TW 5598 Flat Horizon Blue Water-Based Poster Ink – Soft, Atmospheric Blue for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5598 Horizon Blue is a soft, atmospheric cerulean-to-sky blue water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — a medium-value blue with a distinctly open, airy quality that reads as sky, water, and open space rather than deep or saturated. Fine art serigraph studios and poster designers reach for TW 5598 when blue must feel luminous and light rather than bold and heavy. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Atmospheric Horizon Blue
✓ Fine Art Serigraph 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: $99.99 through $207.38
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5598 Flat Horizon Blue — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5598 Flat Horizon Blue is a soft, atmospheric cerulean-to-sky blue water-based poster ink from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — a medium-value blue with a distinctly open, airy quality that reads as sky, water, and open space rather than deep or saturated. Fine art serigraph studios, landscape-themed poster shops, and environmental graphic printers reach for TW 5598 when blue must feel luminous and atmospheric rather than bold and heavy. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of light-fastness, press ready, and formulated for the full specialty flat-stock substrate range.
Key Features
Open Cerulean-Sky Blue Character
TW 5598 occupies a unique position in the TW 5500 color lineup — it reads as genuinely light, airy, and atmospheric rather than bold or saturated. Its cerulean character evokes sky, distance, and open space, making it a natural fit for landscape-inspired serigraph editions, sky effects in poster printing, and any design context where blue needs to feel luminous and spacious.
Atmospheric Blue Gradient Base
TW 5598 is particularly effective in halftone gradient work. Its light, airy character reads consistently across the tonal range, producing soft, luminous gradients that feel like sky or atmospheric haze rather than solid color. Combine with TW 5518 Process Blue for deeper sky-to-horizon transitions.
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 5598 Horizon 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
Light cerulean sky blue — open, airy, atmospheric character. Distinctly lighter and more atmospheric than the standard blues in the TW 5500 lineup.
Mixing Potential
Excellent base for sky-blue tints and atmospheric palette building. Combine with TW 5521 White for pale sky blues. Add TW 5518 for a deeper sky tone.
Halftone Performance
Outstanding halftone ink for atmospheric sky and water effects. Light, airy character reads consistently across the tonal range for soft, luminous gradients.
Print Sequence
Print mid-sequence for sky-effect backgrounds. Works beautifully as an underprint with heavier colors on top for deep-sky poster effects.
Who Prints with TW 5598 Horizon Blue?
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios (Landscape & Atmospheric Editions)
Landscape, coastal, and atmospheric serigraph editions depend on blues that carry the feeling of open sky and water rather than bold graphic color. TW 5598’s cerulean character is a distinctive and valuable addition to the TW 5500 serigraph palette for this category of work.
🎤 Concert & Poster Shops (Atmospheric & Landscape Palettes)
Poster work featuring sky, ocean, open-road, and landscape themes uses TW 5598 for the atmospheric blue character that gives these designs genuine spatial depth and visual quietness amid louder surrounding colors.
🍴 Travel, Outdoor & Lifestyle POP Display Printers
Retail POP and display graphics for travel, outdoor, and lifestyle brands that communicate openness, freshness, and natural beauty specify TW 5598 for its sky-blue, atmospheric character on polystyrene and PS vinyl.
🏛 Environmental & Architectural Signage Printers
Environmental graphic programs in airports, transit systems, and hospitality environments use TW 5598 for wayfinding and atmospheric design elements where a calm, open blue quality contributes to a welcoming, spacious environment.
On-Press Setup — TW 5598 Horizon 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 5598 Horizon 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 5598 Horizon 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 5598 Horizon 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 5598 Horizon Blue |
| Color Properties | Light cerulean sky blue; open, airy, atmospheric character; distinctly lighter and more atmospheric than the standard blues in the TW 5500 lineup; medium value with luminous quality. |
| 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 5598 Horizon Blue differ from TW 5518 Process Blue?
TW 5518 Process Blue is a balanced, full-value standard blue — clean, authoritative, and suitable for a wide range of bold and graphic applications. TW 5598 Horizon Blue is distinctly lighter in value and more atmospheric — it reads as a soft, open cerulean sky blue rather than a strong, assertive blue. TW 5518 is the standard all-purpose blue; TW 5598 is the specialty sky-and-atmosphere blue. Use TW 5518 for most standard blue applications; reach for TW 5598 specifically when you need a blue that conveys lightness, space, and atmosphere.
Is TW 5598 suitable for large solid flood areas or is it better for halftone work?
TW 5598 works well in both solid and halftone applications, but its most distinctive quality shows in halftone gradient work. Solid TW 5598 coverage reads as a soft, medium-value sky blue. In halftone gradients from 5% to 80% it produces the kind of seamless, atmospheric sky transitions that are very difficult to achieve with standard full-value blues. For large solid sky backgrounds in poster work, TW 5598 flood coverage on 200–230 mesh delivers consistent, clean soft-blue results.
Can TW 5598 be darkened to produce deeper sky blues?
Yes — add TW 5518 Process Blue or TW 5509 Green Shade Blue to TW 5598 to deepen the value while maintaining the cerulean sky-blue character. Start with 20–30% deeper blue and adjust. Adding TW 5519 Reflex Blue produces a slightly warmer, deeper sky tone; adding TW 5509 keeps it cool and clean. Proof on production substrate to evaluate the exact hue and value before committing to the edition.
Is TW 5598 Horizon 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 5598 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 5598 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 5598 Horizon Blue. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5598?
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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