Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Gallon Black - Soft Hand, Strong

In this review of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink 1 gallon in Black, the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at artists and small studios who need a reliable, high-coverage fabric ink that cleans up with soap and water. The reviewer found the ink delivers consistently vibrant, permanent results once heat set, while remaining easy to work with through multiple prints. For those who print on cotton, poly, blends or paper and cardboard, this Gallon size is a practical choice when coverage and softness of the finished print matter most.

Key Features

• Vibrant colors: The formula is designed to produce bright, consistent black coverage that holds up through multiple washes once properly heat set.
• Wide fabric compatibility: Works well on cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon and many synthetics for versatile studio use.
• Soft hand: Prints dry to a super soft-hand on fabric, avoiding heavy, plasticized feel on finished garments.
• Easy cleanup: Non-flammable with no offensive solvents, the ink cleans from screens and tools with soap and water.
• Works on paper and cardboard: Beyond fabric use, the ink is suitable for printing on paper and cardboard projects when a durable black is needed.

Who It's For

Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink in the gallon size is best for freelance printmakers, art teachers, and small apparel shops who need a dependable, economical supply of black ink for frequent runs and larger projects. Its soft-hand finish and broad fabric compatibility make it useful for custom tees, tote bags, and mixed-media prints.

Artists who only need tiny amounts or who print on nonporous fabrics such as nylon should look elsewhere or purchase smaller sample sizes first; the gallon volume is best suited to users who will go through ink at a steady pace.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent coverage and rich black color that remains vibrant when heat set.
• Soft-hand finish keeps prints comfortable and wearable on fabric.
• Easy soap and water cleanup reduces solvent handling and cleanup time.
• Versatile across many textiles plus paper and cardboard for studio flexibility.

Cons

• Gallon volume can be thick and heavy to handle; some users may prefer a thinner consistency or smaller containers for infrequent use.
• Not recommended for nonporous fabrics such as nylon, limiting some specialty applications.

Specifications

Brand	Speedball
Product	Fabric Screen Printing Ink
Color	Black
Volume	1 gallon (128 fl oz / 3.8 L)
Suitable surfaces	Cotton, polyester, blends, linen, rayon, synthetics, paper, cardboard
Cleanup	Soap and water
Safety	Non-flammable, no offensive solvents

Our Verdict

For artists and small shops that print regularly, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Gallon in Black is a solid value: it provides strong coverage, a soft finished hand, and simpler cleanup than solvent-based alternatives. Buy this if you need dependable, washable prints and will use the volume; consider smaller sizes if you only print occasionally or need to work on nonporous fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this ink permanent on fabric?
Yes, prints become permanent once the ink is properly heat set or cured according to usual fabric screen printing procedures.

Can I clean screens with water?
Yes, the ink cleans up with soap and water and does not require solvents.

Will this work on polyester?
Yes, it is formulated to print on polyester and polyester blends as well as natural fibers and some synthetics.