Puff ink screen printing is making a bold comeback, adding a nostalgic retro flair to modern fashion that’s impossible to miss with its eye-catching look. We created a helpful guide to answer basic questions that might come up when deciding if custom puff ink screen printing is right for your next design project.
What is Puff Ink Screen Printing?
This technique, known for its raised, three-dimensional texture, takes us back to the vibrant styles of the ’80s, bringing a touch of vintage charm to today’s apparel. To create its raised lettering and designs, a heat-sensitive foaming agent is added to the standard screen-printing ink (plastisol), which forms a puff paste. The magical element in the process is heat. The plastisol expands and puffs when heated to 150 – 165 degrees, giving that eye-catching, puffy, marshmallow look and feel. The final print has a two- or three-dimensional look with ink that can rise 1 – 8 mm, adding depth to a design.
Is This Technique Right for Your Custom Merch?
Looking for that wow factor that will make your merch stand out? Want to create a sense of nostalgia or playfulness? Puff ink may be just what you want to add a touch of fun to your merchandise. Consider if your design has any of the following elements:
- Simple and Bold Designs: Puff ink works best with simple, bold designs. Intricate details may not be as effective because the puff effect can obscure fine lines and small elements.
- Large, Solid Areas: Designs with large, solid areas of color will showcase the puff effect well. Think bold text, simple shapes and large graphic elements.
- High Contrast: Choosing colors that pop against the base material will make the design stand out more.
- Geometric Patterns: Stripes, polka dots and chevron patterns work well because they maintain their integrity when puffed up.
- Bold Lettering: Blocky, sans-serif fonts are ideal for text designs because they puff up nicely and remain legible.
- Cartoon or Outline Styles: Cartoonish designs or outlines of objects can look striking when puffed, adding a playful and dynamic element to the print.
Some Things to Consider
There are some limitations to consider when choosing this type of printing.
- Cracking can occur when the puff ink breaks apart after drying, and it may not adhere well to certain fabrics. Choosing the right fabric and a thicker design can prevent this.
- Puff ink colors can bleed into each other or into the fabric. Using high-quality fabric is key.
- Puff ink can crack or peel over time, especially if they undergo a lot of stretching or washing. Proper garment care is essential.
- The puff ink additive can slightly dilute color, so there will be a variance in the color’s shade. If you’re looking for an exact color match, standard screen printing might be a better fit for your project.
Being aware of these potential issues will help you make the best decisions in the creation process. Work closely with a printer who is experienced in this type of screen printing to minimize issues and create the custom merch you’ve envisioned.
Best Products for Puff Ink Screen Printing
Puff ink screen printing works best on heavier-weight products and fabrics that can withstand the heat curing process required for the ink to expand and create the raised effect. Here are some recommended products and fabrics:
- 100% Cotton: Cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts provide a smooth surface for the puff effect to stand out.
- Tote Bags: Canvas tote bags provide a durable and sturdy surface.
- Hats and Caps: Puff printing can also be used on hats and caps, but it’s important to use headwear that is sturdy enough to hold the design like trucker hats.
- Flat Surfaces: Puff printing can also be used on flat surfaces such as posters, art prints and other promotional items.
Contact the Experts
Are you ready to embrace this throwback trend? As fun and unique as puff ink screen printing is, we recommend that you work with a printer who has the expertise and experience with this medium. That’s where the experts at Full Press Apparel come in! Full Press Apparel can help you elevate your designs with high-quality products and puff ink screen printing. Call us at (850) 222-1003 or drop us a line.
