TW 5525 Flat Opaque Black Water-Based Poster Ink – High-Opacity Matte Black for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5525 Flat Opaque Black is the anchor ink of the TW 5500 Flat Series — a dense, high-opacity carbon black that delivers the deep, flat, light-absorbing black that fine art serigraph editions and concert poster printing demand for keylines, type, halftone work, and the final grounding pass that ties a multi-color composition together. Every TW 5500 shop stocks TW 5525. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day.
✓ Halftone Key Black
✓ Serigraph Anchor Color
✓ 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: $40.24 through $114.32
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5525 Flat Opaque Black — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5525 Flat Opaque Black is the anchor ink of the TW 5500 system — a dense, high-opacity carbon black that delivers the deep, flat, light-absorbing black that fine art serigraph editions and concert poster printing demand for keylines, type, halftone work, and the final grounding pass that ties a multi-color composition together. Pigmented with carbon black for maximum density, press ready, and formulated for polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interior panels. Made in the USA by TW Graphics, est. 1923.
Key Features
Deep, Flat Carbon Black
TW 5525 cures to one of the flattest, most light-absorbing black surfaces in the water-based poster ink category. Under gallery and stage lighting, printed black areas read as genuinely dark and dimensional rather than gray or reflective — the critical quality for keyline work, type, and fine detail on serigraph and poster editions.
Anchor for the Full TW 5500 Color System
TW 5525 is used at the end of almost every multi-color print sequence to anchor type, keylines, and shadow values across the entire composition. Small additions of TW 5525 to any other TW 5500 color produce shadow tones and darks — a drop in any hue builds instant depth without the muddy neutrality of mixing black into colors that aren’t designed for it.
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 5525 Opaque Black behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
True neutral black — maximum density. Flat non-bronzing carbon black. The deepest light-absorbing surface in the TW 5500 water-based poster ink category.
Mixing Potential
Dark tone and shadow anchor. Add to any TW 5500 color for instant shadow tones and darks. Creates chromatic blacks when mixed with TW 5514 (warm) or TW 5519 (cool).
Halftone Performance
Outstanding halftone key ink. Consistent density across the full dot range. Use TW 5543 Halftone Black for calibrated process-printing work; TW 5525 for solid spot black.
Print Sequence
Print last in the sequence as the keyline, type, and shadow anchor that ties the entire multi-color composition together.
Who Prints with TW 5525 Opaque Black?
🎤 Every Concert & Poster Print Shop
Black is the most-used ink in any poster shop. TW 5525 is the final screen on virtually every multi-color poster run — the ink that adds type, outlines, shadows, and the flat-surface anchoring that makes a poster read as finished and professional.
🌟 Every Fine Art Serigraph Studio
Gallery-quality serigraph work demands a black that reads as genuinely dark and flat under exhibition lighting. TW 5525’s carbon black delivers the deep, non-bronzing black surface that distinguishes professional serigraph editions from amateur work.
🍴 Every POP Display & Flat-Stock Signage Printer
Black type, outlines, and graphic elements are fundamental to virtually all signage and display work. TW 5525 on polystyrene and PS vinyl produces clean, legible black at the finest detail levels.
🎓 Every Printmaking Program & Print Lab
University printmaking programs list TW 5525 as an essential color in every TW 5500 student palette. Black is used in every multi-color project for keylines, text, and shadow value building.
On-Press Setup — TW 5525 Opaque Black
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 5525 Opaque Black 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 5525 Opaque Black
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 5525 Opaque Black 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 5525 Opaque Black |
| Color Properties | True neutral black; maximum density; flat non-bronzing carbon black; the deepest light-absorbing surface in the TW 5500 water-based poster ink category. |
| 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 5525 Opaque Black and TW 5543 Halftone Black?
TW 5525 Opaque Black has full pigment loading optimized for maximum density, opacity, and coverage in solid spot-color applications — keylines, type, flood fills, and shadow overprints. TW 5543 Halftone Black has calibrated, lower pigment loading for precise dot density in process-printing halftone tonal ranges. For any application requiring solid, opaque black coverage, use TW 5525. For fine halftone screen work where tonal accuracy matters across the full 1–99% dot range, use TW 5543.
Can TW 5525 be used to build warm and cool black tones?
Absolutely — pure black has no temperature, but small additions of color to TW 5525 produce warm or cool black character that adds depth and sophistication to shadow work. Add 10–15% TW 5514 Fire Red for warm black. Add a small amount of TW 5519 Reflex Blue or TW 5507 Violet for cool, deep blue-black. These chromatic blacks are a staple technique in fine art serigraph and concert poster printing.
Does TW 5525 work well for fine detail and type printing?
Yes — TW 5525 is excellent for fine detail work. Run 305–380 mesh monofilament polyester for the finest type and line detail. Use a sharp 80–85 durometer squeegee for clean edge definition. Ensure your Murakami Photocure Pro stencil is fully exposed for maximum stencil hardness and edge sharpness. Add TW 5009 Thickener at 0.5% if ink body needs adjustment for fine detail retention at high mesh counts.
Is TW 5525 Opaque Black 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 5525 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 5525 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 5525 Opaque Black. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5525?
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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