TW Graphics^® Poster Ink
The Richest Pigment in Screen Printing

TW Graphics has been manufacturing high-performance screen printing inks in Commerce, California since 1923, making them one of the longest-operating ink manufacturers in North America. Their water-based poster ink lines — the 5500 Flat Series and 5000 Gloss Series — are the product of over a century of formulation expertise and are trusted by professional screen printers around the globe for their unrivaled pigment density, color consistency, and press performance.

What sets TW Graphics apart from competitors is their use of automotive-grade pigments. While many water-based poster inks rely on standard pigment grades that can appear washed out or chalky on paper, TW formulates with the same pigment technology used in automotive paint — delivering deeper, more saturated, and more light-fast color than typical screen printing inks. This pigment quality is immediately apparent when printing side-by-side against lesser inks: TW colors are richer, more opaque, and maintain their vibrancy through the entire print run.

The TW 5500 Flat Series is the preferred choice for concert poster printers, gig poster artists, and fine art serigraphers who want a non-reflective, museum-quality matte finish. The flat finish allows printed color to sit flush with the paper surface, creating an integrated look that complements uncoated stocks like French Paper Construction, Neenah Classic, and Mohawk Superfine. For commercial signage, point-of-purchase displays, and prints that demand maximum visual pop, the TW 5000 Gloss Series delivers a brilliant, reflective finish with the same automotive-grade pigment load.

Both ink series are one-component, water-based systems that arrive press-ready — no catalysts or hardeners required for standard applications. They air dry in 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature and can be force dried in seconds at 90 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Coverage is excellent, with yields of 1,400 to 2,000 square feet per gallon depending on mesh count, squeegee durometer, substrate absorption, and press mechanics.

TW Graphics recommends 200 to 380 mesh monofilament polyester for the 5000 and 5500 series. Dual cure emulsion stencils are recommended for added durability when printing long runs. For squeegees, a sharp 70 to 85 durometer polyurethane blade delivers the cleanest ink deposit. The complete TW additive system includes TW-1820 and TW-1821 Thinners for viscosity reduction, TW-1822 and TW-1823 Retarders for controlling dry time in the screen, 5100 Defoamer for high-speed printing, 5008 Liquid Thickener for fine detail and halftone work, and WB-1824 Activator for improved chemical and water resistance on outdoor applications.

The versatility of TW poster inks extends far beyond paper. These inks adhere to polystyrene, Tyvek, Tedlar, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure sensitive vinyl, Coroplast, and even aircraft interiors. This makes them ideal for wallpaper production, point-of-purchase displays, transit advertising, and commercial signage in addition to traditional poster and fine art applications. Custom Pantone color matching is available in both series for printers who need precise brand color reproduction.

River City Supply in San Antonio, Texas is a proud TW Graphics dealer and stocks the full line of 5500 Flat, 5000 Gloss, Day-Glo powder pigments, and waterbase additives. Whether you are printing a limited edition concert poster run on French Paper or producing thousands of commercial displays on Coroplast, we have the TW ink, additive, and technical expertise to support your production. Visit screenprintsupplies.com or call (512) 454-0505 for pricing and availability.