TW 5513 Flat Medium Yellow Water-Based Poster Ink – Balanced Opaque Yellow for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5513 Medium Yellow is the balanced, neutral water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — a clean, true yellow with neither warm nor cool bias that makes it the most versatile single-yellow choice for shops that need one ink to handle the widest range of poster and flat-stock printing work. If you only stock one TW 5500 yellow, TW 5513 is the practical standard. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Versatile Mixing Yellow
✓ All-Purpose Yellow
✓ 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: $51.74 through $166.42
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5513 Flat Medium Yellow — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5513 Flat Medium Yellow is the balanced, neutral yellow in the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — a clean, true yellow with neither warm nor cool bias that makes it the most broadly versatile single-yellow choice for shops running diverse poster and flat-stock printing work. Concert poster shops, POP display printers, and institutional signage operations keep TW 5513 as their default yellow precisely because it reads as clean, standard yellow under the widest range of lighting conditions. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of light-fastness, press ready.
Key Features
Clean Neutral Yellow — Broadest Utility
TW 5513 is the most versatile standard yellow in the TW 5500 lineup precisely because it has no strong temperature bias. It produces usable greens when mixed with blues and usable oranges when mixed with reds, making it the practical default for shops running diverse color work without specialized mixing requirements.
Reliable Single-Yellow Solution
For shops that can only stock one yellow, TW 5513 performs consistently across the widest range of applications. It works for concert poster solids, POP display fills, serigraph editions, and flat-stock signage without the trade-offs of a shade-specific yellow like TW 5501 or TW 5502.
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 5513 Medium Yellow behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Neutral — balanced warm/cool, no strong bias. Reads as clean, standard yellow under most lighting. The most broadly versatile standard yellow in the TW 5500 lineup.
Mixing Potential
All-purpose mixing yellow. Produces usable greens with blues and usable oranges with reds. Best single-yellow solution for shops with diverse color work.
Halftone Performance
Reliable halftone performance across standard mesh counts. Balanced character produces predictable, neutral-yellow tonal gradients.
Print Sequence
Print first or second in the sequence as the reliable foundation yellow for any palette type.
Who Prints with TW 5513 Medium Yellow?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops
Yellow is a foundational concert poster color and TW 5513 delivers a clean, consistent standard yellow that works across the broadest range of design styles without pulling warm or cool in unexpected ways.
🍴 Point-of-Purchase & Retail Display Printers
Retail signage and POP display work demands yellows that read as clean and true under varied store lighting conditions. TW 5513’s neutral character ensures consistent color appearance from production to display environment.
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios (Balanced Palettes)
Serigraph editions that need yellow to function as a neutral component in complex mixed palettes — neither pulling warm nor cool — benefit from TW 5513’s balanced character.
✈ Industrial & Specialty Flat-Stock Printers
Nameplates, aircraft interiors, and Tyvek applications that require a standard, legible yellow without strong color temperature character consistently specify TW 5513 for its predictable, reliable color output.
On-Press Setup — TW 5513 Medium Yellow
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 5513 Medium Yellow 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 5513 Medium Yellow
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 5513 Medium Yellow 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 5513 Medium Yellow |
| Color Properties | Neutral balanced yellow; no strong warm or cool bias; reads as clean standard yellow under most lighting; the most broadly versatile standard yellow in the TW 5500 lineup. |
| 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
When should I choose TW 5513 Medium Yellow over TW 5512 Lemon Yellow or TW 5502 Red Shade Yellow?
Choose TW 5513 when you need a single, versatile yellow that handles the widest range of jobs without committing to a color temperature. TW 5512 Lemon Yellow is better when you specifically need a cool, electric yellow for concert poster work or clean green-building. TW 5502 Red Shade Yellow is better when your palette demands warm golden character and rich warm oranges. TW 5513 sits in the middle and serves best as an all-purpose single-yellow solution.
Can I mix TW 5513 Medium Yellow to produce both greens and oranges?
Yes — TW 5513’s neutral character makes it the most mixable standard yellow in the TW 5500 lineup. Combine with TW 5509 Green Shade Blue for clean greens. Combine with TW 5514 or TW 5516 for oranges. The results won’t be as spectrally pure as mixing from the shade-specific yellows, but they’ll be consistent and predictable.
Is TW 5513 suitable for long print editions without color drift?
Yes — TW 5513 is supplied press-ready with automotive-grade pigments for up to 3 years of light-fastness and consistent hue across long edition runs. Standard TW 5500 Series press settings apply. If your shop is warm and you’re running a large edition, add TW Z1822 Retarder at 5% to prevent in-screen drying during the run.
Is TW 5513 Medium Yellow 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 5513 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 5513 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 5513 Medium Yellow. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5513?
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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