Block printing ink for linocut and relief printing, designed to deliver smooth, vibrant prints. ESSDEE Block Printing Ink helps hobbyists and experienced printmakers achieve strong coverage and straightforward clean-up. Is the balance of pigment, tack and drying time right for your workflow?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Colour Quality: High-pigment Prussian Blue with rich coverage and smooth laydown
- • Best for: Printmakers using linoleum, SoftCut, MasterCut and Printfoam seeking vibrant, repeatable results
- • Not ideal for: Projects requiring permanent or weatherproof inks
Made in the United Kingdom, a water-based formula formulated for strong transfer and manageable clean-up. Enhanced tack improves transfer onto paper and card while retaining a smooth, workable consistency.
Rich, high-coverage colour - with a specialist water-based formulation
A high-quality water-based ink made with specialist ingredients yields dense pigment suspension and smooth laydown, producing vivid impressions. Non-permanent formulation combines pigment concentration with enhanced tack for effective transfer.
Bold, even prints require fewer passes, so colours appear more consistent and saturated on both paper and card. Strong coverage helps achieve clear details in carved areas.
Manageable open time and tidy clean-up - thanks to balanced working and drying time
Perfectly balanced working and drying characteristics provide a predictable window for rolling, registration and adjustment before the ink sets. Water-based composition simplifies removal from rollers and tools.
Easier to make small corrections during printing and to wash up afterwards, which suits session-based studio work or classroom use. Cleaner handling reduces downtime between runs.
Wide material compatibility - with enhanced tack and excellent transfer properties
Designed for use with Essdee Linoleum, SoftCut, MasterCut and Printfoam, while compatibility extends to many other printmaking materials and techniques. Enhanced tack promotes reliable pickup from plate to substrate.
Prints well onto all grades of paper and card, giving dependable results across different weights and textures. Versatility supports experimentation with mixed-media and various printing methods.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for ESSDEE Block Printing Ink
- Made in the United Kingdom - consistent manufacturing quality you can trust
- Water-based formula - simple handling and straightforward clean-up after printing
- Enhanced tack and transfer - reliable impressions with strong coverage each pass
- High-pigment consistency - economical per print, fewer applications needed for full coverage
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Block printing ink
- Brand: ESSDEE
- Colour: Prussian Blue
- Volume: 100ml
- Country of origin: Made in the United Kingdom
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this ink be used with non-Essdee materials?
A: Yes. Although designed for use with Essdee Linoleum, SoftCut, MasterCut and Printfoam, the ink can be used with many other printmaking materials and techniques.
Q: Is the ink permanent once printed?
A: No. The formulation is non-permanent, while enhanced tack supports excellent transfer during printing.
Q: How easy is cleanup after a session?
A: Cleanup is straightforward thanks to a water-based formula and perfectly balanced working and drying time, which make rollers and tools easier to clean.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for hobbyists and professional printmakers who prioritise strong, consistent colour and tidy studio practice. A specialist water-based formula paired with enhanced tack and balanced drying time gives vibrant transfer and manageable working sessions. Economical per print and simple to clean, a practical long-term choice for regular printmaking.
