Inktense Block 24 Tin - Vibrant Water-Soluble Colour Blocks

In this review the Inktense Block 24 Tin is judged as a versatile, artist-grade set aimed at illustrators, mixed-media artists and textile painters who need vivid, permanent colour with flexible application methods. The set of 24 8mm square blocks gives a broad, ready-to-use palette that works dry for intense strokes or with a wet brush to lift and blend colour, and the review finds its single biggest selling point is the combination of bright, permanent pigments and an integrated palette that encourages quick colour mixing and layering without bleeding.

Key Features

• Vibrant 24 colours: The full range of 24 hues provides immediate access to primary and mixed tones for most projects without needing additional pans.
• 8mm square blocks: The square format lets users use the edge for fine detail and the broad side to cover larger areas quickly and consistently.
• Water soluble then permanent: Blocks lift easily with a wet brush for washes and blends, then dry to permanent pigments that resist bleeding when layered.
• Integrated palette for mixing: The tin arrangement and block shape make it straightforward to mix colours together or add water for lighter tints directly on the palette.
• Surface versatility: Because pigments set permanently, the blocks can be used on paper and fabrics such as silk or cotton for varied craft and fine art applications.
• Accessory compatibility: Works well with Derwent accessories such as a waterbrush, spritzer or grate to expand techniques and control.

Who It's For

The Inktense Block 24 Tin is best for artists who value strong, clear colour and the ability to switch between dry mark-making and wet, painterly effects; illustrators, textile artists and mixed-media creatives will appreciate the permanent finish that allows layering without colour migration. Its ease of blending and compact palette also makes it a practical travel option for plein air sketching when a vivid, water-activated medium is desired.

Those who should look elsewhere include painters who expect very large formats and need continuous washes from traditional tube paints, or beginners who prefer a single-stick, waxy crayon feel rather than a water-soluble block; this set assumes some willingness to experiment with water activation and mixing techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pure, vibrant colour when used dry and excellent lift for washes when used with a wet brush.
• Permanence after drying allows confident layering and use on fabrics with minimal bleeding.
• Square 8mm blocks and integrated tin make mixing and using edges simple and efficient.
• Compact tin contains a comprehensive 24-colour range suitable for many projects.

Cons

• Blocks are small at 8mm, so covering very large surfaces will be slower than using tube or pan paints.
• Some users may need time to learn how much water to use to avoid overworking colours.

Specifications

Product	Inktense Block 24 Tin
Colours	24 blocks
Block size	8mm square
Solubility	Water soluble, dries to permanent
Suitable surfaces	Paper, silk, cotton and similar fabrics
Included accessories	Tin case; compatible with waterbrush, spritzer, grate (sold separately)

Our Verdict

The Inktense Block 24 Tin is a strong-value set for creatives who want bright, permanent colour with flexible application. It is particularly good for mixed-media and textile work where quick drying permanence and the ability to layer without bleeding matter; while blocks are small for very large areas, the comprehensive palette and mixing options make it a dependable, compact kit for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these blocks washable before drying?
Yes, the pigments lift with water when wet and can be blended; once they dry they become permanent and resistant to further bleeding.

Can I use these on fabric?
Yes, the dried pigments work well on fabrics such as silk and cotton, making them suitable for textile painting when set and handled appropriately.

Do I need extra tools to blend?
No, you can work with a wet brush alone, but accessories like a waterbrush, spritzer or a grate can expand techniques and control.