TW 5597 Flat Signal Green Water-Based Poster Ink – Bright, High-Visibility Green for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5597 Signal Green is a high-visibility, near-fluorescent green water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — an intensely saturated, almost luminescent green that surpasses conventional greens in visual intensity for safety signage, high-energy poster work, and any flat-stock application where green must demand immediate attention. Concert poster shops and high-visibility signage printers order TW 5597 when green needs to stop people in their tracks. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply.
✓ Near-Fluorescent Green
✓ Maximum Impact Green
✓ Flat / Matte Finish
✓ Press Ready
✓ Made in USA
🚚 Same-Day Shipping Before 3:30 PM CT | Free Shipping Over $200 | Stocked in San Antonio, TX
Price range: $99.99 through $289.43
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5597 Flat Signal Green — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5597 Flat Signal Green is a high-visibility, near-fluorescent green water-based poster ink from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — an intensely saturated, almost luminescent green that surpasses conventional greens in visual intensity for safety signage, high-energy poster work, and any flat-stock application where green must demand immediate attention. Note: high-visibility pigments have somewhat reduced long-term light-fastness compared to standard automotive-grade greens. Press ready, formulated for the full TW 5500 substrate range.
Key Features
Near-Fluorescent High-Visibility Green
TW 5597 uses high-visibility pigments that push green saturation well beyond what standard automotive-grade greens achieve. Under normal lighting it reads as electric and almost luminescent; under UV-adjacent conditions the intensity is amplified. For applications where green must achieve maximum visual impact, TW 5597 delivers what no standard green in the lineup can match.
Safety & Signal Green Applications
TW 5597 is the natural choice for safety signage, emergency graphic applications, and high-visibility displays on Tyvek, polystyrene, and polycarbonate substrates where green must communicate with immediate visual authority.
Rich Flat Finish
TW 5500 Series inks cure to a controlled flat/matte surface that eliminates glare, enhances color depth under gallery and stage lighting, and gives printed pieces a premium hand-pulled serigraph feel.
Press Ready
Supplied press-ready for most applications. Stir well and print. Additives available for specific conditions but not required for standard runs.
Multi-Substrate Adhesion
Adheres to polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interior panels — the full flat-stock and specialty print substrate range.
Fast, Clean Cleanup
Water-based chemistry means screens clean with water. No harsh solvents, no hazardous waste from the ink itself. Faster between-run cleanup than solvent systems.
Color Character & On-Press Behavior
Understanding how TW 5597 Signal Green behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
High-visibility near-fluorescent green — intensely saturated beyond standard conventional greens. Electric under normal and UV-adjacent lighting.
Mixing Potential
Best used as a pure spot color. Can be mixed with TW 5521 White for vivid lime-green tints. Mixing diminishes high-visibility character.
Halftone Performance
Effective in halftone applications for high-energy green effects. Vivid character remains impactful across the tonal range.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence as a vivid accent or high-energy background element.
Who Prints with TW 5597 Signal Green?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops (Maximum Energy)
Maximalist, high-energy poster work with near-fluorescent color palettes uses TW 5597 as an electric green anchor that reads with exceptional visual intensity against dark and contrasting colors.
🌌 Safety & High-Visibility Signage Printers
Safety graphic applications and high-visibility signage on Tyvek, polystyrene, and polycarbonate require a signal green with maximum visual impact. TW 5597 delivers near-fluorescent signal green character across all TW 5500 Series substrates.
🍽 Music Festival & Event Graphics Printers
Festival graphics with maximum-color-impact palettes include TW 5597 as the green component in vivid, high-energy color builds where visual intensity is the explicit design goal.
🍴 High-Impact Retail & Lifestyle POP Display Printers
Retail display applications in fitness, outdoor, and lifestyle categories that use vivid greens to communicate energy and health specify TW 5597 for its near-fluorescent signal character.
On-Press Setup — TW 5597 Signal Green
Mesh Count
200–380 monofilament polyester. Start at 230 mesh for solid spot-color coverage. Use 305–380 for fine halftone and detail work. Higher mesh = finer detail, lower opacity per pass.
Squeegee
70–85 durometer polyurethane, sharp edge. Start at 75 durometer for most applications. Use a harder squeegee (80–85) for fine halftone work. Ensure sharp, clean edge for consistent ink transfer.
Stencil
Solvent and water-proof emulsion only. Murakami Photocure Pro dual-cure photopolymer is preferred for all TW 5500 Series work. For extended long runs, apply Murakami MS Hardener before going to press.
Drying
Air dry: 20–30 minutes at room temperature between color passes. Force dry: a few seconds at 90–150°F for faster production. Allow full dry before stacking prints or applying overprint passes.
Press Preparation
Stir TW 5597 Signal Green thoroughly from the bottom of the bucket before press-up. Off-contact distance of 1⁄16″–1⁄8″ is typical for flat-stock applications. Print a test sheet before committing to the full edition.
Cleanup
Clean screens with water immediately after press-down. Do not allow TW 5500 Series inks to dry in the screen. For stencil reclaim, use a standard water-based emulsion remover after water cleanup.
TW Graphics Additives for TW 5597 Signal Green
TW 5500 Series inks are press-ready for most applications. When press conditions require adjustment, TW Graphics offers a complete additive line specifically engineered for the 5500 Series system. Never use additives from other ink systems — they may cause adhesion, drying, or compatibility problems.
Browse all TW Graphics water-based additives at River City Supply →
Complete TW 5500 Flat Series Color Lineup
Shop the complete TW 5500 Series below. TW 5597 Signal Green is highlighted. All 43 colors available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
Screen Room Recommendation
Best Emulsion for TW Graphics Poster Inks: Murakami Photocure Pro
TW 5500 Series inks demand a stencil that holds fine halftone detail, resists moisture breakdown through long runs, and survives the water-based ink environment without edge bleed or stencil degradation. Our recommendation is Murakami Photocure Pro — and for extended long runs, Murakami MS Hardener applied before going to press.
Why Buy TW Graphics Inks from River City Supply?
Authorized TW Graphics distributor based in San Antonio, TX — center of the country. We stock the full TW 5500 lineup deep, ship same day before 3:30 PM CT, and know these inks inside and out.
🕒 Same-Day Shipping
Orders before 3:30 PM CT ship the same business day from San Antonio, TX.
🌎 Faster Than Ordering Direct
TW Graphics ships from California. We ship from San Antonio — 1–3 day transit to most of the U.S.
🚚 Free Shipping Over $200
Hit $200 and shipping is on us. Stock the full 5500 lineup in one order.
📦 Full Lineup Stocked
Every TW 5500 color, all additives, Murakami emulsions. No backorders.
🎉 Authorized TW Distributor
Genuine TW Graphics product. Full technical support on every order.
📞 Real People, Real Help
Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]
⚠ Over-Reduction Warning
Over-reduction with retarders and thinners can result in blocking and a significant reduction in drying speed. Never exceed recommended additive levels.
⚠ Test Before Production
Always run a test print on the production substrate first. Substrate surface energy, mesh count, and squeegee hardness all interact with final print results.
⚠ 24-Hour Evaluation
Allow at least 24 hours after printing before evaluating adhesion and suitability for the substrate and intended end use.
Build Your Full Color Palette
Shop the complete TW 5500 Flat Series and build your full palette in one order with same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX.
Stock Your Additives
Add TW Z1820 Thinner, TW 5100 Defoamer, and TW Z1822 Retarder to your order — the three additives most commonly needed in TW 5500 Series production.
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 5597 Signal Green |
| Color Properties | High-visibility near-fluorescent green; intensely saturated beyond standard conventional greens; reduced light-fastness compared to standard automotive-grade greens; electric character under normal and UV-adjacent lighting. |
| Series | TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Flat Series |
| Manufacturer | TW Graphics (USA, est. 1923) |
| Ink Type | One-component, flexible, flat water-based ink system |
| Finish | Flat / Matte |
| Pigment Quality | Automotive-grade pigments |
| Light-Fastness | Up to 3 years indoor light-fastness |
| Available Sizes | Quart and Gallon |
| Press Ready | Yes — supplied press-ready. Stir well before use. |
| Compatible Substrates | Fine art serigraph paper, polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, aircraft interiors, skateboards, poster board |
| Recommended Mesh | 200–380 (80–150 cm) monofilament polyester |
| Squeegee | 70–85 durometer polyurethane, sharp edge |
| Stencil | Solvent and water-proof emulsion only. Dual-cure recommended — Murakami Photocure Pro preferred. |
| Air Dry | 20–30 minutes at room temperature |
| Force Dry | Seconds at 90–150°F (32–66°C) |
| Coverage Rate | 1,400–2,000 sq ft per gallon (33–47 sq meters per liter) |
| TW Z1820 Thinner | 5–10% by weight — standard press viscosity reducer |
| TW Z1822 Retarder | 5–10% by weight — normal open time extension |
| TW Z1823 Slow Retarder | 5–10% by weight — heavy-duty open time; slow print cycles |
| TW 5100 Defoamer | 1–2% by weight — eliminates bubbling at high press speeds. Do not exceed 2%. |
| TW 25233 Flattening Powder | 1–8% by weight — reduces gloss to satin or matte |
| TW XPX1018 WB-Activator | 10% by weight — chemical resistance. 24-hr pot life. One reactivation allowed. |
| Evaluation Period | Allow 24 hours after printing before evaluating adhesion and suitability |
| 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
How does TW 5597 Signal Green differ from TW 5511 Yellow Shade Green?
TW 5511 Yellow Shade Green is a standard conventional bright lime-green formulated with automotive-grade pigments for up to 3-year light-fastness — vivid and bright within conventional saturation ranges. TW 5597 Signal Green uses high-visibility pigments that push saturation to near-fluorescent levels, surpassing TW 5511 in visual intensity but with somewhat reduced long-term light-fastness. Use TW 5511 for standard vivid green applications with good durability; use TW 5597 when maximum fluorescent-character green impact is the priority.
Is TW 5597 suitable for long-term outdoor display applications?
The high-visibility pigments in TW 5597 have inherently lower light-fastness than conventional automotive-grade pigments. For long-term outdoor or high-UV-exposure applications, standard greens with automotive-grade pigments — TW 5517 Emerald Green, TW 5511 Yellow Shade Green, or TW 5510 Blue Shade Green — will maintain their color better. TW 5597 is most appropriate for indoor applications, short-term promotional displays, and applications where maximum visual impact matters more than multi-year color stability.
Can TW 5597 be mixed with TW 5521 White for vivid lime-green tints?
Yes — add TW 5597 to TW 5521 Hi-Hide White at 10–20% for vivid, electric lime-green tints. Note that mixing fluorescent-character inks with standard white dilutes the high-visibility pigments and reduces some of the near-fluorescent effect. For maximum lime-green intensity, proof the tint in actual display lighting conditions before committing to production.
Is TW 5597 Signal Green press-ready or does it need to be modified before printing?
Press-ready for most applications — stir well from the bottom of the bucket and print. TW Graphics supplies the 5500 Series at correct press viscosity for standard equipment and conditions. You may need to adjust with a small amount of water or TW Z1820 Thinner if your press runs at higher speeds or your shop is warm.
Why is my ink drying in the screen between strokes?
Common in warm shop conditions or on slow edition runs. Fixes in order: (1) add TW Z1822 Retarder at 5% and re-test; (2) increase flood bar frequency to keep ink moving; (3) lower shop temperature or add airflow around the press; (4) switch to TW Z1823 Slow Retarder for extreme heat conditions. Never exceed 5–10% total retarder — over-retarding causes blocking.
I’m seeing pinholes in solid areas on the automatic press. What’s causing it?
Almost certainly foam from the flood bar beating air into the ink at high speeds. Fix: add TW 5100 Defoamer at 1% by weight, stir gently (vigorous stirring defeats the defoamer), and allow 2–3 minutes before going back to press. If pinholes persist, add another 0.5%. Never exceed 2% — over-defoaming causes fish-eye defects.
What substrates does TW 5597 adhere to?
The TW 5500 Series adheres to: fine art serigraph paper and board, polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters (substrate, not fabric), pressure-sensitive vinyl, aircraft interior panels, and skateboards. Always allow 24 hours after printing before evaluating adhesion to a new substrate. The end-user must determine suitability for the specific application before full production.
Can I mix TW 5597 with other TW 5500 colors?
Yes — all TW 5500 Series colors are formulated in the same ink system and mix cleanly together. See the “Mixing Potential” section above for specific color combinations that work well with TW 5597 Signal Green. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5597?
We recommend Murakami Photocure Pro for TW Graphics water-based poster inks. Dual-cure photopolymer with 38% solids, outstanding resolution, and stencil durability for long poster runs. For extended high-volume runs, treat your Photocure Pro screens with Murakami MS Hardener before going to press for maximum stencil longevity.
Why buy from River City Supply instead of another distributor or direct from TW?
River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor based in San Antonio, TX. TW Graphics is based in California. Orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same business day — 1–3 day transit to most of the U.S., faster than ordering from TW direct. Orders over $200 ship free. Our team at (512) 454-0505 can help with color selection, additive formulation, substrate compatibility, and emulsion recommendations for your specific jobs.
Questions? Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]
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