hi tina,
it sounds like you're having great results with versatex inks... i didn't mean to discount them in my previous comment. i should give them a try!

best,
lena

Fiona, I really love using Versatex inks. I haven't used it for block printing. I screen print with Versatex. They have an additive called fixer. I add that to my ink and still heat set. Sets the ink wonderfully.
I think you can buy other additives as well to thicken or thin the ink (for your liking).

Thanks!

I'll let you know how my big Jacquard project goes.

Happy printing!

-Fiona

hi fiona,
i mostly buy a local brand of screen printing ink at standard screen, here in nyc. i also really like speedball's ink, and union ink. versatex is a very good brand too. the texture and consistency of ink can really vary, not just from brand to brand, but from color to color. each printing project involves some experimentation with getting the ink right, and i can still get frustrated sometimes myself!

you've inspired me to give jacquard inks a try again. i think i'll play around with them this weekend.

best,
lena

Hi Lena,

Thanks for the info. I will try the transparent extender.

The block printing inks I have been using don't say anywhere on the packaging that they are/are not for use on fabric, but I was told that they could be heat set. The person who told me that may have been misinformed.I think I'll use them for stationery stamping...

I tried the Jacquard ink with a small swatch of linen and a freezer paper stencil. The runny consistency works really well for that printing method.I am going to make a large project with it and will see how that goes.

What brand of screen printing ink do you use? Have you tried Versatex? I noticed on the Dharma trading website that it is suitable for block printing as well as for screening, stenciling, etc. It had some great product reviews, so I was thinking of trying it.

Thanks for your help!

Fiona

hi fiona,

i don't have much experience working with jacquard ink-- but i know that you can mix them with a transparent extender base. it will thicken the ink and then it should coat the carved block similarly to the block printing ink. you might need to do some test swatches mixing different amounts of base to the ink.

i most often use screen printing ink for block printing, because fabric block printing ink can be difficult to find (maybe when the book reprints, i will get a chance to add this tip). i heat set my fabric in the dryer, or with an iron if it's a small piece. i've never used the oven, but i've heard that works too. i have some slight fading with certain colors, but you shouldn't be getting a lot of fading. this is probably a silly question, but are you sure your block printing ink is meant for fabric? i made that mistake once.

let me know how it goes if you try the jacquard ink again, or if you have any more questions!

lena

Hi Lena,

I am a student in Otis' continuing education textile design program out in LA. I recently read your book, Printing By Hand. It's been a great resource!

I am enjoying experimenting with block printing, but have had a couple issues when it comes to getting the ink to set permanently. I have some questions regarding Speedball water-based block printing inks vs. Jacquard textile colors that I was hoping you could help me with.

With the block printing inks, I have gotten really nice, crisp edges from the printed blocks. I have also gotten good paint coverage and a good-looking finished product for a first-timer. Then I tried to heat set some test samples-- with the iron, baking for 3 min @ 350 in the oven, and another baking 25 min @ 250 in the oven (those last two methods I found on the internet). The 350 it too hot for the 100% linen I was using, as it scorches it. The 250 worked great. I then put the 3 samples in a delicate short wash on cold. All three faded, but not completely. However, I like the original colors. Is it possible to maintain the original ink color of these block printed pieces by another method? Can a dry cleaner or professional silk-screening facility set them? Do pieces still fade extensively after being set that way? Is drastic fading unavoidable with this type of ink? My idea is to make some decorative pillows-- they would not be washed often, but I would like to have that option.

On to the Jacquard product... It seems to be it very runny, even after mixing thoroughly. I read in your book to let the portion of the color you are going to use sit out for a bit to evaporate/thicken up. I let it sit out for 45 minutes and it was marginally better. It seems to still run into the crannies of the blocks (I have used both a brayer roller and a sponge brush to see which would work better for applying the color to the block). The brayer worked better. The designs don't turn out with nice clean edges, nor is the coverage even/good. However, I ironed the swatch for 3 minutes per the instructions on the container and then washed it. There was NO fading! Great, except the finished motifs don't look anywhere near as nice as those I was able to produce with the Speedball ink :(

Now, if I could get the coverage of the Speedball inks with the colorfastness of the Jacquard!

I'd appreciate any ideas on how to set the Speedball inks permanently or how to get a crisper edge and better coverage with the Jacquard product.

Thanks so much for your help!