Top 3 Relief Inks That Are The Best for Printmaking

Below, find the top 3 relief inks I think are the best for printmaking art – read on to learn why!

Check out my top 3 relief inks that are the best for printmaking. Various relief printing techniques can be done with these commonly used inks. You will find quick-drying ink for fast projects or printing on the go (Do people do that? Yes! They do!). Plus, my favorite washable traditional oil-based inks for lino block printmaking. Lastly, I talk about water-based inks that are nice for printing blocks on fabric. This is not an exhaustive list; many traditional inks are on the market. You may want to try something else depending on your printmaking style, so feel free to experiment! 

1. Versafine Pigment Ink by Tsukineko for Fine Printing 

Versafine ink is compact and easy-to-use permanent ink. Because it has an incredibly quick drying time (literally – in seconds!), I often use it to make test prints throughout my carving process. 

For that reason, this is my go-to product for printing blocks during workshops and having dry paper prints by the end of the class. As a matter of fact, I also use this type of ink when printing bookmarks or gift tags. No roller is required when using this ink, it is applied by patting the pad directly onto the block!

Things to know about using Versafine printmaking inks.

• It dries within seconds and is suitable for printing on the go. 
• Works very well on Speedy-Carve or a soft-cut style printmaking block. 
• Prints best on smooth paper.
• Comes in various colors. 
• Oil-based pigment ink dries quickly. 
• Dry prints are waterproof and resist smearing.
• Constructed from a felt pad with a linen top.
• With a few pats of ink, you will have good coverage for your print.
• One large ink pad costs less than $10.
• Prints are light-fast and fade-resistant.
• Captures small detailed prints well.
• Purchase Versafine Ink online or where you buy local art supplies.

2. Cranfield Caligo Safewash – Oil-based Relief Printmaking Inks

Cranfield Caligo safewash relief ink is currently my BFF when it comes to printing ink. Unsurprisingly, I have tried several types of ink, and what I love about this ink is that it prints beautifully on various printmaking papers! It is currently one of the highest-quality inks on the market. The Caligo safewash oil-based inks are a true deep pigment with a nice, even print quality. For that reason, I print most of my artwork with this on paper and fabric. 

Things to know about Cranfield Caligo Safewash Printmaking Inks.

• Cranfield printmaking inks are considered “non-toxic” based on an independent toxicologist review in compliance with the ACMI “Approved Product” (AP) seal.
• Caligo Safe Wash cleans up with cool or warm water and household dish soap! Without a doubt, this is much easier to clean up than traditional oil-based printmaking inks.
• With Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow, you can mix an endless assortment of colors; check out the Cranfield color mixing guide by weight here. 
• If you don’t have a scale, they also have a color mixing guide by parts! You can find that here. 
• Caligo inks work well with their tack reducer, helping improve ink transfer on smooth block areas. 
• Caligo Safe Wash has a transparent extender that helps you mix a color with increased transparency. 
• Caligo Safe Wash is suitable for printing on fabric (I love a good printed linen patch!). Cranfield has even created a fabric printing guide, which you can find here. 
• Cranfield has compiled the best information for its customers. If you have any more questions, their relief ink guide may provide the answers. 
• Cranfield ink is handcrafted in Great Britain.
• Tubes of ink cost $16-$26 individually or $70 in a set.
• Purchase a Set of 6 Cranfields Safewash Inks to get you started. 

Tip: You don’t need fancy mixing trays for mixing ink. A variety of different surfaces will do the job! I like to use an old piece of repurposed glass and palette knives to make custom colors. Check out the hardware store paint aisle for pallet knives.

3. Speedball Fabric and Paper Block Printing Ink – Oil-based Relief Printmaking Inks

If you want to try lino printing on fabric, you might like to invest in a starter set of Speedball fabric and paper block printing ink. This ink is nice for block printing if you plan to press a repeat pattern on a larger surface using a wood block, lino block, or speedy carve block. In general, you can order this ink in a single color or a set of eight colors, plus an extender. The standard colors are black, blue, green, red, turquoise, yellow, and white. Even though these inks come in premade colors, you can combine them to make any custom shade of color you would like for your artwork. Additionally, the transparent extender helps spread your ink out, so you can use less ink for similar coverage on your print. 

Things to know about Speedball Fabric and Paper Block Printing Ink. 

• This oil-based ink only requires soap and water cleanup.
• This ink is non-toxic, carries the AP Seal, and is supported by the ACMI.
• Designed to print on cotton, canvas, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, and blends.
• Conveniently, no heat setting is required to cure this ink. Let it dry overnight and wait one week before laundering. 
• Proudly manufactured in Statesville, NC, United States.
• These fabric inks are easily mixed with pallet knives to create endless possibilities of colors. 
• I recommend you apply this ink to easy-carve or speedy-cut materials with a foam brayer roller. 
• Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set is a nice block printing ink set to start printing on fabric.