If you’re looking to screen print on glass or transfer designs to other non-paper surfaces, you’ll want inks that deliver good adhesion, vibrant color, and durable results. This guide highlights five ink sets that are commonly used for fabrics and paper but can inspire approaches for glass projects when paired with appropriate adhesion steps and heat-setting methods. The buyer will typically be a crafters, small-business screen printers, or hobbyists seeking reliable color and finish. The table below summarizes the top picks discussed in this article.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedball Fabric Ink, 8 oz, Black | Speedball | Beginners and versatile textile projects | Vibrant color, great coverage |
| Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set, 6 Colors | Speedball | Color exploration and beginners | Six colors, easy mixing, low odor |
| Speedball Fabric Ink, 8 oz, White | Speedball | Light fabrics and contrasts | Soft hand, durable after heat setting |
| Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 8 oz, Black | Speedball | Paper and mixed media | High pigment richness, variety of colors |
| Falling in Art Fabric Ink Set, 4 oz | Falling in Art | Vibrant color set for textiles | Durable color set, water-resistant |
Speedball Fabric Ink, 8-Ounce, Black
Brand: Speedball. This ink is formulated for vibrant color and consistent workability across fabrics such as cotton, polyester, blends, linen, and synthetics. It also performs on paper and cardboard and yields a soft hand on fabric after curing. Best for crafters who want reliable, everyday ink for screen printing on textiles and related substrates. Caution: ink must be heat set to achieve permanence; without heat, wash durability may be limited.
Who it’s best for and why chosen
Best for beginners and mixed-media projects where fabric substrates are the main target. The 8-ounce bottle is a standard size for small runs and personal projects. It provides dependable coverage and a soft feel after heat setting, making it a versatile starter choice for textile screen printing.
Limitations
Not specifically designed for glass, so results on non-fabric surfaces depend on additional surface preparation and post-processing steps beyond the product’s listed use.
Speedball Fabric Ink Starter Set, 6 Colors
Brand: Speedball. A six-color set designed for beginners and pros alike. Includes Black, White, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green inks in 4 oz bottles. The ink is water-based, offers excellent workability, and cleans up with soap and water. It cures to a permanent state after heat setting and is suitable for many fabrics and some surface types with proper preparation.
Why this is a strong pick
Better for color exploration and initial practice. The set’s color variety supports custom color creation without purchasing individual bottles, and its low odor makes it suitable for indoor spaces and teaching studios.
Limitations
The product is primarily formulated for textiles, so glass compatibility requires experimentation with surface prep and post-application steps to avoid poor adhesion.
Speedball Fabric Ink, 8 oz, White
Brand: Speedball. White ink used for high-contrast designs on light fabrics or for mixing with other colors to create lighter tints. It shares the same properties as the black variant: vibrant coverage, soft hand after curing, and wide fabric compatibility. Best for projects needing bright white on textiles and paper-based media.
Who it’s best for and why chosen
Ideal for designers who require crisp white ink for textile printing and other light-background surfaces. You can mix white with other inks to achieve lighter shades or highlights in screen-printed designs.
Limitation
Like other fabric inks, it relies on heat setting for permanence; on glass or non-porous surfaces, adhesion may be less durable unless a proper surface treatment is used.
Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink, 8 oz, Black
Brand: Speedball. This acrylic ink is designed for high-quality results on paper, wood, and cardboard, with a wide color selection including process, glow-in-the-dark, and fluorescent options. It provides rich color and is made in the USA, making it a go-to for paper-based screen printing and mixed-media projects. Best for artists focusing on non-fabric substrates or combined materials.
Who it’s best for and why chosen
Better for paper and mixed-media applications where durable, pigment-rich results are desired. It’s a solid fit for projects that extend beyond fabric printing and into wall decor or signage using screens.
Limitation
Acrylic inks may not be as flexible on textiles as water-based fabric inks, and adhesion on glass will require careful surface preparation and sealing for durability.
Falling in Art Fabric Ink Set, 4-Ounce
Brand: Falling in Art. This set includes six colors—white, red, yellow, blue, green, and black—designed for fabric printing with durable, water-resistant results. The inks are described as permanent after complete drying and are suited for beginners and artists producing multiple textile projects. Best for color variety and reliable on fabrics.
Who it’s best for and why chosen
Choose this if you want a compact color range that is easy to mix and produces long-lasting results on textiles. It’s a solid option for makers who print apparel or decor items and want durable color that holds up to washing.
Limitation
The data emphasizes fabric use; results on glass will need surface prep and testing to gauge adhesion and durability on non-porous surfaces.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Ink For Screen Printing On Glass And Similar Surfaces
What should you consider when selecting ink for screen printing on glass or related non-porous substrates?
- Surface compatibility: Most screen inks are designed for fabric or paper. For glass, consider surface prep, adhesion promoters, or sealing steps to improve durability.
- Adhesion and curing: Look for inks with clear instructions on heat setting or curing. Some inks require overnight drying before washing for best permanence.
- Color range and opacity: If you’re aiming for high-contrast designs on glass, ensure the white or light-colored inks are stable and resistant to background tones.
- Safety and odor: Water-based inks tend to have lower odor and easier cleanup, which helps in indoor environments.
- Ease of use: Starter sets are useful for practicing color mixing and coverage before committing to larger runs.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Inks that clean up with soap and water are typically easier to handle during experimentation.
Practical FAQ
- Can these inks be used directly on glass?
Most listed inks are designed for fabric or paper. Glass adhesion varies; surface prep and sealing are usually required for durability on glass. - Is heat setting necessary for all fabrics inks?
Yes. For permanence, most fabric inks require heat setting as described by the manufacturer. - What finishing steps help glass projects?
Consider a clear sealant or glass-specific topcoat after testing adhesion. Always test a small area first. - Which ink is best for beginners?
Starter sets from Speedball provide a good mix of colors and straightforward usage for beginners. - Are acrylic inks suitable for glass?
Acrylic inks can work on glass with proper surface treatment, but they are typically geared toward paper and board; test compatibility first. - Can I wash items printed with fabric ink?
Washing durability depends on the ink type and proper heat setting. Follow each product’s curing instructions for best results.