TW 25233 Flattening Powder – Matte & Satin Additive for TW Graphics Water-Based Poster Inks

TW Graphics

TW 25233 Flattening Powder gives you precise, repeatable gloss control over any TW Graphics water-based poster ink. Add 1–8% by weight to take a TW 5500 Flat Series or TW 5000 Gloss Series ink from its default sheen down to a rich satin or dead-flat matte — no color shift, no special curing. Sold per pound. Product Code 4108. Made in the USA by TW Graphics.

✓ 1–8% By Weight
✓ Satin to Full Flat Range
✓ TW 5000 & 5500 Compatible
✓ No Color Shift
✓ Cure-Compatible
✓ Made in USA

🚚 Same-Day Shipping Before 3:30 PM CT  |  Free Shipping Over $200  |  Stocked in San Antonio, TX

$54.99

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Description

TW Graphics — Water-Based Additive — Product Code 4108

TW 25233 Flattening Powder

Not every print calls for a high-gloss finish. Concert posters, fine art serigraphs, event signage, band merch, and point-of-purchase displays demand a matte or satin look that feels premium, kills reflections under stage and gallery lighting, and lets the ink color do the talking. TW 25233 Flattening Powder gives you precise, repeatable control over the final sheen of any TW Graphics water-based ink — from a subtle satin to a rich, light-absorbing flat — in a single weighed addition at the press.

Key Features

Precision Gloss Control

Add 1% for a soft satin sheen, or dial up to 8% for a fully flat matte. Every increment in between is yours to tune on the press.

Broad Ink Compatibility

Works with TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW 5500 Flat Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. One additive for the entire TW poster lineup.

No Color Impact

Targets only the surface texture of the cured film. Pigment load, opacity, and hue remain intact at all recommended usage rates.

Cure-Compatible

Cures alongside standard TW water-based inks. No special temperatures, extended dwell times, or additional chemistry required.

Who Uses TW Graphics Flat Poster Inks?

TW Graphics water-based poster inks and the additives that fine-tune them are the first choice of professional printers working in flat-stock and poster applications.

🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Printers

Poster artists and shops printing for bands, labels, and venues rely on TW water-based inks for the rich flat colors that define the art-poster aesthetic. Flattening Powder kills hot spots under stage and gallery lighting.

🌟 Fine Art & Serigraph Studios

Edition-based serigraph studios printing limited-run fine art need consistent, non-glare surfaces for gallery display. Collectors and curators expect it; TW and Flattening Powder deliver it.

📷 Merch & Event Graphics Shops

Shops printing tour merch, event programs, promotional posters, and retail displays use TW 5500 inks for their vibrant flat colors. A controlled matte finish makes pieces look intentional and premium.

🏳 Sign & Nameplate Shops

Industrial and commercial sign printers spec low-gloss finishes on nameplates and POP displays to reduce glare in high-ambient-light environments.

🎓 Art Schools & Print Labs

University printmaking programs and community studios teaching hand-pulled serigraph technique use TW inks for consistent, studio-grade results that are easy to formulate and adjust.

Why Gloss Control Matters in Poster & Flat-Stock Printing

Water-based inks naturally cure to a surface ranging from high-gloss to semi-flat. For many applications the default gloss works against the final design intent.

Concert & Event Posters

A matte finish reads as premium. It reduces hot spots under stage, gallery, and retail lighting, making color fields look richer rather than reflective.

Fine Art Serigraphs

Collectors and galleries expect a controlled, non-glare surface. Match the finish to the artistic vision without switching ink systems.

Point-of-Purchase Displays

Overhead fluorescent lighting turns glossy inks into glare magnets. A flat or satin finish keeps the message readable from any angle.

Nameplates & Signage

Industrial nameplates often spec a low-gloss finish for professional appearance and reduced fingerprint visibility.

Gloss Level Reference Chart

Weigh both ink and powder on a gram scale for repeatable, consistent results across press runs.

Desired Finish Addition Rate (by wt.) Viscosity Effect Compensation
Subtle Satin 1–2% Minimal Light water addition if needed
Satin / Semi-Flat 3–5% Moderate increase TW Z1820 Thinner or water
Full Flat / Matte 6–8% Significant increase TW Z1820 Thinner; recheck before printing

Step-by-Step Mixing Guide

Step 1 — Weigh Your Ink

Place your ink container on a gram scale. This weight is the base for your powder calculation.

Step 2 — Calculate & Weigh Powder

Multiply ink weight by target % (e.g., 500g x 5% = 25g powder). Weigh powder separately before adding.

Step 3 — Incorporate & Stir

Add powder gradually while stirring until fully dispersed. Dry pockets produce uneven gloss.

Step 4 — Adjust Viscosity

Add water or TW Z1820 Thinner to restore press-ready consistency.

Step 5 — Evaluate After Cure

Allow 24 hours before final gloss assessment. Wet and freshly cured ink always reads glossier than the stabilized film.

Complete TW Graphics Water-Based Additives Guide

These additives work alongside TW 25233 to give you full control over every aspect of your press run. All stocked in San Antonio, TX — ships same day.

TW 25233 Flattening Powder

TW 25233 Flattening Powder THIS PRODUCT

1–8% by weight

Reduces gloss level of cured water-based ink film from high-gloss to satin or full flat matte. No color shift at recommended rates. Use with TW 5000, 5500, and Custom Pantone series.

TW Z1820 Thinner

TW Z1820 Thinner

5–10% by weight

Standard press viscosity reducer. Thins the ink for faster printing and improved screen transfer. The go-to reducer for compensating viscosity increases from Flattening Powder.

TW Z1822 Retarder

TW Z1822 Retarder

5–10% by weight

Slows ink drying speed within the screen to prevent ghosting. Use in warm conditions, high-detail printing, or longer runs where ink sits idle on the screen.

TW Z1823 Slow Retarder

TW Z1823 Slow Retarder

5–10% by weight

Heavy-duty retarder for fine-detail printing, very slow print cycles, or extreme heat. Maximum open time in the screen. Use sparingly — over-retarding causes blocking.

TW 5009 Thickener

TW 5008 / 5009 Liquid Thickener

0.5–1% by weight

Increases ink viscosity for fine-detail and halftone printing. Allow 10 minutes after mixing for viscosity to fully develop before press-up. Tiny additions = significant effect.

TW 5100 Defoamer

TW 5100 Defoamer

1–2% by weight

Eliminates bubbling and foaming at high press speeds. Add to stabilize the ink film and prevent surface defects in the dried print when running automatics.

TW WB-1824 Activator

TW WB-1824 Activator

5–10% by weight

Cross-linker for improved chemical resistance and durability. Essential for nameplates, outdoor signage, and POP displays. Pot life approximately 24 hours once activated.

Browse all TW Graphics water-based additives at River City Supply →

Screen Room Recommendation

Best Emulsion for TW Graphics Poster Inks: Murakami Photocure Pro

The emulsion you choose is just as important as the ink. Water-based poster inks are demanding on screens — they require a stencil that holds razor-sharp edges at high mesh counts, resists moisture breakdown over long runs, and gives you the definition to nail fine halftone work and tight spot colors. After extensive testing across the TW 5000 and 5500 product lines, our recommendation is clear: Murakami Photocure Pro is the emulsion of choice for TW Graphics water-based poster printing.

Murakami Photocure Pro Emulsion

Murakami Photocure Pro Emulsion

Photocure Pro is a dual-cure photopolymer emulsion built for demanding water-based ink systems. Its 38% solids content builds a thick, durable stencil that delivers the edge definition poster printers demand — crisp fine lines, clean halftone dots, and razor-sharp spot color edges that hold through an entire edition without bleeding or breaking down. The distinctive blue formula gives excellent visibility during coating and washout, making it easy to confirm full coverage on high-count meshes.

Exceptional Resolution
Water-Based Compatible
38% Solids
Dual-Cure Chemistry
3-5x Faster Exposure

Shop Photocure Pro →

Murakami MS Emulsion Hardener

Murakami MS Hardener

For Extended Long Runs & Maximum Water Resistance

When you are pushing Photocure Pro into extended long-run territory — high-volume concert poster editions, commercial sign runs, or any job where water-based inks are on the screen for hours — Murakami MS Hardener is your insurance policy. Applied to both sides of the exposed, dried screen, MS Hardener dramatically fortifies the stencil against moisture and water-based ink breakdown without sacrificing reclaimability. Screens treated with MS Hardener maintain sharp image definition run after run, even under sustained ink exposure. It is a one-part system — no mixing ratios, no two-bottle process. Apply evenly with a scoop coater, cure in sunlight or a 100°F hot box, rinse, and print.

Maximum Water Resistance
Reclaimable Stencils
One-Part System
Extended Run Life

Shop MS Hardener →

Why emulsion choice matters with water-based inks: Unlike plastisol, water-based inks are actively hydrating — they work against the stencil from the moment they hit the screen. A standard photopolymer emulsion can begin breaking down at the edges of the stencil within a single long run, causing dot gain, color bleed, and eventually stencil failure. Photocure Pro’s dual-cure chemistry and high solids content give it the structural integrity to resist this throughout an entire edition. Pair it with MS Hardener for runs exceeding a few hundred impressions and your screen will hold as tight at impression 800 as it did at impression 1.

Compatible TW 5500 Flat Series Inks

TW 25233 works with every color in the TW 5500 Flat Series and the TW 5000 Gloss Series. Click any color below to shop.

TW 5501

TW 5501Green Shade Yellow

 

TW 5502

TW 5502Red Shade Yellow

 

TW 5503

TW 5503Yellow Shade Red

 

TW 5504

TW 5504Blue Shade Red

 

TW 5505

TW 5505Magenta

 

TW 5506

TW 5506Maroon

 

TW 5507

TW 5507Violet

 

TW 5508

TW 5508Red Shade Blue

 

TW 5509

TW 5509Green Shade Blue

 

TW 5510

TW 5510Blue Shade Green

 

TW 5511

TW 5511Yellow Shade Green

 

TW 5512

TW 5512Lemon Yellow

 

TW 5513

TW 5513Medium Yellow

 

TW 5514

TW 5514Fire Red

 

TW 5515

TW 5515Rubine Red

 

TW 5516

TW 5516Warm Red

 

TW 5517

TW 5517Emerald Green

 

TW 5518

TW 5518Process Blue

 

TW 5519

TW 5519Reflex Blue

 

TW 5520

TW 5520Ultra Blue

 

TW 5521

TW 5521Hi-Hide White

 

TW 5525

TW 5525Opaque Black

 

TW 5530

TW 5530Clear Flat Base

 

TW 5531

TW 5531Flat Overprint Clear

 

TW 5532

TW 5532Metallic Clear

 

TW 5540

TW 5540HT Yellow

 

TW 5541

TW 5541Halftone Magenta

 

TW 5542

TW 5542Halftone Cyan

 

TW 5543

TW 5543Halftone Black

 

TW 5544

TW 5544Halftone Extender

 

TW 5560

TW 5560Iron Oxide Yellow

 

TW 5570

TW 5570Metallic Silver

 

TW 5571

TW 5571Rich Gold

 

TW 5572

TW 5572Rich Pale Gold

 

TW 5590

TW 5590Aurora Pink

 

TW 5591

TW 5591Neon Red

 

TW 5592

TW 5592Rocket Red

 

TW 5593

TW 5593Fire Orange

 

TW 5594

TW 5594Blaze Orange

 

TW 5595

TW 5595Arc Yellow

 

TW 5596

TW 5596Saturn Yellow

 

TW 5597

TW 5597Signal Green

 

TW 5598

TW 5598Horizon Blue

 

TW 5599

TW 5599View Product

 

 

🌈

Custom PantoneMatched to Your Spec

Why Buy From River City Supply?

We have been supplying screen printers since 2008. When you order TW Graphics from us, you are ordering from a stocked, specialized distributor sitting right in the center of the country — not from a warehouse on the other coast.

🕒 Same-Day Shipping

Orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same business day from our San Antonio, TX warehouse. Your ink is on a truck today, not tomorrow.

🌎 Faster Than Ordering Direct

TW Graphics is based in California. We are in San Antonio — dead center of the U.S. That means 1–3 day delivery to most of the country, consistently faster than ordering from TW direct.

🚚 Free Shipping Over $200

No handling fees, no surprises. Hit $200 and shipping is on us — stock up on Flattening Powder, inks, additives, and emulsion in one shipment.

📦 Deep Inventory On Hand

We keep the full TW Graphics water-based lineup in stock — all 5500 colors, all 5000 colors, every additive, and Murakami emulsions. No backorders, no waiting.

🎉 Authorized TW Distributor

River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor. Genuine product, genuine technical support, and a team that knows this ink line inside and out.

📞 Real People, Real Help

Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]. Our team can talk through formulation, additive ratios, and substrate compatibility for your specific job.

⚠ Viscosity Increases

Powder thickens the ink proportionally. Compensate with water or TW Z1820 Thinner. Do not over-thin.

⚠ 24-Hour Evaluation

Allow 24 hours after printing before final judgment on gloss, adhesion, and color. Freshly cured prints continue developing as the ink film stabilizes.

⚠ Test Before Production

Always run a test print on the production substrate first. Substrate surface energy, mesh count, and squeegee hardness all interact with the final finish result.

Pair with TW 5000 Gloss Series

Convert any high-gloss TW 5000 color to a refined satin or matte without buying additional ink — fastest way to expand your finish range mid-production.

Fine-Tune TW 5500 Flat Series

Even flat-series inks benefit from a gloss knock-down for dead-flat fine art and poster work where maximum light absorption is the goal.

Ready to Order?

Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]. Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT. Free shipping over $200.

Technical Specifications

Specification Detail
SKU TW 25233
Product Code 4108
Product Type Water-Based Ink Additive — Gloss / Matting Agent
Manufacturer TW Graphics (USA, est. 1923)
Unit Size Per Pound (1 lb.)
Usage Rate 1–8% by weight of ink
Finish Range Satin (1–2%) → Semi-Flat (3–5%) → Full Flat/Matte (6–8%)
Effect on Viscosity Increases; compensate with water or TW Z1820 Thinner
Effect on Color None at recommended usage rates
Compatible Inks TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based
Cure / Dry Temp Air dry 20–30 min at room temp.; force dry seconds at 90–150°F (32–66°C)
Mixing Method Weigh and stir into ink until fully dispersed; no heat required
Substrates Poster board, polystyrene, polycarbonate, pressure sensitive vinyl, treated polyesters, Tyvek, Tedlar, aircraft interiors, flat rigid stock
Evaluation Time Allow 24 hours post-print before final gloss assessment
Ships From San Antonio, TX — same-day on orders before 3:30 PM CT
Country of Origin USA

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does TW 25233 Flattening Powder actually do to the ink?

It reduces the gloss level of the cured ink film. TW Graphics water-based inks — especially the TW 5000 Gloss Series — cure to a high-sheen finish by default. Adding Flattening Powder causes the surface of the dried ink film to scatter light rather than reflect it uniformly, producing a satin, semi-flat, or fully matte appearance. The effect is entirely surface-level — pigment load, opacity, and hue are not affected at recommended usage rates.

How much Flattening Powder should I add?

The recommended range is 1–8% by weight. Use 1–2% for a subtle satin sheen, 3–5% for a semi-flat result, and 6–8% for a full flat or matte finish. Always weigh both ink and powder on a gram scale — eyeballing produces inconsistent results across containers and press runs.

Which TW Graphics inks is this compatible with?

TW 25233 is designed for TW Graphics water-based poster inks, including the TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. It is not intended for solvent-based or UV-curable ink systems.

Why does my ink feel thicker after adding the powder?

Flattening Powder increases ink viscosity — this is a known and expected effect. After incorporating the powder, adjust consistency by adding water or TW Z1820 Thinner until the ink returns to press-ready state. Add thinner gradually and check frequently to avoid over-thinning.

Will it change the color of my ink?

At recommended usage rates (up to 8% by weight), Flattening Powder should not meaningfully shift the hue or opacity. Unlike white-based additives or extenders, the powder targets only surface texture. Always evaluate a test print before committing to production.

How do I evaluate the final gloss level?

Print a test swatch, allow it to fully cure and cool to room temperature, then wait a minimum of 24 hours before your final assessment. Wet and freshly cured ink reads glossier than the stabilized film. Evaluating too early leads to unnecessary formula adjustments.

Can I use this with plastisol garment inks?

No — TW 25233 is formulated for TW Graphics water-based poster inks, not plastisol. TW water-based poster inks are designed for flat rigid stock, not textile printing. For a matte effect on plastisol garment inks, you need a dedicated plastisol dulling or suede additive.

Does this affect cure temperature or dry time?

No significant change to cure parameters is expected at recommended usage rates. The ink will still air-dry in 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or force-dry in seconds at 90–150°F (32–66°C) — consistent with standard TW 5000 and 5500 Series specs.

Why buy from River City Supply instead of ordering from TW Graphics direct?

River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor based in San Antonio, TX — right in the center of the United States. TW Graphics is based in California. Ordering from us means same-day shipping on orders placed before 3:30 PM CT, 1–3 day transit to most U.S. destinations, and free shipping on orders over $200. You also get direct access to our team at (512) 454-0505 who know the full TW lineup and can help with formulation and technical questions.

Questions? Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]

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