Mastering textile screen printing ink: The Ultimate Guide to Textile ...

Looking to dive into the colorful world of screen print? Whether you’re a hobbyist craving sharp, vibrant visuals on your favorite tee or a seasoned creator working with intricate textiles, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about screen printing ink, textile screen printing, the best products like speedball fabric screen printing ink and jacquard professional screen, and the buzzing world of fabric screen printing ink. We’ll break down which ink to choose, teach you about the hottest trends (hello, water based and plastisol ink!), and compare real-world uses of textile ink from top brands. If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I use acrylic screen printing or water-based ink for my next project?” you’re in the right place.

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1. What Is Screen Print and Why Is It Still So Popular?

Screen print, or silk screen printing, is a classic printing process beloved by artists and entrepreneurs alike. The technique involves using a fine mesh stencil to transfer screen ink onto various surfaces, most famously textiles like t-shirts or hoodies. But screen printing’s magic isn’t just in the process—it’s in the vivid, durable results that pop right off the fabric.

Why hasn’t this art form gone out of style? For starters, it allows for impeccable opacity and a range of vibrant colors that other printing methods often struggle to match. Whether you’re printing on fabric for fashion, making art prints, or producing commercial designs, screen print’s flexibility gives both amateurs and pros creative freedom that can’t be beat. Plus, with today’s eco-friendly water based and acrylic screen printing ink options, it’s easier than ever to customize everything from synthetic fabric to natural cotton sustainably.

2. Understanding Screen Printing Ink: Types, Ingredients, and Uses

When you peel back the curtain (or mesh), you’ll find that not all screen printing ink is created equal. The backbone of any good screen print lies in picking the right ink for the job. But what kinds are out there? You’ll likely encounter water-based ink, plastisol ink, acrylic screen printing ink, and specialist options like silicone inks.

Water-based inks soak into the fabric for a soft, lightweight feel—perfect for eco-conscious designers and anyone who loves “painting on fabric.” Plastisol, on the other hand, sits atop the fabric, delivering unbeatable opacity and durability (a must for dark fabrics or high-wear textiles). Acrylic-based inks combine the best of both worlds, offering strength and vibrant color but requiring a proper “heat set” to cure fully. Understanding your options means every screen print you create—whether using jacquard, speedball, or any ink for screen printing—looks and lasts the way you intend.

3. Top Choices for Fabric Screen Printing Ink: Speedball, Jacquard, and More

With a dizzying array of inks available, the market leaders continue to set the pace. Speedball fabric screen printing ink is a perennial favorite for professionals and newcomers alike, thanks to its vivid hues and friendly “DIY screen” learning curve. If you need a palette with true artist-grade colors, jacquard professional screen printing ink should be on your radar; it delivers nuanced tones and works beautifully on both natural and synthetic fibers.

Don’t overlook niche products, either. Permaset—a.k.a. permaset aqua and permaset supercover—offers industry-leading water-based ink solutions that are eco-friendly and powerful enough for the toughest jobs. From fabric ink that glows on synthetics to opaque fabric screen printing specialties, these brands arm you with the tools to tackle any textile screen printing project.

4. Which Ink Should Beginners Use? A Closer Look at Screen Printing Starter Sets

If you’re just getting your feet wet, picking the right starter set can mean the difference between frustration and foot-stomping success. A fabric screen printing starter set or fabric screen printing ink set typically comes with well-matched hues, basic tools, and step-by-step guides—ideal for anyone eager to experience the thrill of printing onto fabric for the first time.

Speedball’s starter sets remain the gold standard, providing easy-to-use screen printing ink and supplies with forgiving learning curves. Jacquard and permaset aqua sets also cater to artists craving unique color palettes or more sustainable workflows. No matter which you pick, focus on water based inks to start; they’re easier on the nose, safer for home studios, and deliver soft results perfect for printing on light-colored textiles. Remember, every screen printer’s journey starts somewhere—so embrace mistakes and experiment often!

5. How Do Water-Based and Plastisol Inks Differ in Textile Printing?

Let’s cut to the chase: the great debate in fabric screen printing always comes down to water-based versus plastisol ink. Water-based ink seeps into the fabric, creating a soft, almost indistinguishable finish that’s ideal for lightweight garments and artwork requiring fine details. This type of textile ink is a favorite for printing onto fashion pieces that demand comfort as much as style.

Plastisol, in contrast, sits atop the textile and must be heat-cured, but it yields the highest opacity—especially useful when printing on dark fabrics or synthetic fibers. While plastisol delivers unmatched durability for high-traffic screen print applications (think uniforms and athletic gear), it requires special handling and ventilation due to its PVC base. Knowing which to use—and when—is a rite of passage in the screen printing industry.

6. What Makes Opaque Fabric Screen Printing Inks Special for Dark Fabrics?

Printing on darker textiles poses a challenge: how do you make your colors pop? Enter opaque fabric screen printing ink. This specialty ink offers top-tier opacity, ensuring that vibrant ink colors won’t get drowned out by the underlying textile. Brands like permaset supercover are formulated specifically for this task, boasting pigment loads high enough to build bold, visible layers atop any dark background.

When shopping for screen ink, look for words like “opaque” and “supercover”—these signal the ink offers high coverage. Applying opaque fabric screen printing ink can be a revelation for anyone tired of washed-out prints. Just remember: sometimes, multiple passes are required, and a thicker stencil might help your design shine through the darkness.

7. Exploring Acrylic Screen Printing: Is Acrylic Paint the Right Choice?

Acrylic screen printing (and acrylic screen printing ink) is a rising star in the textile art world. Why? Because acrylic-based inks stick to a wide range of fabrics and dry fast, producing brilliant, long-lasting results. Acrylic paint can also be adapted for screen printing acrylic applications, though the experience differs from specialized textile screen printing ink.

One caveat: acrylic screen printing ink often needs to be heat set to retain flexibility and prevent cracking. For artists accustomed to painting on fabric with brushes, screen printing opens new possibilities for sharp, repeatable designs using the same familiar material. However, not all acrylic paint is designed for silk screen use—so seek out those specifically labeled for screen printing.

8. Tips for Printing on Fabric: Best Practices and Creative Techniques

A good screen print is more than just ink—it’s art, science, and craft rolled into one. To get the best results when printing on fabric, start with a tightly-stretched silk screen (or polyester mesh), and ensure your stencil is crisp and clean. Use a squeegee to pull screen printing ink evenly across the design, then lift the screen vertically to avoid smudges.

Try experimenting with block printing for unique textures or combining screen printing with direct painting on fabric. Mix vibrant colors directly on the screen for custom gradients, or layer opaque and transparent inks for depth. Always heat set your print if your ink requires it, following the manufacturer’s instructions for both time and temperature. And never underestimate the power of a good textile ink or screen printing ink set—sometimes, the perfect color can spark your next masterpiece.

9. Essential Screen Printing Supplies Every DIY Screen Printer Needs

Ready to stock your studio? The right screen printing supplies set you up for creativity and success. Here’s your essentials checklist:

• Silk screen or polyester mesh frame
• Stencils (paper, plastisol, or photo-emulsion)
• Squeegee, ideally sized for your mesh
• Range of screen printing ink (at least primary colors, plus black and white for mixing)
• Textile printing heat gun or iron for heat set inks
• Emulsion or block printing ink for creating complex stencils
• Cleaning tools and gloves for safe handling

Investing in a fabric screen printing ink set lets you try multiple ink colors without breaking the bank. For bigger projects, explore series inks from brands like jacquard or permaset—they’re ideal for consistent results across art materials and textiles alike.

10. Future Directions: Innovations and Trends in the Screen Printing Industry

The screen printing industry is evolving faster than ever, thanks to new technologies and a renewed focus on sustainability. Expect to see more water-based and eco-friendly inks, such as permaset aqua, storming the market. Silicone inks offer breakthrough durability for high-performance athletic wear and synthetic fabric, while companies are pushing “aqua” series and low-VOC products that put safety and the environment first.

Digital hybrid techniques—where screen printing meets digital direct printing—are also gaining ground, opening up new range of screen printing applications. Plus, community workshops, print-on-demand shops, and social media communities mean the craft is more accessible than ever. Aspiring screen printers, this is your time: with the right art materials and a little grit, the next big idea could start right in your garage or art room.

Key Takeaways: Screen Printing on Textile—What Every Maker Should Remember

• Choose the right screen printing ink: Water-based for softness and eco-friendliness, plastisol for opacity and durability, acrylic for flexibility.
• Speedball, jacquard, and permaset are industry leaders for a reason—try their screen ink for reliable, professional results.
• Starter sets make beginning easy and fun; seek a fabric screen printing starter set or ink set to get going fast.
• Opaque inks are key for dark fabrics—look for “supercover” or “opaque” on ink labels.
• Acrylic and water-based options expand creative horizons; always heat set when required.
• Supplies matter: Don’t skimp on mesh quality, squeegees, or textile ink variety!
• Trends point to eco-friendly, hybrid, and digital solutions—the screen printing industry is ripe for innovation.
• Experiment with stencils, block printing, and direct painting on fabric for unique effects.
• Always follow best practices—good prep and cleanup ensure every screen print shines.
• From DIY screen projects to professional runs, screen printing on textile gives artists control, flexibility, and endless creative potential.

Now you’re set to conquer textile screen printing, from the first pull of the squeegee to your final vibrant print!

“What is the best screen printing ink?”

This is one of the most common questions I get when I’m talking to screen printers.

It’s also one of the most loaded questions I get!

The truth about screen printing ink is this: most inks that you can buy from a major supplier are good screen printing inks. A clever salesman can make any ink work during a demo – or make it fail. So trust your ink salespeople…but verify that they’re being truthful.

So here’s what it comes down to. Don’t ask “what’s the best ink for screen printing?” Instead, ask these questions:

• What do I actually need from my screen printing inks?
  • Which garments do you print on?
  • What special effects do your customers want?
  • Do you need dozens of custom colors or a handful of stock shop colors?
• What inks are available locally?
  • How often do you need to rush order ink?
  • How long will it take to get a small (or large) amount of ink to your shop when you really need it?
• Which ink distributor is going to help me the most when I need it?
  • Are they local, or across the country?
  • Do you have a long-term relationship with them?
  • Are they respected in the industry?

So let’s get into the weeds and remember: caveat emptor (buyer beware). Never blindly trust any salesman!

What type of screen printing inks are there?

I’m a former screen printing supplies salesman. I’ve had skin in the game. But I’m always honest with shops about the inks that are out there. Some are better for certain applications, and not so great for others. 

You should know about the major types of screen printing inks, understand their applications, and know whether they’re something you could work with in your shop. There’s not a single brand or type of ink that will work perfectly every time – you’ve got to know your stuff!

Not every print shop needs to be like Denver Print House, churning out complex art printed with scientific precision in a tightly controlled environment. Plenty of businesses crank out one and two-color prints all day and absolutely make a killing.

But if you want to know what’s possible, you need to understand the tools of the trade.

Plastisol ink

This is the most widely used ink in the industry. Durable, versatile, opaque, and able to lay down a crisp and detailed print, plastisol is still the go-to ink for screen printers. It’s made out of unpolymerized (read: viscous) PVC (polyvinyl chloride) via chemical process through a combination of ethylene (an oil-based product) and chlorine suspended in a liquid plastic. Plastisol is essentially a liquid plastic combined with unpolymerized PVC.

Plastisol has an almost indefinite shelf life, can be left on screens without damaging them, and is extremely long-lasting on garments when cured correctly. When plastisol is “cured,” it is exposed to high heat (290 to 320 degress Fahrenheit). The plastic mixture hardens as the liquid suspension is dissolved by the heat, creating a durable and flexible finish.

Water based inks

Printing on cotton and blends? Looking for a super soft print?

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Water based ink is the way to go.

Water based inks are something I’ve pushed every print shop to invest in. You can really accomplish something interesting things with water based inks – and they’re going to be the future of the industry one way or another.

There are some pros and cons to water based inks – which you should explore further in our article about water based inks – but there are two primary things to know:

• Water based inks are less opaque (read: more transparent) than plastisol inks
• Water based ink is a very broad umbrella with many different inks

Discharge ink

Discharge inks are a subcategory of water based inks. Discharge inks work via chemical reaction. They actually “bleach off” the dye on the cotton t-shirt, leaving behind the natural color of the fibers (or the color you choose to leave behind). This chemical reaction is due to the active ingredient ZFS (zinc formaldehyde sulfate).

Discharge inks are remarkably versatile. The most impressive discharge prints have zero hand feel – a magical thing for customers. It’s like discharge prints are just part of the shirt.

You can also use discharge inks as an underbase. This is a super effective technique that leverages discharge ink’s unique chemistry. Since discharge removes the dye in the garment, you can print super vivid prints on dark shirts – even though water based inks are less opaque than plastisol inks.

Discharge inks emit formaldehyde gas during curing. It’s important that you adequately ventilate your workspace if you’re planning to work with discharge inks. Another reason to make fast friends with your local sales rep: if you’re unsure whether your airflow is adequate, they can advise you.

Question: do I need a gas dryer to print discharge inks? 

Answer: While it’s definitely preferable to have a properly ventilated gas dryer for curing discharge inks, you don’t actually need a gas dryer to print discharge. There are low-formaldehyde discharge inks available – or you can simply utilize large fans and an effective cross-breeze.

Acrylic inks

Acrylic inks are a new and emerging variety of screen printing ink. They’re becoming more prevalent alongside their water based counterparts.

What sets acrylic screen printing inks apart is their ability to air dry. This can help when printing on polyester fabric, which is famous for having issues (dye migration, discoloration and more) during the curing process. High-quality air-drying inks have long been desired by screen printers.

Acrylic inks are typically water based. Others may be based on oil or plastic. There’s a huge variety of printing methods and special effects possible with acrylic inks. However, the learning curve is steep and acrylic inks are notorious for drying in the screen.

Silicone inks

Utilized for high-end retail applications, silicone screen printing inks are the most expensive on the market.

High-performanice wear on nylon and poly-blend fabrics come with a high price point. Brands like Nike will print sily-smooth silicone designs with reflective inks and other special effects. They’ll also use silicone to print on their newest and strangest blends of multiple synthetic fabrics.

Not only are silicone screen printing inks expensive, the ink mixing systems typically aren’t as robust. Silicone inks are largely novel applications done in large shops with nearly scientific printing capabilities. The catalysts needed to actually print silicone inks only work during a brief duration, so your production time and ink supply is limited by what you can mix. Silicone inks are challenging, but there’s a potential reward for shops that have meticulous ink management skills.

How much does screen printing ink cost?

Ink prices vary from state to state and supplier to supplier – and, of course, different types of ink cost different amounts.

But here’s a good estimate for the range of prices you’ll encounter when you buy screen printing ink:

• 1 gallon of screen printing ink costs $45 to $90
• 5 gallons of screen printing ink costs $250 to $400

Types of white ink

You can’t just one type of white ink for every type of t-shirt.

In this video, I break down the different types of garments you can print on – and what type of white ink you’ll need to use.

The best white ink for different fabrics

For cotton, you can use a standard cotton white ink. It will adhere nicely to the fibrous cotton and leave a great white print.

For poly blends (any shirt or fabric that has a “heather” color), you’ll want a poly white ink. This leaves the best print on blended garments.

For full polyester garments, you’ll want a low-bleed ink. Otherwise, you run the risk of having the dye in the garment “bleed” into the ink, turning it pink. Don’t risk it!

For nylon, like jackets and other materials, you’ll want a nylon white ink. It usually has a special adhesive so it can stay on the nylon without coming off. Be sure to follow the curing directions for your nylon white ink to the letter.

Who makes screen printing ink?

There are dozens of ink manufacturers, but these brands pop up again and again throughout the United States.

Rutland

Owned by PolyOne, Rutland is headquartered in North Carolina. They developed one of the earliest color matching software systems, which let them conquer a huge swath of the custom apparel industry’s largest providers. Rutland’s expertise in software has let them develop a leading mixing calculator. Because of their prowess with screen printing inks, Rutland remains a globally leading ink distributor.

Where should you buy screen printing ink?

Picking where to buy screen printing supplies is a more important choice than you might think. You can’t just pick the cheapest distributor and get on with it. There’s more to it than that.

First, a dose of reality.

Reality #1: Screen printing shops don’t take daily inventories of their ink supplies.
Reality #2: Because of #1, shops run out of ink when they need it badly.
Reality #3: That means the best distributor is often the closest distributor.

When I’m ordering a new ink for my shop Sound and Fury, the number one thing I consider is whether I can get the ink tomorrow if I order it today.

There are very, very, very few shops that take a daily inventory of their ink. That level of detail (and staffing) is typically out of reach for the tight ship that most print shops keep.

This means that when you run out of ink, you run out while you’re printing a job or mixing colors. You run out of ink with the job on press. You run out of ink when there’s a rush order due. This happens again and again – shops call each other and need to “borrow” a quart of ink.

I’ve seen really amazing salesmen work their butts off to get a shop to take on a new ink system…only to find out that they can’t ship that ink to their shop without a rush charge. That won’t work in an understaffed, overworked, razor-thin-margin business.

However, a huge number of distributors and print supply companies across the US carry most or all of these brands. If someone from Florida asks where to buy ink, I’m probably going to steer them toward a local company like Roeder Industries. 1-day shipping is that important for screen printers.

There’s another benefit to a closer distributor. They can easily come by your shop and offer feedback, advice, or guidance. They can get a hands-on experience with your technique and process – and typically, they can help you print better.

So, to recap choosing where you buy ink:

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