3 BEST Water-Based Ink for Screen Printing [Most VERSATILE!]

Written by: Dalia Abdalla

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Time to read 5 min

Best Water-Based Ink for Screen Printing


As an artist who loves screen printing, I know that using the right ink is super important for our creative ideas. In this blog post, I'll talk about the best water-based ink for screen printing and why they're awesome. Water-based inks have many advantages, like being good for the environment and making soft and comfy prints on fabric. So, if you want to learn about these inks and how they can make your screen printing better, keep reading to find out about the top options and why they're special.


Best Water-Based Ink for Screen Printing

"Why water based inks?"


  • Environmenally Friendly: Water-based inks are better for the Earth because they don't have harmful chemicals.

  • Comfortable Prints: They make soft and comfy prints on clothes like T-shirts and tote bags, so it's nice to wear.

  • Vibrant and Detailed: Water-based inks can create colorful and detailed designs that look super cool.

  • Safe for Artists: They are safe to use for artists like us, and they don't create a heavy, plastic-like layer on the fabric.

  • Perfect for Many Things: Whether you're printing shirts, posters, or other cool stuff, water-based inks help make our art look fantastic while being kind to the Earth.


1. Ecotex Water Based Ink


I use the Ecotex Water Based Ink Kit for my screen printing as it's super easy to use and makes my prints look amazing. This kit comes with six cool colors, like white, blue, and red, and they work great on fabric and shirts. Plus, these inks are friendly to the environment, which is really important to me. When I want to make my designs stand out, these inks help me do that. So, whether I'm printing on shirts or other stuff like wood or paper, this kit has got me covered, and I love how it makes my prints look cool and colorful!


  • Ink Colors: White, Blue, Red

  • Package Information: Bottle

  • Paint Type: Watercolor

  • Item Volume: 236.58 Milliliters

Easy to Use: The Ecotex Water Based Inks are ready-to-use, making them convenient for screen printing projects.

Vibrant Colors: The kit includes six colors, such as white, blue, and red, that produce bright and crisp prints, helping your designs stand out.

Versatile Printing: These inks are suitable for various substrates, including fabric, canvas, garments, wood, and poster paper, providing flexibility in your projects.

Environmentally Friendly: The inks are Non-Phthalate, Eco-Friendly, and Vegan, making them safe for both users and the environment.

Soft Hand Feel: Ecotex water-based inks create prints with a comfortable soft hand feel and are resistant to dry cleaning and ironing. 

2. Speedball


This ink set comes with six different colors, like red, yellow, and blue, that I can mix to make even more shades. It's easy to work with, especially if I'm just starting with screen printing. The best part is that after I print my design and heat-set it, it stays on the fabric for a long time, so my artwork lasts. Plus, it's safe for me to use, and it's made right here in the USA. So, with this ink set, I can let my creativity shine and make awesome prints on my clothes and more!


  • Ink Colors: Blue, White, Black, Red, Yellow, and Green

  • Package Information: Jars

  • Paint Type: Watercolor

  • Item Volume: 4 Fluid Ounces (4oz) for each color


Water-Based Ink: Speedball's ink is easy to use because it can mix with water. It works well for all kinds of artists, whether you're just starting or have lots of experience.

Prints That Last: Once you print a design and heat it up, it stays on the fabric for a long time. This is better than other methods like iron-on transfers or chalk paint because those can fade or wash off.

Works on Many Materials: You can use this ink on lots of different fabrics, like cotton, canvas, and more. It also works on paper and cardboard, so you can use it for different art projects.

Safe to Use: All the colors in this set have been tested and found to be safe. So, it's a good choice for artists, art studios, and classrooms, and it won't harm you.


3. Jacquard Water Based Ink


The Jacquard Professional Screen Print Inks is a fantastic choice for screen printing. It's special because it's water-based, which means it's easy to work with and clean up afterward. This ink is not only great for making colorful designs on shirts, but it's also designed to last a long time. When I print my designs on fabric and heat-set them, they won't fade or wash out easily. Plus, it provides excellent coverage and fine details, making my screen printed creations look sharp and professional. So, if I'm into screen printing, this ink is perfect for creating high-quality and long-lasting designs on my favorite fabrics.


  • Package Information: Jar
  • Paint Type: Watercolor
  • Item Volume: 118.29 Milliliters


Water-Based Ink: This ink is easy to use and easy to clean up after you're done.

Keeps Colors Bright: Your printed designs will stay colorful and won't fade over time.

Super Clear and Covers Well: The ink makes your screenprinted designs look really clear and neat.

Stays in Good Shape: The ink is tough, so your designs won't get easily damaged even if you use them a lot.

Easy to Clean and Doesn't Wash Out: Once you heat-set the ink on fabric, it can be dry-cleaned, and it won't wash out easily.



Have the basics in hand!

Is water based ink good for screen printing?

Yes, water-based ink is good for screen printing, especially on fabrics like T-shirts. It's known for its eco-friendliness, soft feel, and vibrant results.

What type of ink is best for screen printing?

The best type of ink for screen printing depends on your project and fabric. Water-based ink is great for soft, breathable prints, while plastisol ink is durable and vibrant.

What are water based screen printing inks?

Water-based screen printing inks are inks specifically designed for screen printing that use water as a base instead of chemicals. They are eco-friendly and offer a soft, comfortable feel on fabrics.

Can you make screen print transfers with water-based ink?

Yes, you can make screen print transfers with water-based ink. These transfers can be applied to fabric later using heat, making them useful for various applications.

Is Speedball ink water based?

Speedball offers both water-based and acrylic-based inks for screen printing, so they have options for both preferences.

Is plastisol ink better than water-based ink?

Plastisol and water-based inks have different advantages. Plastisol is durable and works well on dark fabrics, while water-based ink is eco-friendly and offers a soft feel. The choice depends on your specific needs.

How long does water-based screen printing ink last?

The longevity of water-based screen printing ink depends on various factors, including proper curing and fabric care. When handled and cared for correctly, water-based prints can last a long time.

What mesh count for screen printing water-based ink?

For water-based ink, a mesh count of 160 to 200 is commonly used. However, the ideal mesh count can vary depending on the design and fabric, so it's essential to consider your specific project's requirements.

Modern Pink Paper Author - Dalia Abdalla

Dalia Abdalla

Owner & Head Designer, Modern Pink Paper

Dalia is the creative force behind Modern Pink Paper. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things stationery, she embarked on this journey to provide personalized stationery solutions. When she's not crafting beautiful paper creations, Dalia is sharing her insights and inspirations on this blog, ensuring that her readers always have a touch of beauty and creativity in their lives.