Southern Ink vs Water Based Inks
Posted by charley on Mar 13th 2025
Why Oil-Based Ink is the Best Choice for Letterpress & Printmaking
If you’ve ever struggled with dull prints, ink drying too fast on rollers, or colors that fade over time, the culprit is likely your ink.
For letterpress, relief, lino, block, and etching printing, oil-based inks have long been the gold standard. They provide rich color, smooth ink transfer, and professional-quality results that water-based inks just can’t match.
But not all oil-based inks are created equal. At Southern Ink Company, our inks are primarily made with renewable vegetable oils like linseed, soy, and flax—making them an eco-friendlier choice. Some of our inks include a small percentage of petroleum oil to enhance performance and runnability, ensuring smooth, consistent printing.
Let’s dive into why oil-based ink is the best choice for serious printmakers.
1️⃣ Rich, Vibrant Color & Superior Coverage
Oil-based inks contain a higher concentration of pigment, which means:
✅ Stronger, more opaque colors—even on dark or textured paper
✅ Smoother ink transfer for crisp, professional-quality prints
✅ Better coverage with less ink, making them more cost-effective
Whether you're printing fine art, stationery, or posters, oil-based inks deliver unmatched depth and vibrancy.
2️⃣ Longer Open Time – No More Rushing!
Water-based inks dry too quickly, often causing inconsistent prints and dried-up rollers.
Oil-based inks, however, stay open longer, giving you:
✅ More working time to perfect each print
✅ No ink drying prematurely on rollers or plates
✅ A smoother printing process, especially for large editions
This makes oil-based ink ideal for letterpress, linocut, and detailed relief prints, where precision is key.
3️⃣ Crisp Details & Fine Lines
Fine details can get lost with water-based inks, but oil-based inks provide:
✅ Sharp, clean impressions in letterpress and block printing
✅ Even ink distribution across carved surfaces and type
✅ Consistent coverage without beading or blotching
If your work involves delicate typography, intricate lino cuts, or finely etched details, oil-based ink ensures every line is crisp and clear.
4️⃣ Works on a Wide Variety of Papers
Water-based inks can sink too fast into uncoated paper or fail to adhere to coated and textured papers.
Oil-based inks work on:
✅ Coated, uncoated, and specialty papers
✅ Handmade and textured stocks
✅ Fabric and alternative printing surfaces
This versatility allows more creative freedom when selecting materials for your prints.
5️⃣ Resistant to Humidity & Smudging
Water-based inks dry by evaporation, meaning they can smudge, dry unevenly, or warp paper in humid conditions.
Oil-based inks, on the other hand:
✅ Dry consistently by oxidation, leading to predictable results
✅ Resist smudging, ensuring sharp, clean prints
✅ Prevent paper from curling or warping
For those working in varied climates or high-humidity environments, oil-based ink is a reliable choice.
6️⃣ Archival Quality – Long-Lasting Prints
Fine art prints, posters, and collector’s pieces need to stand the test of time.
Oil-based inks provide:
✅ Superior fade resistance compared to water-based inks
✅ Rich, long-lasting colors that maintain their vibrancy
✅ A professional, high-quality finish
If you’re selling or displaying prints, archival-quality inks ensure your work looks great for decades.
7️⃣ Perfect for Layering & Multi-Color Prints
If you create multi-block prints or letterpress overlays, oil-based ink is the best choice because it:
✅ Dries without reactivating previous layers
✅ Prevents colors from blending or muddying
✅ Allows precise color registration for detailed prints
For those working with reduction linocuts, multi-pass letterpress printing, or layered relief prints, oil-based inks provide clear, defined layers every time.
8️⃣ Less Equipment Clogging = More Printing
Water-based inks dry on rollers and plates, requiring constant cleanup.
Our hybrid oil-based inks offer:
✅ Fewer clogs and less downtime
✅ A smoother printing experience with minimal maintenance
✅ Easier cleanup compared to traditional oil-based inks
Since our inks stay open on tools but dry hard on paper, they combine the best of both worlds—oil-based durability with rubber-based usability.
What’s in Our Oil-Based Inks?
At Southern Ink Company, we take ink formulation seriously. Our inks are primarily made with renewable vegetable oils like linseed, soy, and flax, offering a more environmentally friendly option for printmakers.
To ensure optimal runnability, smooth ink flow, and superior performance, some of our inks contain a small percentage of petroleum oil. This balance provides the best possible printing experience without sacrificing quality or usability.
With deep, rich colors and professional-grade consistency, our inks help you achieve the best possible results in letterpress, relief, and printmaking applications.
Conclusion: Why Oil-Based Ink is the Best Choice for Printmakers
While water-based inks have their place, they often fall short in color vibrancy, durability, and workability. Oil-based inks, on the other hand, offer:
✔ Richer color & superior coverage
✔ Longer open time for stress-free printing
✔ Sharp, detailed impressions
✔ Better performance on various papers & surfaces
✔ Archival quality for long-lasting prints
If you’re looking for professional-quality results, oil-based ink is the clear winner.
? Upgrade Your Prints with Oil-Based Ink
At Southern Ink Company, we specialize in hybrid oil-based inks formulated for letterpress, relief, etching, and block printing. Our inks provide the best balance of workability, durability, and ease of use.