Inktense Block 24 Tin - Versatile Water-Soluble Colour Blocks

In this review the Inktense Block 24 Tin is assessed for artists seeking a compact, flexible set of intense, water-soluble colour blocks. The bottom line: this 24-colour tin is best for illustrators, mixed-media artists and fabric painters who want quick coverage and permanent washes once dry. The review finds the 8mm square blocks particularly useful for both fine details and broad coverage, and highlights the permanent pigment behaviour that prevents bleeding when layering or placing colours side by side.

Key Features

• Versatile block shape: The 8mm square design lets the artist use the edge for fine lines or the broad side to fill large areas quickly and precisely.
• Water soluble pigment: Blocks deliver vibrant colour when dry and can be lifted with a wet brush to create washes or blended effects directly from the block.
• Permanent colour once dry: Pigments set quickly and become permanent when washed out, allowing safe layering and adjacent placement without colour bleeding.
• Surface variety: The permanent finish works well on paper and is suitable for fabrics such as silk and cotton, expanding project possibilities beyond standard drawing paper.
• Integrated palette: The tin surface and full range of 24 colours make it easy to mix blends and create lighter shades by adding water for custom hues.
• Accessory compatibility: For best results the blocks pair with tools such as a waterbrush, spritzer, or a grate and shake accessory for different application styles.

Who It's For

The Inktense Block 24 Tin suits artists who value portability and colour intensity. Illustrators, urban sketchers and textile artists will appreciate the tin format and the quick transition from vibrant wet washes to a permanent, layerable surface. The range of 24 colours provides a broad palette for detailed work and larger washes alike.

It may be less ideal for users who require non-permanent reworkable washes or extremely fine artist pencils for photorealistic detail; those specialists should consider other media that remain rewettable after drying. Beginners who want an easy introduction to mixed media will still find these blocks forgiving and versatile.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High colour payoff and vivid pigments straight from the block for bold, expressive work.
• Dual-use application: dry for intense colour or activate with water for washes and blends.
• Pigments dry permanently, so colours can be layered and placed adjacent without bleeding.
• Compact tin with 24 colours creates a ready-to-use integrated palette for travel and field work.

Cons

• Once dry the permanent pigments cannot be reactivated, which limits reworking of finished areas.
• Square blocks are 8mm and may feel bulky for artists who need ultra-fine point detail without additional tools.

Specifications

Product	Inktense Block 24 Tin
Format	8mm square blocks in a metal tin
Colour count	24 colours
Solubility	Water soluble (wet for washes)
Permanence	Pigments dry permanently when washed out
Surfaces	Paper, silk, cotton and other fabric use possible
Recommended accessories	Waterbrush set, spritzer, grate and shake

Our Verdict

The Inktense Block 24 Tin is a strong choice for artists who want a portable, intense and versatile range of colours that transition from vivid wet washes to permanent layers. Its compact tin and integrated palette make colour mixing and travel easy, and the permanent finish adds confidence for layering and fabric work, offering good value for those who need reliable, bold pigments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these blocks permanent once dry?
Yes, pigments dry quickly and become permanent when washed out, which prevents colour bleeding when layered or placed side by side.

Can you use the blocks on fabric?
Yes, the blocks can be used on fabrics such as silk and cotton as well as on paper, with permanence once the pigment dries.

Do I need special tools to blend colours?
No special tools are required, but a waterbrush, spritzer or the grate and shake accessory will make lifting and blending colour from the blocks easier.