TW 5520 Flat Ultra Blue Water-Based Poster Ink – Bold, High-Chroma Blue for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5520 Ultra Blue is the most electrically saturated, maximum-chroma blue in the TW 5500 Flat Series — a vivid, high-intensity blue that pushes beyond the limits of standard blues to deliver the kind of eye-catching blue character that concert poster work, high-visibility signage, and bold flat-stock graphic applications demand. Order TW 5520 in quart or gallon when blue needs to be impossible to ignore. In stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Electric Ultra Blue
✓ Concert Poster 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: $57.48 through $182.70
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5520 Flat Ultra Blue — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5520 Flat Ultra Blue is the most electrically saturated, maximum-chroma blue in the TW 5500 lineup — a vivid, high-intensity blue that pushes beyond the limits of standard blues to deliver the kind of eye-catching blue character that concert poster work, high-visibility signage, and bold flat-stock applications demand. 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-Impact Electric Blue
TW 5520 is simply the most vivid, saturated blue in the TW 5500 standard lineup. No other standard blue delivers this level of chromatic intensity and visual energy. In full coverage it reads as pure, electric, and uncompromising — a blue that commands attention and holds it.
Vivid Blue Color Range Anchor
TW 5520 anchors the bright-blue end of the TW 5500 palette. Mix with TW 5505 Magenta for clean, vivid purples with strong blue character. Add TW 5521 White for intensely vivid sky-blue tints. The strong pigmentation means even small additions to mixes deliver significant blue shift.
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 5520 Ultra 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
Bright pure blue — maximum chroma and saturation. The most vivid and electrically intense standard blue in the TW 5500 lineup.
Mixing Potential
Vivid blue anchor. Mix with TW 5505 Magenta for clean, vivid purples. Add TW 5521 White for intensely vivid sky-blue tints.
Halftone Performance
Strong pigmentation delivers electric blue intensity even at moderate dot percentages. Effective for bold poster backgrounds and high-energy blue gradient work.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence as the vivid blue anchor in high-energy palette builds.
Who Prints with TW 5520 Ultra Blue?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops
Ultra blue — vivid, electric, impossible to ignore — is a cornerstone of high-energy concert poster work. TW 5520 gives poster shops the maximum-intensity blue that defines bold, chromatic poster aesthetics.
🍽 Music Festival & Event Promotions Printers
Festival graphics and event promotion posters live on maximum-color-impact design. TW 5520 delivers the electric blue character that stops attention in high-traffic, high-competition visual environments.
🍴 High-Visibility Signage & Safety Graphics Printers
Applications requiring maximum blue visibility on polystyrene, Tyvek, and safety-oriented flat-stock substrates use TW 5520 for its chromatic intensity and reliable light-fastness.
🏄 Skateboard Deck & Action Sports Graphics Printers
Action sports design demands vivid, maximum-energy colors. TW 5520 on skateboard and action sports flat-stock substrates delivers the kind of electric blue presence that the category consistently demands.
On-Press Setup — TW 5520 Ultra 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 5520 Ultra 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 5520 Ultra 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 5520 Ultra 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 5520 Ultra Blue |
| Color Properties | Bright, pure blue; maximum chroma and saturation; the most vivid and electrically intense standard blue in the TW 5500 lineup; high visual impact at all coverage levels. |
| 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 5520 Ultra Blue compare to TW 5519 Reflex Blue in terms of print impact?
TW 5519 Reflex Blue reads as deep, authoritative, and premium — it carries weight and gravitas. TW 5520 Ultra Blue reads as electric, vivid, and energetic — it commands immediate attention and visual excitement. For institutional, corporate, and fine-art applications where blue needs to be dignified, choose TW 5519. For poster work, event graphics, and applications where blue needs to jump off the surface, choose TW 5520.
Does TW 5520 work well for large solid coverage areas?
Yes — for large solid blue fields, run TW 5520 on 200–230 mesh monofilament polyester with a 70–75 durometer squeegee. On automatic presses, add TW 5100 Defoamer at 1% to prevent pinholes in large coverage areas. TW 5520’s strong pigmentation means good opacity in a single pass on white and light substrates.
Can TW 5520 be mixed to produce vivid sky blues and powder blues?
Yes — add TW 5520 to TW 5521 Hi-Hide White in small amounts for vivid sky-blue tints. Start at 5–10% TW 5520 and adjust for your target hue. The intensity of TW 5520 means even small additions produce vivid, electric sky blues rather than pale powdery tones. For softer powder blue, use TW 5598 Horizon Blue as the base instead.
Is TW 5520 Ultra 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 5520 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 5520 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 5520 Ultra Blue. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5520?
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