Speedball - Acrylic Extender Base

Acrylic Extender Base

Thin acrylic screen printing inks to achieve soft, translucent layers

Acrylic screen printing inks straight from the jar often print more opaque than you need. This extender base solves that, blend it into your inks to increase transparency without compromising printability. The formula maintains proper viscosity and adhesion while letting more substrate show through, essential for layering colors or achieving subtle tonal effects on fabric and paper.

Mix ratios depend on your desired effect; start with small additions and test prints to dial in exactly the transparency level you want. The extender integrates smoothly into Speedball's acrylic screen printing inks without breaking down their working properties or wash fastness. You maintain proper squeegee pull and clean edge definition while gaining control over opacity that straight ink dilution would destroy.

Transparent layers open up new possibilities: overprinting colors to create optical blends, building depth through successive screens, or letting fabric texture influence the final appearance. This base gives you that control without forcing you to buy pre-mixed transparent versions of every color in your palette.

Printmaking

Printmaking Purchase Guide

Printmaking Materials

Block Printing - Linoleum blocks, carving tools, and printing inks for creating relief prints. Perfect for beginners and experienced printmakers alike.

Screen Printing - Complete screen printing kits including screens, squeegees, and specialty inks for creating multiple prints and custom designs.

Lithography - Traditional lithography materials including stones, plates, and specialty inks for creating fine art prints.

Etching - Etching tools, plates, and acids for creating intaglio prints. Includes safety equipment and materials for traditional etching techniques.

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