TW 5514 Flat Fire Red Water-Based Poster Ink – Intense Opaque Red for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5514 Fire Red is a vivid, maximum-chroma red water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — the most electrically saturated, universally recognizable red in the standard TW 5500 lineup, built for applications where red has to stop the viewer instantly and hold its impact across long print editions. Concert poster shops, high-visibility signage printers, and POP display operations order TW 5514 when red must be unambiguous. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day.
✓ Pure Fire Red
✓ Concert Poster Staple
✓ 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: $74.74 through $225.12
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5514 Flat Fire Red — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5514 Flat Fire Red is the maximum-chroma, electrically saturated red of the TW 5500 lineup — a vivid, universally recognizable red that reads as pure, immediate, and visually powerful in full coverage. Concert poster shops, high-visibility signage printers, and POP display operations reach for TW 5514 when red must be unambiguous and impossible to miss. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of indoor light-fastness, press ready straight from the bucket, and formulated for polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interior panels.
Key Features
Maximum Chroma Fire Red
TW 5514 is the most electrically saturated standard red in the TW 5500 lineup. It reads as unambiguous, pure, and immediately impactful — no warm bias, no cool bias, just maximum red chroma at full coverage. For applications where red must demand immediate attention, TW 5514 is the right choice.
Versatile Red Anchor for the Full Color Range
TW 5514 sits in the neutral center of the red spectrum, making it a usable mixing red in multiple directions. Mix with TW 5501 or TW 5502 Yellow for warm oranges. Mix with TW 5505 Magenta for vivid warm purples. Overprint TW 5525 Black over TW 5514 for rich, warm darks that have more character than pure black alone.
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 5514 Fire Red 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 red — maximum chroma and saturation. The most universally “pure red” in the TW 5500 lineup.
Mixing Potential
Versatile red anchor. Mix with yellows for warm oranges. Combine with TW 5505 Magenta for vivid warm purples. Overprint TW 5525 Black for rich, warm darks.
Halftone Performance
Strong pigmentation delivers maximum red intensity even at moderate dot percentages. Effective for high-energy gradient and splash effects in poster work.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence as the key red anchor. Works effectively both as a solid spot color and as an overprint color.
Who Prints with TW 5514 Fire Red?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops
Pure fire red is one of the foundational concert poster colors. TW 5514 gives poster shops a vivid, clean red anchor for high-impact poster designs, fire and flame effects, and bold typographic screens that need to read from across a venue.
🍽 Music Festival & Event Graphics Printers
Festival posters and event promotions live on bold, high-energy color — and TW 5514’s maximum-chroma character delivers the kind of vivid red that reads instantly in high-traffic, high-distraction environments.
🍴 Emergency & High-Visibility Signage Printers
Safety signage, evacuation graphics, and high-visibility warning displays on polystyrene and Tyvek substrates require a red that reads with immediate authority. TW 5514 delivers maximum chroma red with up to 3 years of light-fastness.
🏄 Skateboard Deck & Action Sports Graphics Printers
Skateboard, surf, and action sports graphics demand high-energy, vivid reds. TW 5514 on skateboard deck substrates produces the kind of bold, impact-forward red character that the action sports market consistently demands.
On-Press Setup — TW 5514 Fire Red
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 5514 Fire Red 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 5514 Fire Red
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 5514 Fire Red 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 5514 Fire Red |
| Color Properties | Neutral balanced red; maximum chroma and saturation; the most universally “pure red” in the TW 5500 lineup; strong visual impact at full coverage. |
| 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 5514 Fire Red compare to TW 5591 Neon Red?
TW 5514 Fire Red is a standard automotive-grade pigment red with up to 3 years of light-fastness — vivid and high-chroma, but within normal color saturation ranges. TW 5591 Neon Red uses fluorescent-character pigments that push saturation well beyond standard pigments, producing an almost luminescent red under normal and UV-adjacent lighting. TW 5591 has significantly less long-term light-fastness than TW 5514. For lasting high-impact applications, choose TW 5514. For maximum fluorescent red impact where longevity is less critical, choose TW 5591.
What is the best way to produce a rich warm black using TW 5514?
Overprint TW 5525 Opaque Black directly over a fully dried TW 5514 flood. The result is a warm, rich dark that has significantly more visual depth than pure black alone. Alternatively, mix 85% TW 5525 + 10–15% TW 5514 in the bucket for a warm black that can be used directly. This technique is a staple of the concert poster printing tradition.
Does TW 5514 work for long poster edition runs without color drift?
Yes — TW 5514 uses automotive-grade pigments and is supplied press-ready for consistent color across long edition runs. For runs in warm shop conditions, add TW Z1822 Retarder at 5% to prevent in-screen drying. For high-speed automatic press runs with large solid red coverage, add TW 5100 Defoamer at 1% to prevent pinholes from foam in the ink body.
Is TW 5514 Fire Red 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 5514 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 5514 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 5514 Fire Red. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5514?
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]
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.




























































Reviews