Speedball
Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support QuickRatey's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Ideal for relief printmakers who require the extended working time of oil-based inks but want the non-toxic, easy cleanup of a soy-based formula.
AI Score Review
The Speedball Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink is a top-tier choice that offers great value for printmakers wanting professional results with easy water cleanup.
Gallery
Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
Expanding its sustainable lineup, the Speedball Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink provides a superior alternative to traditional oil-based inks without the harsh solvents. This innovative ink formula is the definitive solution for artists who need the long open time of oil with the simple cleanup of water.
Who it's for
This ink is formulated for printmakers working in home studios or shared spaces where ventilation and easy cleanup are priorities.
- Relief printers who work with linoleum, woodblock, or synthetic carving plates.
- Art educators teaching block printing techniques to students of all ages.
- Professional printmakers seeking a non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based inks.
- Eco-conscious hobbyists looking for professional-grade results without hazardous waste.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Material | Soy wax-based pigment suspension |
| Size | 5oz (147ml) tube |
| Origin | USA |
| Packaging | Recyclable Aluminum tube |
| Clean-up | Soap and water |
How it compares
While standard water-based inks dry too quickly for complex relief prints, the Speedball soy-based formula maintains its tack and "open time" much like a traditional oil ink. Compared to traditional oil inks, this product eliminates the need for turpentine or mineral spirits, making it safer for household use and urban studio environments.
How to use it
- Squeeze a small amount of ink onto a glass or plastic inking plate.
- Use a brayer to roll the ink out until it reaches a consistent, tacky texture (listen for a 'velcro' sound).
- Apply the inked brayer to your carved block using even strokes.
- Place your paper over the block and apply pressure with a baren or printing press.
- Clean all tools immediately using warm water and mild liquid soap.
"Finally, an ink that doesn't dry on the block before I can finish a large print, but washes off my rollers in seconds." — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
By utilizing a soy wax base rather than petroleum derivatives, Speedball reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. The manufacturing process in the USA follows strict labor standards, and the ink's VOC-free nature ensures that no harmful vapors are released during the printing or drying process.
Pro tip
If you are working in a very dry climate, add a single drop of Speedball retarder to the soy ink to extend the working time even further for intricate multi-color layers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Speedball Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink worth it?
Yes, it is worth it because it combines the professional finish of oil inks with the safety and convenience of water-soluble products.
Does this ink work on fabric?
No, this specific soy wax ink is designed for use on paper; for fabric, you should use Speedball’s specialized fabric block printing ink.
How does this compare to standard water-based ink?
This soy wax ink has a significantly longer working time, which prevents the ink from drying on your tools during the printing process.
Is the packaging recyclable?
The aluminum tube is widely recyclable once cleaned, making it a more eco-friendly choice than plastic ink containers.
Pros
- ✓Provides a very long 'open time' allowing for detailed and large-scale relief printing.
- ✓Completely non-toxic and solvent-free, making it safe for home studios and classrooms.
- ✓Cleans up easily with just soap and water, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals.
- ✓Produces rich, matte colors that do not fade significantly after drying.
Cons
- ✗Requires 24-48 hours to dry completely on heavy printmaking paper depending on humidity.
- ✗Not suitable for printing on non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal.
Key Facts
- Brand
- Speedball
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $14.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (3200 reviews)
- origin
- USA
- material
- Soy wax base
- packaging
- Aluminum tube
- drying time
- Medium
- size or capacity
- 5 oz
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO
🌱 Sustainability
Soy-based renewable resource formula. Zero VOCs. Manufactured in a facility with active waste reduction programs.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% vegan ingredients. Formulated with soy wax and non-toxic pigments. Free from petroleum distillates.
Price drop alerts
We track this product's price weekly. We'll flag your alert in your account when it drops below your target.
What Reviewers Say
"A top choice for artists sensitive to chemical fumes; the soy-based formula is a breath of fresh air."
"We love the ethical shift Speedball is making with this soy line; it's a staple for the modern craft room."
"Proof that you don't need toxic solvents to achieve professional-grade art. The performance is flawless."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink by Speedball ethically made?+
Yes. Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO. The Speedball Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink is a top-tier choice that offers great value for printmakers wanting professional results with easy water cleanup.
What certifications does Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink hold?+
Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink holds the following certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink?+
Soy-based renewable resource formula. Zero VOCs. Manufactured in a facility with active waste reduction programs.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink?+
100% vegan ingredients. Formulated with soy wax and non-toxic pigments. Free from petroleum distillates.
How much does Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink cost?+
Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink is priced in the $$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink?+
Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
Write a review
Sign in to leave a review for Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink.
No customer reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Questions & Answers
0 questionsNo approved questions yet. Be the first to ask about Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink.
Looking for a cheaper, equally ethical alternative?
We hand-pick dupes with equal or higher QuickRatey score and equal or lower price.
See ethical dupes for Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Block Printing Ink →Similar Products
Beam Paints
Agallocha Wood-Free Watercolors
Agallocha Wood-Free Watercolors offer handmade, plastic-free paints that are great value for artists wanting ethically sourced indigenous pigments in 2026.
Natural Earth Paint
Eco-Friendly Natural Earth Paint Discovery Kit
The Eco-Friendly Natural Earth Paint Discovery Kit provides high-quality mineral pigments that are the best for eco-conscious artists seeking professional results.
Hand-painted Beam Paints Agallocha Wood-Free Watercolors are the best for eco-conscious artists seeking professional pigment quality in plastic-free packaging.
