TW 5521 Flat Hi-Hide White Water-Based Poster Ink – High-Opacity White Ink for Poster & Flat Stock Screen Printing
TW Graphics
TW 5521 Flat Hi-Hide White is a high-opacity, titanium-based water-based screen printing ink from the TW 5500 Flat Series — the foundation of the entire TW 5500 color system, functioning as tint base, underbase, and opaque coverage white for every type of flat-stock screen printing work. Every TW 5500 shop stocks TW 5521. Available in quart and gallon, in stock at River City Supply, ships same day from San Antonio, TX.
✓ Tint Mixing Base
✓ Underbase for Dark Substrates
✓ 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: $45.98 through $123.01
Description
TW Graphics — TW 5500 Flat Series — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5521 Flat Hi-Hide White — Water-Based Poster Ink
TW 5521 Flat Hi-Hide White is the foundation ink of the TW 5500 system — a high-opacity, titanium-based white that functions as tint base, underbase, and opaque coverage white for every type of flat-stock screen printing. Every TW 5500 shop stocks TW 5521. Pigmented with titanium dioxide for maximum hiding power, press ready, and formulated for polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure-sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interior panels.
Key Features
Maximum Opacity Hi-Hide White
TW 5521 uses high titanium dioxide loading for maximum hiding power on any flat-stock substrate. In a single pass on white stock it reads as clean, bright, flat white with no transparency. On dark, kraft, or non-white substrates it functions as a high-opacity underbase that allows subsequent colors to display their true character.
Complete TW 5500 Tint Mixing System Base
Add any TW 5500 color to TW 5521 for tints, pastels, and soft versions of any hue in the palette. This is how you produce skin tones, sky blues, soft pinks, sage greens, and every color lighter than the substrate. TW 5521 is the single most-used ink in any TW 5500 print shop.
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 5521 Hi-Hide White behaves on press — not just what it looks like in the bucket — is what separates professional poster printers from the rest.
Color Bias & Character
Opaque neutral white — maximum hiding power. Titanium dioxide based. Flat/matte finish. The tint and underbase foundation of the entire TW 5500 color system.
Mixing Potential
The universal tint base for all TW 5500 colors. Add any TW 5500 color ink to produce tints, pastels, and soft versions of any hue. Produces clean, flat tints without sheen.
Halftone Performance
Opaque white used in halftone systems as a highlight base on dark substrates. Not a halftone ink itself; used as a solid underbase or spot highlight element.
Print Sequence
Print first as an underbase on dark substrates. Print last or mid-sequence as a highlight element in multi-color serigraph builds.
Who Prints with TW 5521 Hi-Hide White?
🎤 Every Concert & Poster Print Shop
White is used in every multi-color poster run — as a tint base, as a highlight color, and as an opaque coverage element in designs on colored or kraft-toned substrates. TW 5521 is a staple consumable for any shop running TW 5500 inks.
🌟 Fine Art Serigraph Studios
Fine art serigraph editions use TW 5521 for tint mixing, underbase work, and as a standalone color in white-heavy designs. The flat finish integrates seamlessly with the rest of the TW 5500 Series character.
🍴 Every POP Display & Flat-Stock Signage Printer
Retail POP and signage work on colored, natural, or dark substrates requires opaque white as an underbase layer. TW 5521’s high opacity means clean, opaque underbase coverage in a single pass on most substrates.
✈ Industrial Flat-Stock & Specialty Substrate Printers
White is fundamental to virtually every flat-stock printing application. TW 5521 adheres to the full TW 5500 substrate range including polycarbonate, Tyvek, Tedlar, and aircraft interior panels with up to 3 years of light-fastness.
On-Press Setup — TW 5521 Hi-Hide White
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 5521 Hi-Hide White 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 5521 Hi-Hide White
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 5521 Hi-Hide White 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 5521 Hi-Hide White |
| Color Properties | Opaque neutral white; maximum hiding power; titanium dioxide based; flat/matte finish; the tint and underbase foundation of the entire TW 5500 color 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 many passes does TW 5521 Hi-Hide White need for fully opaque coverage?
On white or light-colored substrates, TW 5521 typically achieves clean, flat white coverage in a single pass on 200–230 mesh. On dark or black substrates, two passes may be needed for full opacity. The “Hi-Hide” designation reflects its titanium dioxide loading — it has significantly more hiding power than standard or mixing whites. For maximum opacity in a single pass on dark substrates, run at 200 mesh with a 70 durometer squeegee.
What is the correct way to use TW 5521 as a tint base?
Start with TW 5521 in the bucket, then add small amounts of any TW 5500 color ink and stir thoroughly. Start with 2–5% color ink by weight and build toward your target tint. Because TW 5521 is highly opaque, small additions of color produce significant hue changes — add color gradually. Allow 5 minutes after mixing for the tint to fully develop before evaluating on substrate. Proof on the production substrate as the white level of TW 5521 will affect how the tint reads on different backgrounds.
Can I use TW 5521 to produce a clear or translucent ink effect?
No — TW 5521 Hi-Hide White is specifically designed for maximum opacity, not transparency. For clear and translucent effects, use TW 5530 Clear Flat Base, which is a completely clear, transparent extending medium that can be printed alone for texture effects or mixed into colors to reduce opacity without adding white.
Is TW 5521 Hi-Hide White 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 5521 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 5521 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 5521 Hi-Hide White. For exact Pantone matching, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks are also available.
What emulsion should I use with TW 5521?
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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