Guides for this product
TW 5031 Over Print Clear – Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink
TW Graphics
TW 5031 Over Print Clear is a clear coat printed over finished work to add protection and an even finish. It is part of the TW 5000 Series Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink. Over Print Clear is printed over finished, dry work as a clear gloss layer. TW Graphics 5000 Series is a one-component, high-gloss water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, point-of-purchase displays and many plastics, including Coroplast, styrene, PVC and polycarbonate. It air dries in 20 to 30 minutes or force dries in seconds, cleans up with water-based press wash, and suits poster, sign and fine art printers.
Price range: $65.40 through $130.79
Description
TW 5031 Over Print Clear – Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5031 Over Print Clear is a clear coat printed over finished work to add protection and an even finish. It is part of the TW 5000 Series Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink. Over Print Clear is printed over finished, dry work as a clear gloss layer.
TW Graphics 5000 Series is a one-component, high-gloss water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, point-of-purchase displays and many plastics, including Coroplast, styrene, PVC and polycarbonate. It air dries in 20 to 30 minutes or force dries in seconds, cleans up with water-based press wash, and suits poster, sign and fine art printers.
About TW 5000 clears and bases
The TW 5000 clears do three jobs: 5030 Clear Gloss Base is the base for transparent tints and WB concentrates, 5031 Over Print Clear goes over printed work as a clear coat, and 5032 Metallic Clear is the base for metallic effects. All dry to the line’s gloss finish.
Print settings at a glance
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Mesh count | 200-380 (80-150/cm) mono polyester |
| Coverage | 1,400-2,000 sq ft/gal (33-47 m²/L) |
| Air dry | 20-30 minutes at room temperature |
| Force dry | Seconds at 150°F (66°C) |
| Thinner | Z1820 or water, 5-10% max by wt |
| Retarder | Z1822 / Z1823, 5-10% max by wt |
How to use it
- 1Stir the ink thoroughly before use.
- 2Coat the screen with a solvent- and water-proof emulsion (dual-cure recommended) on 200 to 380 mesh, and let it dry fully before exposure.
- 3Use a sharp 70 to 85 durometer polyurethane squeegee.
- 4If needed, reduce with Z1820 thinner or water, no more than 5 to 10% by weight; use Z1822 or Z1823 retarder sparingly for fine detail or slow print cycles.
- 5For Coroplast or extra chemical resistance, add 2 to 3% WB Activator by weight and use within about 24 hours.
Before you buy
The complete TW 5000 Series Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink guide
Air dries in 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature and force dries in seconds at 150°F (66°C). Covers 1,400 to 2,000 square feet per gallon, depending on substrate, squeegee and press setup. Read the full TW 5000 Series Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink guide for substrates, durability, additives and every color in the line.
Related TW colors
Sizes & SKUs
Order by SKU or TW code, or call us — it is the fastest way to reorder exactly what you ran last time.
| Size | SKU |
|---|---|
| Quart | TW 5031 Gloss Overprint Clear Water Based Poster Ink – Quart |
| Gallon | TW 5031 Gloss Overprint Clear Water Based Poster Ink – Gallon |
Everything you need to print it
Screens & mesh
Pre-stretched screens and mesh by the yard in the counts this ink prints best through.
Emulsion & film
Water-resistant emulsion or capillary film, applied with a scoop coater.
Exposure
Burn sharp stencils on an exposure unit.
Squeegees
Sharp, even blades from our squeegee selection.
Tape & blockout
Seal screen edges with screen tape.
Drying & curing
Drying racks and forced-air dryers to speed production.
Clean-up
Press wash, ink degradents, emulsion remover and haze remover to reclaim screens.
TW 5500 Flat series
Additives
Questions about TW 5031 Over Print Clear?
Tell us the substrate, the artwork and your press and we will tell you exactly what to run. Same-day shipping on orders before 3:30 PM CT from San Antonio, TX.
Technical Specifications
TW 5031 Over Print Clear — technical specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product code | TW 5031 |
| Color / product | Over Print Clear |
| Ink type | One-component water-based |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Substrates | Card stock, plastics, Tyvek, wood |
| Mesh count | 200-380 (80-150/cm) mono polyester |
| Stencil | Solvent- and water-proof emulsion |
| Recommended emulsion | Dual-cure |
| Squeegee | Sharp 70-85 durometer polyurethane |
| Coverage | 1,400-2,000 sq ft/gal (33-47 m²/L) |
| Air dry | 20-30 minutes at room temperature |
| Force dry | Seconds at 150°F (66°C) |
| Thinner | Z1820 or water, 5-10% max by wt |
| Retarder | Z1822 / Z1823, 5-10% max by wt |
| Defoamer | 5100 Defoamer, 1-2% by weight |
| Flattening powder | 1-8% by weight |
| Thickener | 5009 Liquid Thickener, 1/2-1% by wt |
| Activator | WB Activator, 2-3% by weight |
| Activator pot life | About 24 hours, reactivate once |
| Exterior durability | Up to 5 years (most substrates) |
| Clean-up | Water-based press wash |
| Storage | Room temp, below 100°F (38°C) |
| Freeze protection | Protect from freezing |
| Package sizes | Qt, gal, 5-gal; 30/50-gal drums |
| Pigments | Automotive grade |
| Color concentrates | WB series, max 30% by weight |
| Made in | USA |
| Reflex/Ultra Blue outdoor | Up to 2 years |
| SKUs | TW 5031 Gloss Overprint Clear Water Based Poster Ink – Quart, TW 5031 Gloss Overprint Clear Water Based Poster Ink – Gallon |
Specifications are from TW Graphics. Always test print on your substrate before a production run. Questions? Call (512) 454-0505.
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
TW 5031 Over Print Clear — documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is TW 5031 Over Print Clear?
TW 5031 Over Print Clear is a clear coat printed over finished work to add protection and an even finish. It is part of the TW 5000 Series Gloss Water-Based Poster Ink. Over Print Clear is printed over finished, dry work as a clear gloss layer. TW Graphics 5000 Series is a one-component, high-gloss water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, point-of-purchase displays and many plastics, including Coroplast, styrene, PVC and polycarbonate. It air dries in 20 to 30 minutes or force dries in seconds, cleans up with water-based press wash, and suits poster, sign and fine art printers.
What is the difference between 5030 Clear Gloss Base and 5031 Over Print Clear?
5030 Clear Gloss Base is a mixing base for tints and concentrates. 5031 Over Print Clear is printed over finished work as a clear coat.
How much concentrate can I add to the clear base?
No more than 30% concentrate by weight.
Why is my clear foaming on press?
Clears show foam more than colors. Add 5100 defoamer at 1 to 2% by weight.
What finish does the 5000 Series have?
A high-gloss finish. For a flat look, choose the 5500 Series or add 1 to 8% flattening powder.
How fast does it dry?
About 20 to 30 minutes in open air at room temperature, or seconds in a dryer at 150°F (66°C).
Will it print on Coroplast?
Yes, on treated Coroplast and fluted polyolefin, with the WB activator added for chemical resistance.
What mesh should I use?
200 to 380 monofilament polyester mesh.
Can I thin it with water?
Yes. Use water or Z1820 thinner, up to 5 to 10% by weight. Over-reducing slows drying and can cause blocking.
How long will prints last outdoors?
Up to five years on most substrates. Reflex Blue and Ultra Blue are rated up to two years.
Can I print four-color process?
Yes. The 5040 to 5043 halftone colors and 5044 Halftone Extender Base are built for halftone work.
How much area does a gallon cover?
About 1,400 to 2,000 square feet, depending on substrate and setup.
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.





Reviews