🔹 What are Speedball Fabric Block Printing / Relief Inks?
Speedball Fabric Block Printing Inks are fabric-specific relief printing inks designed for techniques such as linocut, woodcut, and stamp printing. They are intended for hand printing on natural fabrics.
They are not acrylic paints and not screen printing inks.
🔹 What fabrics are suitable?
These inks are recommended for natural fabrics, including:
- cotton
- linen
- broadcloth
- denim
They are not recommended for synthetic fabrics (such as polyester or nylon), as adhesion and durability cannot be guaranteed.
🔹 Do these inks require heat setting?
No.
According to Speedball, Fabric Block Printing Inks do not require heat setting.
To achieve wash durability, prints must be allowed to:
- dry completely
- fully cure for 4–7 days before washing
This curing period is especially important for items intended for sale.
🔹 Are printed fabrics washable?
Yes, once the curing period has been completed. Proper care will help extend the life of the printed design.
🔹What is the difference between White and Opaque White?
Both are hybrid, water-washable oil fabric block printing inks, but they differ in opacity and intended use.
- White (SP36-3673) offers a clean, bright white with good opacity and high versatility. Best for light fabrics, layering, and multi-color prints.
- Opaque White (SP36-3685) is thicker and more heavily pigmented, designed to deliver maximum cover, especially on dark fabrics.
🔹 Are these inks suitable for products intended for sale?
Yes. These inks are widely used by makers, designers, and small-scale producers, provided that:
- appropriate fabrics are used
- curing time is respected
- testing is done on a sample swatch before selling
These steps are considered best practice in handmade textile production.
🔹 What printing blocks and tools work best?
They are compatible with:
- linoleum
- wood
- soft carving blocks
- rubber stamps
They are typically applied with a brayer for even coverage.
🔹 How are tools cleaned?
While the ink is still wet, tools can be cleaned easily with soap and water. Cleaning becomes more difficult once the ink has fully dried.
🔹 Are these inks suitable for workshops or educational settings?
Yes. They are water-washable and low in odor, making them suitable for studios, workshops, and educational environments when used with proper ventilation.
If you are a maker selling your printed products, consider including a small care instruction tag with each item to inform customers how to properly care for their purchase.
Below is a ready-to-use care label example.
🧺 Care Instructions – For Products Intended for Sale
🏷️ Sample Care Label
- Wash inside out
- Low temperature wash
- Mild detergent
- Do not bleach
- Air dry recommended
- Iron on reverse side
Thank you for choosing a hand-printed item!
