TW 5532 Flat Metallic Clear Water-Based Poster Ink – Subtle Metallic Sheen for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5532 Metallic Clear is a transparent pearlescent medium from the TW 5500 Flat Series — a shimmering clear that adds a controlled metallic shimmer quality to any TW 5500 color when mixed in or used as an overprint, without the opacity or silver tone of a full metallic ink. Fine art serigraph studios and premium poster printers order TW 5532 when subtle shimmer and metallic interaction are part of the design. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply.
✓ Shimmer Mixing Medium
✓ Fine Art Serigraph Specialty
✓ 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 $120.40
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5532 Flat Metallic Clear — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5532 Metallic Clear is a transparent pearlescent medium from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — a shimmering clear that adds a controlled metallic shimmer quality to any TW 5500 color when mixed in or used as an overprint, without the opacity or silver tone of a full metallic ink. Fine art serigraph studios and premium poster printers reach for TW 5532 when subtle shimmer and metallic interaction are part of the design. Press ready, formulated for the full TW 5500 substrate range.
Key Features
Transparent Metallic Shimmer Effect
TW 5532 contains fine metallic/pearl pigment in a transparent base that imparts shimmer and light-interactive quality to printed surfaces without adding the heavy opacity of a full metallic ink. Print it as a standalone overprint or mix it into any TW 5500 color for a custom shimmer-infused ink.
Custom Metallic Color Building Medium
Mix TW 5532 into any standard TW 5500 color for a custom metallic-tinted effect unique to your edition. Mix with TW 5570 Metallic Silver or TW 5571 Rich Gold for enhanced, more fully metallic effects with extended volume and controlled density.
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 5532 Metallic Clear behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Transparent metallic pearl — fine shimmer effect. Imparts light-interactive quality without opacity. Compatible with all TW 5500 color inks.
Mixing Potential
Mix into any TW 5500 color at 15-25% for shimmer-infused ink. Can also be combined with TW 5570/5571/5572 metallic inks for extended volume.
Halftone Performance
Not recommended for fine halftone work. Metallic/pearl particles may disrupt fine dot formation. Use for solid or coarse-screen applications.
Print Sequence
Print as an overprint pass for full-surface shimmer, or mix into a color before printing for custom metallic-tinted effects.
Who Prints with TW 5532 Metallic Clear?
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Subtle metallic and pearlescent effects are a premium feature of gallery-quality serigraph editions. TW 5532 gives studios the tool to incorporate light-interactive shimmer into specific color areas without the full visual weight of a metallic ink.
🎤 Premium Concert & Art Poster Printers
Limited-edition concert posters and art prints often incorporate metallic shimmer elements as a premium collector feature. TW 5532 enables this effect within the standard TW 5500 system.
🍴 Specialty POP & Luxury Display Printers
Luxury and premium retail display work in cosmetics, jewelry, and spirits categories uses TW 5532 for the light-interactive shimmer that signals luxury and premium quality in display graphics.
🎓 Advanced Printmaking Programs
Printmaking programs exploring specialty ink effects include TW 5532 as an example of how metallic effects can be incorporated into water-based serigraph systems without dedicated metallic ink infrastructure.
On-Press Setup — TW 5532 Metallic Clear
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 5532 Metallic Clear 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 5532 Metallic Clear
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 5532 Metallic Clear 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 5532 Metallic Clear |
| Color Properties | Transparent metallic pearl; fine shimmer effect without opacity; imparts light-interactive quality to any TW 5500 color or printed area; maintains flat character of the 5500 system. |
| 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 5532 Metallic Clear differ from printing with TW 5570 Metallic Silver?
TW 5532 is transparent — it imparts shimmer without adding significant opacity, color, or silver tone. When mixed into a colored ink, TW 5532 makes that color shimmer without changing its hue substantially. TW 5570 Metallic Silver is an opaque metallic ink with genuine aluminum flake that prints as a visible silver surface. Use TW 5532 for subtle shimmer integration; use TW 5570 when you want a fully opaque metallic silver element.
What percentage of TW 5532 should I mix into a standard TW 5500 color?
Start at 15–25% TW 5532 by weight for a noticeable shimmer effect. Lower percentages (5–10%) produce a very subtle shimmer visible mainly under raking light. Higher percentages (30%+) produce a more pronounced metallic shimmer that reads in direct lighting. Proof on the production substrate under the intended display lighting conditions, as shimmer effects can look very different under direct versus indirect light.
Can TW 5532 be printed standalone as an overprint shimmer pass?
Yes — TW 5532 can be printed as a standalone screen pass over completed colors for a full-surface or selective shimmer overprint effect. Use 200–230 mesh for maximum metallic transfer. The overprint will be transparent and will not affect the underlying colors visually in flat lighting, but will add light-interactive shimmer under directional or raking light — a premium quality effect in limited-edition print work.
Is TW 5532 Metallic Clear 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 5532 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 5532 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 5532 Metallic Clear. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5532?
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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