Glitter inks can transform screen-printed textiles with eye-catching sparkle and depth. This guide highlights five glitter-focused inks that perform well on cotton, polyester blends, and more, while offering easy handling, durable results, and compatibility with common heat-setting methods. Each selection features rich color, workable consistency, and reliable curing to ensure lasting shine on fabrics, paper, or cardboard where applicable.
Summary Table of Selected Products: This overview provides quick access to the featured glitter inks and their notable traits to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key Glitter/Shimmer Feature | Suitable Substrates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevertheless Glitter Ink Ruby Red Shimmer 8oz – Shimmer Ink | NEVERTHELESS SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLY | Red glitter shimmer finish, bright and vibrant | Fabric, paper, cardboard |
| Nevertheless Glitter Ink Royal Blue Shimmer 8oz – Shimmer Ink | NEVERTHELESS SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLY | Royal blue glitter shimmer for bold accents | Fabric, paper, cardboard |
| Nevertheless Glitter Ink Ruby Red Shimmer 1/2 Pint 8oz – Shimmer Ink | NEVERTHELESS SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLY | Ruby red shimmer with easy coverage | Fabric, paper, cardboard |
| Nevertheless Glitter Ink Royal Blue Shimmer 1/2 Pint 8oz – Shimmer Ink | NEVERTHELESS SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLY | Royal blue shimmer for vivid designs | Fabric, paper, cardboard |
| Nevertheless Glitter Silver Shimmer 10-Color Glitter Set | NEVERTHELESS SCREEN PRINTING SUPPLY | Metallic silver shimmer with multiple color options | Fabric, paper, cardboard |
Speedball Opaque Fabric Screen Printing Ink, Metallic Color Sampler, 2-Ounce (4-Colors)
Speedball’s opaque fabric inks deliver vibrant coverage on fabrics and extend to paper and cardboard. The sampler includes four colors with a metallic finish that remains soft to the touch after heat setting. While not strictly glitter, its metallic sheen can complement glitter inks for mixed-media designs on textiles. Works across cotton, polyester blends, linen, and more. Inks form a durable, washable print once properly heat set.
Speedball Opaque Iridescent Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce, Pearly White
This iridescent, opaque ink adds a pearlescent glow that can enrich glitter effects on dark textiles. It’s designed to maintain workability on a variety of fabrics including cotton, polyester, blends, linen, and synthetics, while staying soft to the touch after heat curing. Ideal for base layers or accents under glitter inks to maximize visual depth.
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Set, 4oz Fluorescent Colors
Although a fluorescent set rather than glitter-only, these high-visibility inks pair well with glitter overlays for neon, weekend-gear prints, or performance wear. Water-based with easy cleanup, the set provides robust coverage and remains workable for both beginners and professionals. After heat setting, prints are durable on fabrics like cotton, canvas, and blends.
8oz – 1/2 Pint Glitter Screen Printing Ink – Shimmer Ink – Nevertheless Plasitsol Ink
This glitter shimmer ink is designed for vibrant, eye-catching prints. It’s marketed as easy to use, with curing guidelines around 320° F to 330° F depending on deposit, fabric type, and dryer efficiency. The product notes emphasize performance on standard screen meshes and durable results after heat curing, suitable for a range of fabrics and substrates.
8oz – 1/2 Pint Glitter Screen Printing Ink – Shimmer Ink – Nevertheless Plasitsol Ink – 10 Color Options (Royal Blue Shimmer)
This Royal Blue Shimmer option offers a vivid glittery blue with a shimmering top coat that stands out on light and dark fabrics alike. Like other glitter inks in the line, it cures with heat to create a durable finish, and it is positioned for easy use with common screen printing workflows on cotton, canvas, and blends.
8oz – 1/2 Pint Glitter Screen Printing Ink – Shimmer Ink – Nevertheless Plasitsol Ink – 10 Color Options (Ruby Red Shimmer)
Ruby Red Shimmer provides a bold red glitter effect suitable for eye-catching typography, logos, or graphic motifs on textiles. The 10-color options pathway allows designers to pair ruby with complementary hues for layered, dynamic prints. The ink is designed for use on standard mesh counts and requires appropriate heat setting to achieve permanence on fabric.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Glitter Inks
- Substrate compatibility: Most glitter inks perform best on natural fibers like cotton but can be used on blends and synthetic fabrics with proper curing. Check heat-setting recommendations for each product.
- Opacity and finish: Glitter and shimmer inks vary in opacity. Pair high-visibility colors with lighter base layers or use white underglazes for maximum glow on dark fabrics.
- Mesh and print quality: Glitter inks may settle or thicken; stir gently and ensure an even deposit. Choose inks designed for 110-160 mesh ranges for best results, depending on the product.
- Drying and curing: Glitter inks often require precise heat settings. Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid color shift or cracking. Drying times can vary with substrate thickness.
- Cleanup and safety: Water-based glitter inks typically clean up with soap and water. Ensure proper ventilation and follow any safety data provided by the manufacturer.
- Color coordination: Use glitter inks as accents or overlays. Layering with opaque inks can create depth, while iridescent or metallic bases can enhance the perceived glitter.
- Durability: Permanence after heat setting ensures wash-fast results. Some glitter inks may require longer curing times or higher heat depending on fabric and deposit.
- Tooling and equipment: Ensure you have compatible squeegees, exposure times, and screens. Consistent technique improves repeatability across runs.