TW 5505 Flat Magenta Water-Based Poster Ink – Classic, High-Chroma Magenta for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5505 Flat Magenta is a pure, high-chroma process-magenta water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — the cleanest, most spectral magenta-pink in the standard TW 5500 lineup, equally valuable as a bold spot color and as the mixing base for purples, magentas, and rose tones across the entire palette. Fine art serigraph studios and concert poster shops order TW 5505 when pink and purple work demands maximum chroma and reliable color builds. Available in quart and gallon, in stock and ships same day.
✓ Purple Mixing Base
✓ Serigraph Pink
✓ 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: $91.99 through $224.31
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5505 Flat Magenta — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5505 Flat Magenta is the process-ink-adjacent magenta in the TW 5500 lineup — a pure, high-chroma pink-red that anchors the magenta-to-red range of the TW 5500 palette and serves as the clean mixing base for purples, magentas, and warm pinks in concert poster and serigraph production. Its strong spectral purity makes it valuable both as a spot color and as a component in complex color-mixing workflows. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of indoor light-fastness, press ready, and formulated for polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interiors.
Key Features
Pure High-Chroma Magenta
TW 5505 delivers the cleanest, most spectral magenta in the TW 5500 standard color lineup. In full coverage it reads as pure, electric, and unambiguously magenta — not pink-red, not purple, but clean process-magenta character with maximum visual impact.
Cornerstone of the Purple & Pink Range
Every color in the TW 5500 pink-to-purple range starts with TW 5505. Mix with TW 5507 Violet for rich purples. Mix with TW 5521 White for soft roses and pinks. Add TW 5509 Green Shade Blue for clean, cool purples. No other standard color in the lineup anchors this range as effectively.
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 5505 Magenta 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 magenta — clean blue-pink, strongly pigmented. High chroma, high visual impact at full coverage.
Mixing Potential
Excellent purple mixing base. Combine with TW 5507 Violet or TW 5508 Red Shade Blue for rich purples. Mix with TW 5521 White for soft pinks and roses.
Halftone Performance
Excellent halftone ink. Its strong pigmentation means small dot percentages deliver significant color contribution. Test for dot gain on fine-halftone work.
Print Sequence
Print in mid-sequence. Overprint with TW 5507 for luminous purples. Underprint with lighter colors for rich, saturated secondary tones.
Who Prints with TW 5505 Magenta?
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Process-clean magenta is fundamental to fine art serigraph color systems. TW 5505 gives studios the spectral anchor needed for consistent, gallery-quality pink, rose, and purple secondary color builds across multi-color limited-edition print runs.
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops
Magenta and purple are defining colors of the poster art aesthetic. TW 5505 is a staple ink for shops that regularly run pink, magenta, and purple screens — its strong chroma makes it effective both as a solid spot color and as a component in purple overprint builds.
🍽 Event & Music Festival Graphics Printers
High-energy pink and magenta are staples of music festival, pop culture, and entertainment design. TW 5505 delivers the vivid, pop-aesthetic magenta that event graphics clients consistently demand.
🎓 Art Schools & Printmaking Programs
University printmaking programs include TW 5505 in their core TW 5500 palette for its reliable secondary color behavior. Students building purple and rose palettes depend on its clean spectral profile for predictable, teachable mixing results.
On-Press Setup — TW 5505 Magenta
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 5505 Magenta 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 5505 Magenta
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 5505 Magenta 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 5505 Magenta |
| Color Properties | Pure magenta; clean blue-pink character; high chroma; closest standard color to process magenta in the TW 5500 lineup; excellent purple and rose 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 is the difference between TW 5505 Magenta and TW 5541 Halftone Magenta?
TW 5505 Magenta is a spot-color ink with full pigment loading optimized for solid coverage, opacity, and strong color presence in flat-stock poster printing. TW 5541 Halftone Magenta is formulated with higher transparency and calibrated pigment loading specifically for halftone dot integrity in process-printing workflows. Use TW 5505 for solid magenta areas and mixing; use TW 5541 when running fine halftone screens in simulated-process or four-color builds.
How do I mix the best purples using TW 5505?
For the richest purples, mix TW 5505 with TW 5507 Violet. Start at roughly 50/50 and add more TW 5507 for cooler blue-purples, or more TW 5505 for warmer red-purples. For lighter lavender tones, add TW 5521 Hi-Hide White to the mix. Avoid using warm reds — they produce brownish, muddied purples rather than clean spectral ones.
Does TW 5505 work well on natural or kraft-colored substrates?
TW 5505 has moderate transparency, so on warm-toned kraft or natural substrates the background warmth will shift the apparent hue slightly warmer — pushing magenta toward a slightly more coral or warm-pink appearance. Always proof on the exact production substrate under consistent lighting before committing to an edition. For fully opaque coverage on dark or strongly tinted substrates, use TW 5521 Hi-Hide White as an underbase.
Is TW 5505 Magenta 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 5505 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 5505 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 5505 Magenta. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5505?
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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