TW 5506 Flat Maroon Water-Based Poster Ink – Deep, Rich Maroon for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5506 Flat Maroon is a deep, rich wine-red water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — the darkest, most deeply saturated red in the standard TW 5500 color lineup, delivering the kind of dark burgundy and maroon tones that define sophisticated poster palettes, institutional identity work, and premium flat-stock graphics. Shops that need red to feel weighty and serious order TW 5506. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Dark Mixing Base
✓ Premium Serigraph Red
✓ 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: $139.99 through $344.10
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5506 Flat Maroon — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5506 Flat Maroon is a deep, rich wine-red from the TW 5500 Multi-Purpose Water-Based Series — the darkest pure color in the red-purple range, delivering the deep burgundy and maroon tones that are staples of sophisticated concert poster and fine art serigraph palettes. It functions both as a powerful spot color in its own right and as a dark mixing base for achieving deep, complex tones without adding black. Pigmented with automotive-grade colorants for up to 3 years of light-fastness, press ready from the bucket.
Key Features
Deep Wine-Red Character
TW 5506 is the darkest, most deeply saturated red in the TW 5500 standard lineup. In full coverage it reads as rich, weighty burgundy-maroon — a color that communicates premium, heritage, and depth rather than energy or warmth. Essential for institutional color matching and sophisticated poster work.
Dark Tone Mixing Base
Use TW 5506 to build warm dark tones without adding black. Mix small amounts with TW 5525 Opaque Black to produce deep warm darks for shadow values that have more character and warmth than pure black. Add TW 5505 Magenta for mid-range maroon-purples with rich, wine-character depth.
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 5506 Maroon behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Deep wine-red — dark, saturated, with strong red-purple character. Excellent opacity and coverage.
Mixing Potential
Use as a dark mixing base instead of black for warm dark tones. Combine with TW 5525 Black for even deeper, cooler darks. Mix with TW 5505 Magenta for mid-range maroon-purples.
Halftone Performance
Strong pigmentation means halftone highlights may still carry significant color. Use sparingly at low dot percentages for subtle warm shadow effects.
Print Sequence
Print late in the sequence after lighter colors. Works beautifully as a shadow color overprinted on warm poster palettes.
Who Prints with TW 5506 Maroon?
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Shops (Dark Palettes)
Moody, dark-palette poster work relies on deep maroon as a shadow anchor and background color. TW 5506 gives poster printers a warm dark red that builds depth and weight without the flatness of black.
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Gallery-quality serigraph editions in rich, mature palettes use TW 5506 as both a spot color and a component in dark tone building. Its deep pigment density produces striking solid coverage that reads beautifully in gallery and exhibition lighting.
🏛 Institutional & Corporate Identity Printers
University, winery, and heritage brand identity printing regularly requires maroon and burgundy as primary brand colors. TW 5506 on polycarbonate, Tyvek, and pressure-sensitive vinyl delivers consistent color matches for institutional identity work.
✈ Aircraft Interior & Specialty Industrial Printers
Deep, rich brand colors on aircraft interior panels, nameplates, and specialty industrial flat stock are a core application for TW 5506, which maintains up to 3 years of light-fastness even in demanding interior environments.
On-Press Setup — TW 5506 Maroon
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 5506 Maroon 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 5506 Maroon
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 5506 Maroon 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 5506 Maroon |
| Color Properties | Deep wine-red; dark burgundy-maroon character; high pigment density; darkest standard red in the TW 5500 lineup; effective dark shadow 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
How does TW 5506 Maroon differ from TW 5504 Blue Shade Red?
TW 5504 Blue Shade Red is a vivid, bright crimson with a cool bias — still in the medium-value red range with high chroma. TW 5506 Maroon is dramatically darker, deeper, and more muted — a wine-burgundy rather than a bright red. TW 5504 is best for bold color statements; TW 5506 is best when red needs to read as deep, weighty, and sophisticated.
Can I use TW 5506 Maroon to mix warm shadow tones?
Absolutely — this is one of TW 5506’s best applications. Adding small amounts of TW 5506 to dark mixtures instead of or alongside TW 5525 Opaque Black produces warm, rich darks with much more visual interest than pure black. Start with 10–20% TW 5506 in a dark mix and adjust. The result reads as deep and saturated rather than neutral gray-black.
Is TW 5506 suitable for institutional color matching such as school or university colors?
Yes — TW 5506 is commonly used for institutional maroon and burgundy color matching on flat-stock signage, nameplates, and polycarbonate panels. For exact Pantone color matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available and can be matched to any institutional color specification.
Is TW 5506 Maroon 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 5506 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 5506 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 5506 Maroon. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5506?
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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