TW 5544 Flat Halftone Extender Water-Based Poster Ink – Halftone Control Base for Poster & Fine Art Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5544 Halftone Extender is a transparent extending medium specifically formulated for the halftone inks in the TW 5500 Flat Series — the tool for reducing color density in halftone printing workflows without altering dot behavior, transparency characteristics, or press performance. Process-printing operations and advanced serigraph studios order TW 5544 to fine-tune their TW 5540–5543 halftone system for specific press conditions. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply.
✓ Process System Extender
✓ Dot Integrity Preserving
✓ 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: $29.99 through $70.23
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5544 Flat Halftone Extender — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5544 Flat Halftone Extender is a transparent extending medium specifically formulated for the halftone inks in the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — the calibration tool for reducing color density in halftone printing workflows without altering dot behavior, transparency, or press performance. Process-printing operations reach for TW 5544 to fine-tune their TW 5540-5543 halftone system for specific press conditions and substrates. Press ready, formulated for compatibility with all TW 5500 halftone inks.
Key Features
Halftone System Density Control
TW 5544 is the fine-tuning tool for the TW 5500 process printing system. When halftone colors are producing more density than the separation calls for, adding TW 5544 reduces pigment concentration across the tonal range without changing the halftone ink’s critical press behavior, dot formation, or transparency characteristics.
Process System Calibration Medium
TW 5544 lets process-printing shops dial in their halftone ink system for specific press conditions, mesh counts, and substrate combinations. Use it when the TW 5540–5543 halftone inks are producing tonal compression or excessive density relative to the separation target.
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 5544 Halftone Extender behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Completely transparent — formulated for compatibility with TW 5540-5543 halftone inks. Reduces pigment density without disrupting dot behavior.
Mixing Potential
Used exclusively with TW 5500 halftone inks (TW 5540-5543) for density calibration. Not interchangeable with TW 5530 Clear Flat Base for this purpose.
Halftone Performance
System calibration medium for the TW 5500 halftone printing system. Reduces ink density for accurate tonal matching to separation targets.
Print Sequence
Mix into halftone inks before press-up. Not printed standalone.
Who Prints with TW 5544 Halftone Extender?
🌟 Process-Printing Serigraph Studios (Fine-Tuning Runs)
Advanced serigraph studios calibrating their TW 5500 halftone printing system to specific separation software outputs, paper types, and lighting conditions use TW 5544 to fine-tune color density without disrupting the carefully calibrated press conditions.
🎤 Advanced Poster Print Shops (Process Color Work)
Shops doing serious simulated-process and process-color poster printing with TW 5500 inks keep TW 5544 on hand as a calibration tool for achieving precise tonal accuracy in their halftone print system.
🍴 Commercial Flat-Stock Printers (Process Halftone)
Commercial operations with consistent process-printing workflows use TW 5544 as a systematic density calibration tool rather than a crisis fix — part of their standard TW 5500 process system alongside the four halftone colors.
🎓 Advanced Printmaking Programs (Process Instruction)
Printmaking programs teaching systematic process-color printing with TW 5500 inks include TW 5544 instruction to teach students how to think about and manage ink density as a variable in the printing system.
On-Press Setup — TW 5544 Halftone Extender
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 5544 Halftone Extender 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 5544 Halftone Extender
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 5544 Halftone Extender 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 5544 Halftone Extender |
| Color Properties | Completely transparent; formulated for compatibility with TW 5540-5543 halftone inks; reduces pigment density without disrupting dot behavior or transparency characteristics of halftone inks. |
| 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
Can TW 5544 Halftone Extender be used with TW 5530 Clear Flat Base interchangeably?
No — while both are transparent extending mediums, TW 5544 is specifically formulated for compatibility with the halftone inks (TW 5540–5543) and their specific transparency and rheological characteristics. TW 5530 Clear Flat Base is formulated for use with standard pigment-loaded TW 5500 color inks. Using TW 5530 with halftone inks may alter their dot behavior and transparency characteristics in ways that affect tonal accuracy. Use TW 5544 with halftone inks, TW 5530 with standard inks.
How much TW 5544 should I add to a halftone ink?
Start conservatively — add 5% TW 5544 by weight to the halftone ink, stir thoroughly, and pull a test proof before adding more. The relationship between TW 5544 addition and density reduction is not linear; small additions can have meaningful effect. The target is to reduce density just enough to match the separation target on your specific substrate under your production lighting conditions.
Does adding TW 5544 affect dot gain?
Moderate additions of TW 5544 (up to 15%) should not significantly affect dot gain, as TW 5544 is formulated to preserve the halftone ink’s press behavior. Excessive addition (30%+) may reduce ink body slightly, which can increase dot gain at fine halftone screens. Monitor dot gain carefully if adding significant amounts and adjust press settings accordingly. The goal is density calibration, not press mechanics change.
Is TW 5544 Halftone Extender 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 5544 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 5544 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 5544 Halftone Extender. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5544?
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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