Imagine carving your design into a linoleum block, rolling on ink, and pressing it onto paper or cloth—only to spend ages scrubbing your tools afterward. That's the old frustration with oil-based inks. Speedball's water-soluble block printing ink in classic black changes that. It flows like cream, covers evenly, and rinses off brayers, slabs, and hands with warm water and a bit of dish soap.
Made specifically for relief printing techniques, this 150cc jar holds enough for dozens of prints. The water-soluble formula means no harsh solvents needed—safe for home studios, classrooms, or workshops. It dries to a flexible, water-resistant film that won't crack on paper or textiles. Artists love how it holds fine details, from intricate patterns to broad solid areas, without bleeding or feathering.
I've used this ink for everything from holiday greeting cards on soft Japanese paper to tote bags with carved potato stamps—yes, it works great on veggies too. Mix it with a touch of retarder for longer open time on hot days, or thin it slightly for monotypes. In classrooms, kids handle it without mess, fostering creativity in printmaking projects. Fabric artists set prints with heat for washable results on cotton or silk.
Compared to tube inks, the jar format saves time—no squeezing required. It's economical too; a little goes far when brayered thin. Store it airtight to keep it fresh for months. If you're new to block printing, pair it with Speedball's carving tools for a seamless start.
Whether reviving ancient woodcut traditions or experimenting with modern stencil overlays, this ink makes the process joyful. Your prints will have that professional depth, and cleanup? Forgotten in seconds. Dive into block printing today and see the difference.
