Guides for this product
TW 5532 Metallic Clear – Flat Water-Based Poster Ink
TW Graphics
TW 5532 Metallic Clear is the clear base that metallic powders or pastes are mixed into to make custom metallics. It is part of the TW 5500 Series Flat Water-Based Poster Ink. Metallic Clear is the base for metallic effects in the 5500 line. TW Graphics 5500 Series is a one-component, flat-finish water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, Tyvek and plastics such as 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 gives rich, non-glare color.
Price range: $60.20 through $99.99
Description
TW 5532 Metallic Clear – Flat Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5532 Metallic Clear is the clear base that metallic powders or pastes are mixed into to make custom metallics. It is part of the TW 5500 Series Flat Water-Based Poster Ink. Metallic Clear is the base for metallic effects in the 5500 line.
TW Graphics 5500 Series is a one-component, flat-finish water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, Tyvek and plastics such as 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 gives rich, non-glare color.
About TW 5500 clears and bases
The TW 5500 clears do three jobs: 5530 Flat Base is the base for transparent tints and WB concentrates, 5531 Overprint Clear goes over printed work as a clear coat, and 5532 Metallic Clear is the base for metallic effects. All dry to the line’s flat 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 90-150°F (32-66°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 for fine detail, slow print cycles or hot shops.
- 5For Coroplast or extra chemical resistance, add 5 to 10% XPX1018 Activator by weight and use within about 24 hours.
Before you buy
The complete TW 5500 Series Flat Water-Based Poster Ink guide
Gives rich colors with a flat, non-gloss finish. Air dries in 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature and force dries in seconds at 90 to 150°F (32 to 66°C). Read the full TW 5500 Series Flat 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 5532 Metallic Clear – Quart |
| Gallon | TW 5532 Metallic Clear – 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 5000 Gloss series
Additives
Questions about TW 5532 Metallic 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 5532 Metallic Clear — technical specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product code | TW 5532 |
| Color / product | Metallic Clear |
| Ink type | One-component water-based |
| Finish | Flat |
| 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 90-150°F (32-66°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 | XPX1018 Activator, 5-10% by wt |
| Activator pot life | About 24 hours, reactivate once |
| Exterior durability | Up to 3 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 5532 Metallic Clear – Quart, TW 5532 Metallic Clear – 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 5532 Metallic Clear — documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is TW 5532 Metallic Clear?
TW 5532 Metallic Clear is the clear base that metallic powders or pastes are mixed into to make custom metallics. It is part of the TW 5500 Series Flat Water-Based Poster Ink. Metallic Clear is the base for metallic effects in the 5500 line. TW Graphics 5500 Series is a one-component, flat-finish water-based screen printing ink for posters, card stock, Tyvek and plastics such as 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 gives rich, non-glare color.
What is the difference between 5530 Flat Base and 5531 Overprint Clear?
5530 Flat Base is a mixing base for tints and concentrates. 5531 Overprint 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 is the difference between the 5500 and 5000 Series?
The 5500 Series dries to a flat finish; the 5000 Series dries to a high gloss. Both share the same mesh, drying and clean-up guidelines.
How fast does it dry?
About 20 to 30 minutes in open air, or seconds in a dryer at 90 to 150°F (32 to 66°C).
Will it print on Coroplast?
Yes, on treated Coroplast and fluted polyolefin, with XPX1018 Activator added for chemical resistance.
What mesh count works best?
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. Too much slows drying and can cause blocking.
How long will it last outdoors?
Up to three years on most substrates. Reflex Blue and Ultra Blue are rated up to two years.
Can I make custom colors?
Yes. Mix from the single-pigment colors, or add WB color concentrates at up to 30% by weight to the clear base or white.
How should I store it?
At room temperature, below 100°F (38°C), and protected from freezing.
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews