TW XPX1018 WB-Activator – Chemical Resistance Additive for TW Graphics Water-Based Poster Inks

TW Graphics

TW Activator
TW Activator
TW Activator
TW Activator

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is a cross-linking additive that transforms standard TW Graphics water-based poster inks into a chemically resistant, durability-hardened system. Add 10% by weight to any TW 5500 Flat Series or TW 5000 Gloss Series ink when your job demands resistance to solvents, cleaning chemicals, fingerprints, or abrasion — nameplates, outdoor POP displays, industrial signage, and aircraft interiors. Also known as TW XPX1018 WB-Activator Pint. 24-hour pot life once activated. Made in the USA by TW Graphics.

✓ 10% By Weight
✓ Chemical Resistance
✓ TW 5000 & 5500 Compatible
✓ 24-Hr Pot Life
✓ Reactivatable Once
✓ Made in USA

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

$99.99

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Description

TW Graphics — Water-Based Additive — TW XPX1018 WB-Activator Pint

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator

Water-based poster inks are praised for their workability, their open color range, and their environmentally friendly chemistry — but out of the bucket, they are not chemically resistant. The dried ink film can be attacked by cleaning solvents, isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, fingerprint oils, and even high-humidity environments. For most poster and serigraph work that is not a problem. But the moment your job involves nameplates, industrial signage, point-of-purchase displays, outdoor graphics, or aircraft interior panels, you need the ink film to fight back. TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is how you get there. Added at 10% by weight, it cross-links the polymer chains in the drying ink film into a tighter, harder, chemically resistant network — giving TW Graphics water-based inks the toughness of a two-component system without switching ink families.

Key Features

Chemical Resistance

Cross-links the dried ink film into a harder polymer network that resists solvents, isopropyl alcohol, cleaning chemicals, and fingerprint oils that would otherwise attack an untreated water-based ink film.

Broad Ink Compatibility

Works across the entire TW Graphics water-based poster ink line — TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW 5500 Flat Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. One activator for every color in your shop.

Reactivatable Once

Activated ink remains potent for 24 hours. Once elapsed, it can be reactivated a single additional time by adding fresh activator — extending usability without wasting mixed ink.

No Formula Change

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator works within your existing TW ink system. No reformulation, no new substrates, no new cure equipment. Add it to the ink you are already running and print the job.

What Cross-Linking Does to Your Ink Film

Standard water-based inks dry by evaporation. The polymer chains in the ink film are long but essentially independent — they can be re-wetted, swollen, or penetrated by solvents. Cross-linking changes this fundamentally.

Without Activator

The dried polymer film has linear chains that can be penetrated by solvents, softened by isopropyl alcohol, and scratched by abrasion. Adequate for posters and art prints stored indoors.

With TW XPX1018 WB-Activator

The activator builds a three-dimensional polymer network during cure — chain-to-chain bonds that resist solvent penetration, repel cleaning chemicals, and dramatically improve abrasion resistance.

The 24-Hour Window

Once mixed into the ink, cross-linking begins during the drying phase. The activator remains reactive for approximately 24 hours — after which the chemical reaction is exhausted and the benefit cannot be introduced to the same batch again (except for the one-time reactivation).

The Result on Press

No change in print process, open time, or cure temperature. The activator works passively during drying. You print exactly as you normally would — the ink just emerges from the dryer with dramatically better physical properties.

When Do You Need TW XPX1018 WB-Activator?

Not every TW Graphics job needs the activator. But certain applications and environments make it essential. If your job falls into any of these categories, use the activator as standard practice.

🏳 Industrial Nameplates

Nameplates on machinery, equipment panels, and control surfaces are regularly wiped down with industrial solvents and cleaning agents. An untreated water-based ink film will not survive. TW XPX1018 WB-Activator changes that equation.

🌄 Outdoor & Semi-Outdoor Signage

Displays exposed to UV, humidity, rain splash, and temperature cycling need more than standard water-based chemistry. The cross-linked film resists moisture penetration and remains stable through environmental stress.

🛍 Point-of-Purchase Displays

Retail POP displays are handled, stacked, cleaned, and reused. Graphics need to survive daily handling, cleaning sprays, and merchandising abuse in store environments.

✈ Aircraft Interior Panels

Aviation interior panels printed on Tedlar and treated polyester substrates must pass chemical resistance requirements. The activated ink film provides the durability specification these applications demand.

📦 Packaging & Labels

Printed packaging and labels that will be handled in warehouses, refrigerated environments, or shipping situations benefit from the abrasion and moisture resistance that cross-linking provides.

Pot Life Management — The Most Important Thing to Understand

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is a catalytic cross-linker — once it is mixed into ink, the clock starts. Managing this correctly is the difference between a smooth production run and a batch of wasted ink.

🕐 24-Hour Active Window

The activator remains chemically active within the ink for approximately 24 hours under normal shop conditions. During this window, prints made with the ink will cure with full cross-linking and maximum chemical resistance.

🔄 One Reactivation Allowed

Once the 24-hour window has passed, the ink can be reactivated a single time by adding fresh activator at the same 10% by weight rate. After the second 24-hour window, the ink cannot be reactivated again and should be discarded.

⚠ Mix Only What You Need

TW Graphics strongly recommends mixing only the volume of activated ink you estimate you will use within 24 hours. Over-mixing creates waste — the ink is not reusable indefinitely once activated. Discipline here saves money every run.

🌡 Temperature Effect

Higher shop temperatures accelerate the cross-linking reaction, which may reduce effective pot life below 24 hours. In warm conditions (above 80°F / 27°C), mix smaller batches more frequently rather than larger batches upfront.

Step-by-Step: How to Use TW XPX1018 WB-Activator

Step 1 — Estimate Volume

Before mixing, estimate how much ink you will realistically use in the next 24 hours. Only prepare that volume. This is the most important step.

Step 2 — Weigh Ink

Place your ink on a gram scale and record the weight. This is your base for calculating the activator quantity.

Step 3 — Calculate & Weigh Activator

Multiply ink weight by 10% (e.g., 500g ink × 10% = 50g activator). Weigh activator into a separate container before adding to ink.

Step 4 — Mix Thoroughly

Add activator to ink and stir until completely uniform. Incomplete mixing creates uneven cross-linking and inconsistent chemical resistance across the print.

Step 5 — Note Start Time

Mark the time you added the activator. Use the ink within 24 hours. If the batch extends to a second day, add fresh activator at the same rate for the one-time reactivation.

Step 6 — Print & Cure Normally

No changes to your press setup, mesh, or cure temperature. The cross-linking occurs passively as the ink dries. Allow 24 hours post-print for full chemical resistance to develop.

Activated vs. Standard TW Water-Based Ink

The performance difference is significant in demanding environments.

Property Standard TW Water-Based Ink With TW XPX1018 WB-Activator
IPA / Solvent Wipe May smear or lift Resistant
Cleaning Chemical Exposure Vulnerable Significantly improved
Abrasion Resistance Moderate Markedly harder film
Outdoor / Humidity Exposure Limited durability Improved moisture resistance
Print Process Change N/A None required
Pot Life Constraint None — ink is stable 24-hour window (plan accordingly)

Complete TW Graphics Water-Based Additives Guide

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is one of seven TW Graphics additives that give you full control over ink performance, workability, and finish. All stocked in San Antonio, TX — ships same day.

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator THIS PRODUCT

10% by weight

Cross-linker that builds chemical resistance into the dried ink film. Essential for nameplates, industrial signage, POP displays. 24-hour pot life once activated.

TW Z1820 Thinner

TW Z1820 Thinner

10% by weight

Standard viscosity reducer. Adding activator may slightly increase viscosity — Z1820 brings it back to press-ready consistency without compromising the cross-linking action.

TW Z1822 Retarder

TW Z1822 Retarder

10% by weight

Slows in-screen drying. Useful on long activated-ink runs where ghosting is a concern — just be aware every minute counts against your 24-hour pot life window.

TW Z1823 Slow Retarder

TW Z1823 Slow Retarder

10% by weight

Maximum open time in the screen. For fine-detail nameplate work where slow print cycles are unavoidable. Use sparingly to avoid blocking.

TW 5009 Thickener

TW 5008 / 5009 Liquid Thickener

0.5–1% by weight

For fine-detail and halftone nameplate work where ink body needs to increase for clean edge definition. Allow 10 minutes to fully develop before going to press.

TW 5100 Defoamer

TW 5100 Defoamer

1–2% by weight

Eliminates bubbling and foaming. Important on automated nameplate and signage runs where high press speeds introduce air into the activated ink.

TW 25233 Flattening Powder

TW 25233 Flattening Powder

1–8% by weight

Pair with the activator when your nameplate or signage spec calls for both chemical resistance and a low-gloss or matte surface finish. Both additives can be used together.

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

Screen Room Recommendation

Best Emulsion for TW Graphics Poster Inks: Murakami Photocure Pro

When you are running activated ink for chemical-resistance applications, your emulsion selection becomes even more critical. Activated ink is more aggressive toward standard stencils over long runs. Murakami Photocure Pro’s dual-cure chemistry and 38% solids content give it the structural integrity to hold up through demanding activated-ink production.

Murakami Photocure Pro Emulsion

Murakami Photocure Pro Emulsion

Dual-cure photopolymer emulsion with 38% solids. Outstanding resolution for nameplate fine-line and halftone work. Blue-colored for excellent visibility. Exposes 3–5x faster than diazo, dramatically improving screen room throughput when production timelines are tight.

Exceptional Resolution
Water-Based Compatible
38% Solids
Dual-Cure Chemistry

Shop Photocure Pro →

Murakami MS Emulsion Hardener

Murakami MS Hardener

For Extended Long Runs & Maximum Water Resistance

When printing activated ink on nameplate or industrial signage runs, treat your Photocure Pro screens with MS Hardener before going to press. The combination of an activated ink and a hardened stencil gives you maximum durability on both sides of the print — the ink film resists chemicals on the substrate, the stencil resists ink breakdown in the screen. One-part system, reclaimable.

Maximum Water Resistance
Reclaimable Stencils
One-Part System

Shop MS Hardener →

Compatible TW 5500 Flat Series Inks

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator works with every color in the TW 5500 Flat Series and the TW 5000 Gloss Series. Click any color 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 5518

TW 5518Process Blue

 

TW 5521

TW 5521Hi-Hide White

 

TW 5525

TW 5525Opaque Black

 

TW 5570

TW 5570Metallic Silver

 

 

🌈

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 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 San Antonio, TX.

🌎 Faster Than Ordering Direct

TW Graphics is in California. We are in San Antonio — 1–3 day transit to most of the U.S., consistently faster than ordering from TW direct.

🚚 Free Shipping Over $200

Hit $200 and shipping is on us — stock up on activator, inks, emulsion, and additives in one order.

🎉 Authorized TW Distributor

River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor. Genuine product, expert technical knowledge of the full TW lineup.

📞 Real People, Real Help

Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected] with questions on usage rates, compatible substrates, or pot life planning.

⚠ 24-Hour Pot Life

Once mixed into ink, the activator is active for approximately 24 hours only. Mix only what you estimate you will use. Do not mix more than a 24-hour supply.

⚠ One Reactivation Only

After the first 24-hour window, the ink can be reactivated once by adding fresh activator. After the second window, the ink cannot be reactivated again and should be discarded.

⚠ Allow 24 Hrs to Cure

Full chemical resistance develops over 24 hours after printing. Do not perform solvent wipe or rub tests on freshly printed pieces — evaluate only after complete cure.

Need Both Resistance & Matte?

Pair TW XPX1018 WB-Activator with TW 25233 Flattening Powder when your spec calls for both chemical resistance and a low-gloss or matte surface finish. Both additives are compatible in the same ink batch.

Nameplate & Industrial Jobs

For any job on polystyrene, polycarbonate, Tedlar, or treated polyester that will face chemical exposure — activate every batch. The cost of the additive is minimal vs. the cost of a reprint.

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
Product Name TW XPX1018 WB-Activator
Also Known As TW XPX1018 WB-Activator Pint
Product Type Water-Based Ink Additive — Cross-Linking Activator
Manufacturer TW Graphics (USA, est. 1923)
Usage Rate 10% by weight of ink
Primary Function Improves chemical resistance of dried ink film via cross-linking
Pot Life (Active Window) Approximately 24 hours under normal shop conditions
Reactivation One additional reactivation allowed by re-adding activator at same rate; no further reactivation after second window
Compatible Inks TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks
Recommended Substrates Polystyrene, polycarbonate, pressure-sensitive vinyl, treated polyesters, Tyvek, Tedlar, aircraft interiors, industrial nameplates, POP displays
Effect on Viscosity Minimal; compensate with water or TW Z1820 Thinner if needed
Effect on Color None at recommended usage rates
Cure / Dry Process Standard TW water-based cure parameters; no change required. Full chemical resistance develops 24 hours post-print.
Mix Recommendation Mix only the volume of activated ink estimated for use within 24 hours; avoid over-mixing
Temperature Note Higher shop temperatures may shorten effective pot life below 24 hours; mix smaller batches in warm conditions
Compatible Additives Can be used in same batch with TW 25233 Flattening Powder, TW Z1820 Thinner, TW Z1822/Z1823 Retarders, TW 5100 Defoamer
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 XPX1018 WB-Activator actually do?

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is a cross-linking additive. When mixed into TW Graphics water-based poster ink, it reacts with the polymer binder during the drying process, forming a three-dimensional network of cross-linked polymer chains. The result is a cured ink film that is significantly harder and more resistant to solvents, cleaning chemicals, isopropyl alcohol, fingerprint oils, and abrasion than a standard water-based ink film. The cross-linking happens passively during normal air or heat drying — no changes to your press setup or cure process are required.

How much activator do I add?

Add 10% by weight of ink. Weigh your ink on a gram scale, multiply by 10% to get the activator weight, then stir thoroughly until completely uniform. For example, 500g of ink at 10% activation requires 50g of activator. Always weigh — do not eyeball this additive.

What is the pot life? Why does it matter?

Once mixed into ink, TW XPX1018 WB-Activator remains chemically active for approximately 24 hours under normal shop conditions. After that window, the reactive chemistry is exhausted and prints made with the ink will not achieve the intended chemical resistance. This is why TW Graphics strongly recommends mixing only the volume of activated ink you expect to use within 24 hours. Do not pre-mix large batches that will sit overnight.

Can I reactivate ink that has passed its 24-hour window?

Yes — once. After the first 24-hour window has elapsed, you can reactivate the ink one time by adding fresh TW XPX1018 WB-Activator at the same 10% rate and stirring thoroughly. The reactivated ink is then active for another 24-hour window. After that second window, the ink cannot be reactivated again and should be discarded. You cannot continue reactivating indefinitely.

Which TW Graphics inks work with the activator?

TW XPX1018 WB-Activator is compatible with the full TW Graphics water-based poster ink line — TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. It is designed specifically for TW Graphics water-based poster systems and is not intended for plastisol, solvent-based, or UV-curable ink systems.

Does adding the activator change how I print?

No. The activator does not require any changes to your mesh, squeegee, flood bar, off-contact, or dryer settings. It works passively within the ink chemistry during the drying phase. Some printers add a small amount of TW Z1820 Thinner to compensate for any minor viscosity change, but this is usually unnecessary at standard usage rates.

Can I use the activator with TW 25233 Flattening Powder at the same time?

Yes. Both additives can be used in the same ink batch. Add and mix the activator first, then incorporate the Flattening Powder at 1–8% by weight. Adjust viscosity with water or TW Z1820 Thinner as needed after both additives are fully incorporated. This combination is ideal for nameplate and industrial jobs that require both chemical resistance and a matte or satin surface finish.

When should I test for chemical resistance?

Allow a minimum of 24 hours after printing before performing any solvent rub, IPA wipe, or chemical resistance test. The cross-linking reaction continues to develop as the ink film fully cures. Testing immediately after printing will not reflect the final performance of the activated ink. Always run a test sample well before shipping customer product.

Does temperature affect pot life?

Yes. Higher shop temperatures accelerate the cross-linking reaction, which can shorten the effective pot life below 24 hours. In warm environments (above 80°F / 27°C), mix smaller batches more frequently rather than relying on a large morning mix to last the full day. Store unmixed activator in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

Why order from River City Supply instead of direct from TW Graphics?

River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor based in San Antonio, TX — the geographic center of the United States. TW Graphics is based in California. Orders placed with us before 3:30 PM CT ship the same business day, and most customers receive orders within 1–3 days — faster and more reliably than ordering from TW direct. Orders over $200 ship free. Our team at (512) 454-0505 can also help with formulation questions, usage rates, and compatible substrate guidance specific to your job.

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

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