Best Water Based Screen Printing Ink (2024 Updated)

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If you're in the market for water-based screen printing ink, you may be wondering what to look for. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are best for your needs. Here are five key points to keep in mind when shopping for the best water-based screen printing ink.

1. Quality: Look for inks that are known for their quality. This can be a bit subjective, but you can read reviews and ask other printers for recommendations.

2. Color range: Make sure the ink you choose comes in the colors you need. Some brands have a wider range of colors than others.

3. Drying time: Consider the drying time of the ink. Some inks dry very quickly, while others take longer. This can impact your production speed.

4. Washability: If you're printing on garments, you'll want to choose an ink that is washable. Look for inks that are known for their durability and ability to hold up in the wash.

5. Eco-friendliness: Many printers are looking for water-based inks that are eco-friendly. Look for inks that are free of harmful chemicals and are environmentally responsible.

In summary, when looking for the best water-based screen printing ink, consider quality, color range, drying time, washability, and eco-friendliness. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the ink that works best for your needs.

10 Best Water Based Screen Printing Ink

1. 32oz. Ecotex® Jet Black Water-Based Screen Printing Ink For Fabric And Shirt Printing.

Ecotex® Jet Black Water Based Screen Printing Ink is a top-quality fabric ink that is perfect for silk screen printing, block printing, and other textile printing applications. This quart-sized 32oz. bottle of ink is an essential part of any screen printing kit, and it is ready to use right out of the container.

The Ecotex Water Based Ink is formulated to be easy to use, making it an ideal choice for both professional screen printers and novice artists. The ink can be applied directly to the silk screen, and it is suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces, including fabric, canvas, wood, paper, and other textiles.

One of the key benefits of Ecotex Water Based Ink is its ability to help define your brand. The ink is bright, crisp, and opaque, which means that your prints will be bold and eye-catching. This makes it easy to stand out from the competition and create a unique look that will help your brand get noticed.

In addition to its visual appeal, Ecotex Water Based Ink is also environmentally friendly. The ink is non-phthalate, PVC-free, and vegan, which means that you can breathe easy knowing that you are using a safe and sustainable product.

For best results, Ecotex Water Based Ink should be used in conjunction with WR-Blue Emulsion. These two products work together to create stunning prints that are sure to impress. When it's time to clean up, the Ecotex Water Based Screen Cleaner is the perfect solution for washing away the fabric ink. And for removing the emulsion, SPD's Emulsion Remover is the ideal choice.

All Ecotex printmaking ink is made right here in the USA, and each batch is hand-scooped by SPD's finest. This ensures that every bottle of ink is of the highest quality, and that you can trust the product to deliver consistent and reliable results.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality water based screen printing ink that is easy to use, environmentally friendly, and capable of helping you define your brand, then Ecotex® Jet Black Water Based Screen Printing Ink is the perfect choice. With its bold, crisp, and vibrant colors, this ink is sure to take your screen printing projects to the next level.

2. Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink – Large 100ml Tubes For Water-Based Screen & Block Printing, Perfect For Unique Fabric Designs.

Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create unique designs and transform their fabrics. This water-based screen and block printing ink comes in large 100ml tubes, making it perfect for a variety of projects.

The ink set includes five 3.38 fl. oz tubes of fabric ink in Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Buff Titanium White, and Carbon Black. The water-based formula creates soft and vibrant prints that feel amazing to the touch.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink is perfect for all levels. You'll love how easy it is to use and how it brings your ideas to life. The ink is perfect for screen and block printing, linocut, and linoleum ink projects.

One of the best things about Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink is how long-lasting and washable it is. The ink is made to last, even after multiple washes. You'll enjoy vibrant, fade-resistant colors that stay looking amazing.

Marabu takes quality seriously, and their screen print ink is no exception. Made with the highest standards in mind and manufactured in Germany, you can trust that you're getting a product that is not only beautiful but also reliable.

Using Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a breeze. The water-soluble ink makes cleaning up a breeze, so you can spend more time creating and less time worrying about the mess.

Overall, Marabu Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a high-quality, versatile ink set that is perfect for anyone looking to create unique designs and transform their fabrics. With its vibrant colors, easy-to-use formula, and long-lasting durability, this ink set is sure to become a staple in your creative toolbox.

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

Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a high-quality ink designed for use on a variety of fabrics, paper, and cardboard. This 32-ounce container of white ink offers artists 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, the ink produces permanent results that are super soft to the touch once properly heat set/cured. This makes it a popular choice for screen printers who want to create long-lasting, high-quality prints on fabric.

To use, simply apply the ink to the fabric or paper using a screen printing technique. The ink is easy to work with and offers excellent coverage, ensuring that your designs come out looking sharp and vibrant every time.

One of the key benefits of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is that it is safe for use in the studio or classroom. All colors carry the AP Seal, meaning that they are non-toxic and safe for artists of all ages to use. Cleanup is also a breeze – simply use soap and water to clean up any excess ink.

It is important to note that for best results, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink should be used on light colored fabrics. This will ensure that the colors come out looking bright and vibrant. If you are working with darker fabrics, you may want to consider using a different type of ink or pre-treating the fabric to ensure that the colors come out as intended.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and high-quality screen printing ink for use on fabric, paper, or cardboard, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is an excellent choice. Its excellent working properties, vibrant colors, and safe and easy-to-use formula make it a popular choice among artists and screen printers alike.

4. Ecotex® Water Based Standard Ink Kit For Screen Printing 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles By Screen Print Direct

The Ecotex® Water Based Standard Ink Kit for Screen Printing 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles by Screen Print Direct is the perfect solution for those looking to create custom screen printed designs on a variety of materials, including fabrics, paper, and vinyl. Whether you're a crafter, student, or professional screen printer, this kit has everything you need to get started.

One of the standout features of this ink kit is its versatility. It's designed to work well on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, polyester, and blends. This means you can use it to create custom designs on t-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric items.

When it comes to the finished product, the Ecotex® Water Based Standard Ink Kit produces a soft and vibrant finish that is both touchable and permanent. This means your custom designs will last for a long time without fading or cracking.

Another benefit of this ink kit is its safety. It's non-toxic and safe for home use, which makes it ideal for those who want to try their hand at screen printing without exposing themselves or their families to harmful chemicals. Plus, it has a low odor, which makes it more pleasant to work with than some other screen printing inks.

The Ecotex® Water Based Standard Ink Kit comes with a range of colors to choose from, including metallic, pastel, and primary colors. This means you can create a wide range of designs and color schemes with just one kit. Popular colors such as black, red, blue, white, green, yellow, brown, and gold are included.

Finally, it's worth noting that this ink kit is made in the USA and is non-phthalate and CPSIA compliant. This means it meets strict safety standards and is safe for use by people of all ages.

Overall, the Ecotex® Water Based Standard Ink Kit for Screen Printing 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles by Screen Print Direct is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create custom screen printed designs. It's versatile, safe, and produces high-quality results that will last for a long time.

5. Ecotex® Pwr Screen Printing Emulsion – 32oz. Quart – Pre-Sensitized For Plastisol & Water-Based Ink – Screen Printing Supplies.

Ecotex® PWR Screen Printing Emulsion is a high-quality pre-sensitized photo emulsion that is perfect for silk screens and fabric. This emulsion is specifically designed for screen printers who like to use both water-based and plastisol inks in their screen printing process. Its purple water-resistant formula ensures that it stands tough against water, allowing screen printers to feel confident when passing the squeegee over their designs repetitively. This emulsion screen printing product is the perfect addition to any screen printing supplies kit.

This emulsion comes pre-mixed and ready to use, meaning that there is no guesswork involved in preparing it for screen printing. Simply use a good emulsion scoop coater to get clean and even coverage. Whether you are a seasoned vet with a six-station screen printing machine or you are just starting out with screen printing, this product is versatile and easy to use. It allows you to print in your favorite ways, so you can take your creativity to the next level.

This emulsion works great with all exposure units, including LED exposure light units, DIY 500-watt halogen light setups, and ultra-violet LED lights. It exposes quickly and easily, making it a reliable choice for screen printers of all skill levels.

All Ecotex® PWR Screen Printing Emulsion is made in the USA and hand-poured by the company's finest to ensure ultimate quality. This product is perfect for screen printers who want to produce high-quality prints that are durable and long-lasting. It is a must-have for anyone who is serious about screen printing, and it is sure to become an essential part of your screen printing supplies kit.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a reliable and versatile screen printing emulsion that can handle both water-based and plastisol inks, then Ecotex® PWR Screen Printing Emulsion is the product for you. It is easy to use, works with all exposure units, and is made in the USA to ensure ultimate quality. Add it to your cart now and take your screen printing to the next level.

6. Ecotex® All-Purpose Screen Printing Kit With Emulsion Remover, Press Wash Ink Cleaner, Hyper Haze Remover, Degreaser, Hand Cleaner, And Scrub Pad – Complete Screen Printing Supplies.

The Ecotex® All Purpose Screen Printing Chemistry Kit is a complete solution for all your screen printing needs. This kit includes a range of eco-friendly chemicals that are safe and easy to use. The kit contains Emulsion Remover, Water Based Press Wash Ink Cleaner, Hyper Haze Remover and Degreaser, Premium Hand Cleaner and Scrub Pad.

The Ecotex Water Based Press Wash is a citrus-based press wash that dissolves environmentally-friendly water-based screen printing inks in just seconds. It can be used both at home in the sink or at work on the press. This product is ready to use and is emulsion and capillary stencil safe.

The Ecotex Hyper Haze is a highly-effective stain remover that safely removes stains from all types of mesh. It contains proprietary mesh protectors and micro-particles that prepare new mesh for production. It is a better alternative to other hazardous paste stain removers.

The Ecotex Emulsion Remover is another product that makes screen printing easy. This chemical is ready to use or can be diluted 1:4 with water. It safely removes all types of photopolymer, diazo, and capillary film emulsions without etching. Reclaiming your screens is made easy with just this chemical and water pressure.

The Ecotex Premium Hand Cleaner is an organic-based, non-toxic hand cleaner designed to be used with or without water. It is perfect for screen printers who are tired of being covered in ink, grease, or chemicals after most steps of screen printing. This product does not leave your hands dry or with an annoying sticky film after using it, and leaves a nice scent after use.

This best-selling kit includes 1 pint of Plastisol Press Wash, 1 pint of Hyper Haze, 1 pint of Emulsion Remover, 1 Scrub Pad, and 4 oz. of Premium Hand Cleaner. All the chemicals in this kit are eco-friendly and easy to use. The kit is perfect for both beginners and professionals in the screen printing industry.

In conclusion, the Ecotex® All Purpose Screen Printing Chemistry Kit is an essential kit for anyone who is passionate about screen printing. It includes all the necessary chemicals to make screen printing easy and efficient. The eco-friendly nature of the chemicals in the kit makes it safe for both the user and the environment. Order your Ecotex® All Purpose Screen Printing Chemistry Kit today and take your screen printing to the next level.

7. Speedball Professional Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Poster Black

Speedball Professional Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Poster Black is a high-quality ink designed for poster artists who are looking for a rich black that can resist scuffing. This ink offers excellent working properties, including great coverage and consistent workability every time. It allows artists to print with ease, thanks to its unrivaled working time, which gives them the ability to print without any worries.

This water-based, acrylic screen printing ink is ideal for printing on paper, wood, and cardboard. However, it is not recommended for use on fabrics. This ink is safe for use in the studio or classroom and carries the AP Seal, which ensures that it is non-toxic and safe for artists to use. It also offers easy soap and water cleanup, making it a convenient choice for artists.

The Speedball Professional Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Poster Black is perfect for artists who want to create high-quality prints that can withstand wear and tear. It is formulated with high-quality pigments and binders that produce a rich and vibrant black color that can resist scuffing, fading, and cracking. The ink also has excellent adhesion properties, which allows it to bond well with the surface of the paper, wood, or cardboard.

The ink's excellent working properties make it a favorite among artists. It is easy to use and offers great coverage, which ensures that the prints come out with crisp and sharp edges. It also has a consistent workability, which allows artists to achieve the desired results every time they use it.

The Speedball Professional Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Poster Black is a versatile ink that can be used for a wide range of applications. It is perfect for creating posters, prints, and other graphic art. It can also be used for block printing and other printmaking techniques.

In conclusion, the Speedball Professional Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 32-Ounce, Poster Black is an excellent choice for artists who want to create high-quality prints that can resist scuffing and fading. It offers excellent working properties, easy cleanup, and is safe for use in the studio or classroom. This ink is a must-have for any artist who wants to achieve professional-level results.

8. Transparent Screen Printing Film, 24"x100ft, Waterproof For Water-Based Inkjet Printers.

This 24" x 100ft. Screen Printing Film is a high-quality, waterproof inkjet transparent film designed for use with water-based pigment and dye ink jet printers. It is specially designed for use in the screen printing industry and is ideal for printing on films and PCBs for plate making and publishing, advertising samples, projection and electronic equipment.

This film is made of a milky white, waterproof material that is perfect for use with water-based dye and pigment ink printing machines. It has a specially-designed coating that quickly absorbs ink and dries quickly, ensuring that your prints come out clean and sharp every time.

The film is also easy to use, with a sticky surface that allows you to touch it with wet fingers and print directly onto the film. It is perfect for use in a variety of applications, including screen printing, advertising, and electronic equipment.

This product is shipped from SF. CA US and is available for fast shipping to most parts of the United States in 2 to 7 days. It is part of a wide range of screen printing supplies available from a one-stop supplier, including inkjet and laser film, ink, screen tape, dye-sub transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl and tape.

Overall, this Screen Printing Film is a high-quality, reliable solution for all your screen printing needs. With its waterproof, quick-drying design and easy-to-use features, it is the perfect choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.

9. Ecotex® Hyper Haze – All-Purpose Screen Printing Cleaner (Gallon) – Eco-Friendly Ink And Grease Remover For Plastisol And Water-Based Inks.

Ecotex® All Purpose Screen Printing Hyper Haze is an eco-friendly haze remover and degreaser designed to remove all types of plastisol and water-based ink stains, oils, and residues from screen printing screens. This product is available in a gallon size of 128oz. and is the perfect addition to any screen printing supplies.

One of the standout features of Ecotex Hyper Haze is its simplicity and ease of use. It is a two-in-one formula that will degrease your screen printing screen mesh in one simple step. To use, simply wipe on, let sit for one minute, and wash off. This product is designed for all types of screen print ink systems, including water-based and plastisol inks, and cleans them all with little effort. There is no need to mix additional chemicals or take extra steps to achieve the desired results.

In addition to its effectiveness, Ecotex Hyper Haze is an environmentally friendly cleaner. It is biodegradable and safe to use on screen print screen mesh. This product is drain safe, non-hazardous, and non-corrosive, so users can feel confident using it wherever needed without worrying about harmful chemicals.

Ecotex Hyper Haze is perfect for use with any screen printing machine, screen printing press, or screen printing accessories. It is completely safe and will not cause any damage to the equipment. This product is proudly made in the USA, and all of the cleaning supplies from Ecotex are made domestically.

In summary, Ecotex® All Purpose Screen Printing Hyper Haze is a highly effective and easy-to-use product that removes ink stains, oils, and residues from screen printing screens. It is environmentally friendly, safe to use on all types of screen printing equipment, and proudly made in the USA. This product is an essential addition to any screen printing supplies collection, and users can feel confident in its ability to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

10. Ecotex® Wr Blue Screen Printing Emulsion (16oz.) – Diazo Required, Water Resistant For Silk Screens And Fabric

Ecotex® WR Blue Screen Printing Emulsion is a top-of-the-line product that provides a simple and easy solution for screen printing enthusiasts. This photo emulsion requires the addition of diazo and is an economical addition to your silk screen shop. The emulsion comes in a pint-sized container that is ready to mix and apply to your screen printing screens.

The WR emulsion is fully compatible with all water-based screen printing inks, making it a versatile product that can be used with your favorite products. Once you are done with your project, make sure to pick up some emulsion remover to reclaim your screens.

Designed for long-term use, this emulsion is ultra-durable and can be cured with an emulsion exposure unit or high-quality UV light. Neither method of curing is an issue with this emulsion. It is recommended to use an emulsion scoop coater for clean, even coverage.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced printer, Ecotex has your back. This emulsion is perfect for all skill levels and has a 12-month shelf life. It is proudly made in the USA, ensuring quality and consistency in every batch.

One of the standout features of the Ecotex® WR Blue Screen Printing Emulsion is its superior water resistance. The addition of diazo makes this emulsion highly water-resistant and durable. It is recommended to use emulsion remover and a pressure washer for optimal cleaning and maintenance.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a top-quality screen printing emulsion that is easy to use, durable, and water-resistant, look no further than Ecotex® WR Blue Screen Printing Emulsion. It is a versatile product that can be used with all water-based screen printing inks and is suitable for all skill levels. Invest in this product today and take your screen printing projects to the next level.

Best Water Based Screen Printing Ink FAQs

Can water-based screen printing inks be used on a variety of fabrics and substrates?

Yes, water-based screen printing inks can be used on a variety of fabrics and substrates. These inks are ideal for printing on fabrics such as cotton, linen, polyester, and blends of these materials. They are also suitable for printing on paper, cardboard, and other porous substrates. Water-based inks are known for their ability to produce vibrant colors and crisp details, making them a popular choice in the garment printing industry. They are also eco-friendly and easy to clean up, making them a preferred option for printers who want to reduce their environmental impact. Overall, water-based screen printing inks offer a versatile and sustainable option for printing on a wide range of materials.

How do you choose the best water-based screen printing ink for your specific project needs?

When choosing the best water-based screen printing ink for your project needs, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, consider the type of fabric or substrate you will be printing on, as different inks work better on different materials. Secondly, consider the color and opacity you require, as some inks are more vibrant and opaque than others. Thirdly, consider the drying time and curing process, as this can affect the overall quality and durability of the print. Fourthly, consider the environmental impact and safety of the ink, as some water-based inks are more eco-friendly and non-toxic than others. Finally, consider the cost and availability of the ink, as some premium brands may be more expensive but offer higher quality results. By considering these factors, you can choose the best water-based screen printing ink for your specific project needs.

What are the benefits of using water-based screen printing inks over traditional solvent-based inks?

Water-based screen printing inks have several advantages over traditional solvent-based inks. Firstly, they are more environmentally friendly as they contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are easier to clean up. This reduces the risk of air and water pollution and also provides a safer working environment for printers. Secondly, water-based inks are softer and more flexible than solvent-based inks, which tend to crack and peel over time. This makes them ideal for printing on fabrics, especially those that require a soft hand feel. Thirdly, water-based inks offer brighter and more vibrant colors, as they are absorbed into the fabric rather than sitting on top of it. This results in a more durable and long-lasting print. Overall, water-based screen printing inks are a more sustainable, safer, and higher quality alternative to traditional solvent-based inks.

What are the key factors to consider when evaluating the quality and performance of a water-based screen printing ink?

When evaluating the quality and performance of a water-based screen printing ink, several key factors must be considered. Firstly, the opacity and color vibrancy of the ink must be assessed. A high-quality ink should have strong, bright colors that are consistent across multiple prints.

Secondly, the ink's adhesion to the substrate must be evaluated. The ink should bond well to the fabric or paper being printed on, without cracking or peeling over time.

Thirdly, the ink's drying time is important. It should dry quickly to prevent smudging, but not so quickly that it clogs the screen or causes other printing issues.

Fourthly, the ink's washability is essential. It should be resistant to fading, bleeding, and washing out, even after multiple washes.

Finally, the ink's environmental impact should be considered. It should be non-toxic, VOC-free, and environmentally friendly, without compromising on quality or performance.

What are the top-rated water-based screen printing inks on the market?

There are several top-rated water-based screen printing inks available in the market. Some of them are:

1. Permaset Aqua: Permaset Aqua is a high-quality, water-based ink that is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and vegan-friendly. It is known for its excellent color vibrancy and durability.

2. Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink: Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is a versatile and easy-to-use water-based ink that is ideal for printing on cotton, polyester, and other fabrics. It is known for its excellent color range and washability.

3. Green Galaxy Water-Based Ink: Green Galaxy Water-Based Ink is a premium-quality ink that is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and vegan-friendly. It is known for its excellent color range, opacity, and durability.

4. Matsui Water-Based Ink: Matsui Water-Based Ink is a high-quality ink that is known for its excellent color range and durability. It is ideal for printing on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Overall, the best water-based screen printing ink will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to test different inks and choose the one that works best for your project.

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