TW 5508 Flat Red Shade Blue Water-Based Poster Ink – Cool, Red-Lean Blue for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5508 Red Shade Blue is a warm, violet-leaning blue water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — a rich, slightly purple-biased blue that reads as weighty and atmospheric rather than crisp and cool. Concert poster shops working in dark, moody palettes and fine art serigraph studios that need blues with depth and warmth order TW 5508 when standard cool blues feel too bright. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day.
✓ Purple Mixing Base
✓ Night Sky Blue
✓ 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: $103.48 through $257.28
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5508 Flat Red Shade Blue — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5508 Flat Red Shade Blue is a warm, violet-leaning blue from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — the most atmospheric, depth-oriented blue in the standard lineup, delivering a rich, warm blue with a violet undertone suited to moody poster palettes, night-sky effects, and sophisticated serigraph color builds. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of indoor light-fastness, press ready, and formulated for polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interiors.
Key Features
Warm Atmospheric Blue Character
TW 5508 feels weighty and atmospheric rather than crisp and electric. Its red/violet undertone gives it a subtle warmth that makes it read differently from standard process blues — deeper, moodier, and more suited to complex poster palettes than a neutral or cool blue.
Strong Purple Mixing Base
The warm bias in TW 5508 makes it an excellent blue for building rich purples. Mix with TW 5505 Magenta or TW 5507 Violet for deep, saturated purples with more red warmth than mixing from a cool blue base. For blue-to-purple gradient work in poster printing, TW 5508 gives smoother transitions than cooler blues.
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 5508 Red Shade Blue behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Warm — strong red/violet undertone. Reads as a rich, slightly warm blue in full coverage. More atmospheric and moody than standard process blues.
Mixing Potential
Excellent base for warm purples and blue-purples. Combine with TW 5507 Violet for deep, moody purples. Mix with TW 5521 White for soft, warm sky-blue tints.
Halftone Performance
Warm bias creates rich, atmospheric halftone gradients. Effective for night-sky and deep-space effects. Avoid overprinting with warm reds — the result may be unexpectedly neutral.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence as an atmospheric background. Combine with TW 5507 Violet as an overprint for night-sky gradient effects.
Who Prints with TW 5508 Red Shade Blue?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops (Dark & Moody Palettes)
Shops producing dark, moody, and atmospheric band poster work reach for TW 5508 when blue needs to feel weighty and complex rather than bright and electric. Night-sky effects, deep background washes, and dark atmospheric blues are TW 5508 territory.
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Serigraph editions exploring contemplative, nocturnal, or richly atmospheric palettes use TW 5508 as a sophisticated blue anchor that carries more emotional weight than standard cool blues.
🍴 Specialty & Premium POP Display Printers
Premium display work in entertainment, wine, and luxury categories often calls for blues with depth and sophistication. TW 5508 delivers that character on polystyrene and pressure-sensitive vinyl substrates.
✈ Specialty Industrial & Aircraft Interior Printers
Deep, rich blue tones on aircraft interior panels and specialty industrial flat-stock applications are a core use for TW 5508, which holds up to 3 years of light-fastness in demanding interior environments.
On-Press Setup — TW 5508 Red Shade Blue
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 5508 Red Shade Blue 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 5508 Red Shade Blue
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 5508 Red Shade Blue 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 5508 Red Shade Blue |
| Color Properties | Warm/red bias; violet-leaning medium blue; reads as rich, slightly warm blue in full coverage; the most purple-adjacent standard blue 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
How does TW 5508 Red Shade Blue differ from TW 5518 Process Blue?
TW 5518 Process Blue is a balanced, neutral-to-cool blue with broad utility for mixing, process-printing compatibility, and versatile spot color work. TW 5508 Red Shade Blue has a distinct warm/violet bias that makes it feel richer and moodier but less versatile for mixing greens and less process-compatible. Choose TW 5508 for atmospheric effects and purple-building; choose TW 5518 for process-adjacent work and green-building.
What is the best mix ratio for building deep purples with TW 5508?
Combine TW 5508 with TW 5507 Violet at 50/50 for a deep, saturated blue-purple. Adding more TW 5507 pushes it warmer and more violet; adding more TW 5508 cools it toward blue-purple. Mixing TW 5508 with TW 5505 Magenta produces warm, rich red-purples with excellent depth.
Does TW 5508 work for halftone gradient work in night-sky effects?
Yes — TW 5508 is particularly effective for halftone gradient work in atmospheric night-sky and deep-space poster effects. Its warm bias creates gradient shadows that feel moody and rich rather than flat. Run 305–380 mesh for fine halftone screens, use TW 5009 Thickener at 0.5% if ink body needs adjustment for fine dot work, and proof the full tonal range before the edition run.
Is TW 5508 Red Shade Blue 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 5508 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 5508 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 5508 Red Shade Blue. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5508?
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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