino work. The set emphasizes sharp contours, even print, and excellent lightfastness, making it suitable for limited-edition prints, posters, and craft projects. While designed for linoleum blocks, the water-based formulation balances clean-up with durable results, supporting artists who value stable lines and reliable color reproduction in relief prints.
Speedball 16oz Water-Soluble Block Ink Black
Speedball’s 16-ounce block ink in black is a versatile, water-soluble option for block printing and lino work. Ground pigments are milled to a consistent viscosity, producing bold impressions with a satiny finish. It offers even coverage and reliable results across a range of surfaces, including linoleum, wood, polyfoam, and flexible printing plates. Cleanup is straightforward with soap and water, and the ink carries the AP Seal of Approval. This large-volume option is well-suited for studios with frequent prints and varied substrates while maintaining dependable color density and cohesion.
Buying Guide
Oil-Based vs. Water-Soluble Inks
Oil-based, water-miscible inks tend to offer richer color and greater durability on fabrics, especially when air-dried without heat setting. They can be more forgiving on textiles and produce strong saturation on paper. Water-soluble inks clean up easily with soap and water and are convenient for beginners, but may require longer cure times on fabric. When choosing, consider the balance between color strength, washfastness, and ease of cleanup for your typical projects.
Surface Compatibility
For lino relief printing, both fabric and paper inks can work, but it’s important to match the ink to your surface. Fabric inks often perform best on textiles and may require air drying or light washing after curing. Paper inks are designed for fine detail and crisp edges on cards, posters, and mixed-media pieces. If you plan to print on multiple substrates, look for a versatile ink set or a starter kit that includes both fabric- and paper-ready options.
Color Range and Opacity
A broad color range with opaque coverage helps achieve bold lines and distinct prints. Sets that include multiple primary colors enable easy color mixing for nuanced tones and gradients. For beginners, a kit with several colors can speed up learning, while professional kits tend to emphasize consistency and archival qualities.
Drying and Curing
Drying times differ by formula. Oil-based, water-miscible inks generally air dry overnight on fabric and may require a full cure before washing. Paper prints often dry faster but may benefit from a final fixative depending on the project. Heat setting is not always necessary with water-msoluble inks, but always follow manufacturer guidelines to maximize longevity.
Safety and Packaging
Non-toxic formulations and AP certification enhance classroom and studio safety. For long sessions, consider packaging size and weight—larger volumes reduce reordering frequency, while smaller sets offer portability. Always store inks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve color integrity and shelf life.
Tool Compatibility and Workflow
Compatibility with brayers, lino handles, and cutting tools can influence workflow. Starter kits typically include essential tools that help you learn printing basics quickly. For more advanced work, choose inks that pair well with your preferred lino cutters and press or hand-ink techniques, ensuring clean transfers and repeatable results.