TW 5515 Flat Rubine Red Water-Based Poster Ink – Deep, Blue-Red Hue for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5515 Rubine Red is a deep, cool crimson-magenta water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — a process-ink-adjacent red named for the classic Rubine Red pigment standard, delivering reliable spectral consistency and exceptional purple-building performance for fine art serigraph studios and concert poster shops that work in sophisticated, refined palettes. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Process-Adjacent Red
✓ Purple Mixing Anchor
✓ 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: $45.99 through $149.30
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5515 Flat Rubine Red — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5515 Flat Rubine Red is a deep, cool crimson-magenta from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — a process-ink-adjacent red named for the classic Rubine Red pigment standard, delivering reliable spectral consistency and exceptional purple-building performance for fine art serigraph studios and concert poster shops working in sophisticated, refined palettes. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of indoor light-fastness, press ready, and formulated for the full specialty flat-stock substrate range.
Key Features
Classic Rubine Red Character
TW 5515 is named for the historic Rubine Red pigment standard — a deep, cool crimson that sits between red and process magenta on the spectrum. Its spectral consistency across batches and long print editions makes it the most reliable standard red for jobs where color accuracy matters across thousands of impressions.
Exceptional Purple Mixing Performance
The cool bias in TW 5515 makes it the most process-compatible red in the TW 5500 standard range. Mix with TW 5507 Violet for extraordinary deep purples. Combine with TW 5518 Process Blue for clean, spectral purples with process-ink behavior. No warm red in the lineup builds purples with the same cleanliness.
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 5515 Rubine 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
Cool — deep crimson-magenta. The most process-magenta-adjacent standard red in the TW 5500 lineup. Named for the classic Rubine Red pigment standard.
Mixing Potential
Premier purple mixing red. Pairs with TW 5507 Violet for extraordinary deep purples. Combine with TW 5518 Process Blue for clean spectral purples.
Halftone Performance
Excellent halftone behavior. Cool, clean profile holds dot integrity well and produces clean, predictable shadow tones in cool-palette gradient work.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence. Particularly effective in simulated-process color builds as the warm-side component alongside cyan and yellow.
Who Prints with TW 5515 Rubine Red?
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Rubine Red is a traditional serigraph ink staple. TW 5515’s process-compatible character and deep crimson quality make it a reliable choice for fine art editions where reds must stay consistent across long runs and build clean secondary colors in overprint.
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops (Refined Palettes)
Poster shops working in sophisticated, non-maximalist palettes with refined reds, deep purples, and complex secondary colors reach for TW 5515 as their red anchor — a red that participates in sophisticated color systems rather than dominating them.
🏛 Corporate Identity & Institutional Printers
Institutional colors requiring clean, process-adjacent reds for nameplates, signage, and polycarbonate panels benefit from TW 5515’s batch-consistent spectral character and compatibility with color-matching workflows.
🎓 Simulated-Process & Advanced Printmaking Programs
Programs doing simulated-process color work with TW 5500 inks use TW 5515 as the warm-side component in color builds where process-compatible reds are required for accurate secondary color reproduction.
On-Press Setup — TW 5515 Rubine 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 5515 Rubine 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 5515 Rubine 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 5515 Rubine 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 5515 Rubine Red |
| Color Properties | Cool/blue bias; deep crimson-magenta; named for the classic Rubine Red pigment; most process-magenta-adjacent standard red in the TW 5500 lineup; excellent purple mixing base. |
| 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
What distinguishes TW 5515 Rubine Red from TW 5504 Blue Shade Red?
Both are cool-bias reds, but TW 5515 Rubine Red sits deeper into the crimson-magenta range and has stronger process-ink compatibility. TW 5504 Blue Shade Red is a brighter, higher-chroma cool red with more visual energy. TW 5515 is deeper, more muted, and more reliable for exact color-matching workflows. For vivid cool-red impact, choose TW 5504. For process accuracy and sophisticated palette work, TW 5515 is the better choice.
Can TW 5515 be used in simulated-process printing alongside TW 5500 halftone inks?
Yes — TW 5515 is one of the best standard reds for simulated-process color builds because of its process-compatible spectral character. It integrates well alongside TW 5542 Halftone Cyan and TW 5543 Halftone Black in multi-color process builds. Always run test prints and proof color gamut before committing to production.
How does TW 5515 hold up across long print editions?
Very well — the Rubine Red pigment family is known for batch consistency and stability across long print runs. TW 5515 maintains its deep crimson character without significant hue shift across thousands of impressions when run at correct press conditions. For maximum consistency on long runs, keep shop temperature controlled and use TW Z1822 Retarder at 5% in warm conditions to prevent in-screen drying.
Is TW 5515 Rubine 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 5515 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 5515 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 5515 Rubine Red. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5515?
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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