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Raised Ink That Gives Your Logo Real Dimension
Puff print uses a foaming additive in the ink that expands under heat, lifting the design off the fabric by up to a millimetre or more. It reads as sculpted rather than printed. We apply it on sturdy 220 to 260 GSM cotton, from 50 pieces, with test cures before bulk.
- Raised 3D ink texture
- Bold logos, strong shelf impact
- Heavy cotton for clean results
- Test cure before bulk
How puff print works, and when to use it
Puff ink is a plastisol or water-based formula with an expanding agent. We screen print it like any ink, then heat it to activate the foam, so the design swells and sets into a raised, slightly matte relief. The effect is tactile, which is why brands use it for logos and lettering.
It performs best on bold shapes. Thick letters, simple icons and heavy outlines puff cleanly, while thin lines and tiny text can lose clarity as the ink swells. We typically recommend a minimum line width of 2 to 3 mm and test small elements on a swatch before we commit.
The shirt matters too. We use 220 to 260 GSM cotton jersey because a stable, tight knit supports the raised print without distorting. Lighter fabrics can ripple around a large puffed area. Our team will recommend a blank and run a test cure so you see the exact height and finish before production.
Specifications
100% cotton single jersey, tight knit for stable printing
220 to 260 GSM, 240 GSM typical
Regular, boxy or oversized
S to 3XL
50 pcs per style and colour
12 to 15 working days for bulk; test cure and sample first
Puff screen print, combined with flat print or embroidery, labels
Folded flat, polybagged, with cartons separated by size
Details that determine puff quality
Controlled expansion
Puff height depends on ink thickness, cure temperature and dwell time. We calibrate each run on a test piece, so the raised effect is consistent from the first shirt to the last.
Layered with flat ink
Many designs print a flat base colour first, then puff on top for the raised elements. This gives crisp edges and depth, and keeps cost sensible compared to puffing the entire artwork.
Strong colour opacity
Puff inks cover cleanly, even on dark cotton, with solid colour that does not need a heavy underbase. Metallic, neon and pastel puff colours are available for added impact.
Durable when cured right
Correctly cured puff prints are flexible and survive repeated washing. We run wash tests on samples, since under-curing is the usual cause of cracking or peeling in the field.
Designing artwork for puff
Send your logo, preferred colours and quantities. We will confirm artwork suitability, run a test cure and return a quote. Minimums start at 50 pieces per style and colour.
Simplify the artwork
Reduce fine detail and merge close elements, because ink expands outwards as well as up. We adjust gaps between letters and shapes so the raised areas do not merge into one another.
Combine with other methods
Pair puff with embroidery for a premium chest logo, or with flat screen print for a graphic with a raised focal point. We plan layer order so the textures complement each other.
Choose scale carefully
Large solid areas of puff can feel heavy and crack more easily. We often suggest a mix of puffed outline and flat fill, or a moderately sized hit placed on the chest or sleeve.
Colour and finish choices
Standard Pantone-matched colours are available, along with metallic and glitter-effect additives. We provide a printed swatch for approval so you can see how each colour puffs and sets.
Who orders this
Puff print is a favourite of streetwear brands, sports clubs and event teams who want a visible, tactile hit. Buyers like its impact in photographs and in person, and the effect is hard to copy with digital methods.
- Streetwear labels adding raised logos to hero tees
- Sports clubs and schools wanting bold crest or lettering prints
- Event teams needing standout merchandise for fans
- Brands building collaboration drops with texture-led artwork
- Print shops outsourcing specialist puff production at volume
Care & durability
Wash inside out in cold water and avoid heavy fabric softeners. Tumble dry low or hang dry, and never iron on the puffed area, since heat can flatten or damage the raised ink.
A well-cured puff print is flexible and durable. Slight softening of the raised edge over time is normal, and the design usually keeps its shape and colour for the working life of the shirt.
Puff print questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions buyers ask us most. Anything missing? Send an inquiry and we will reply within one business day.
Can any design be printed in puff?
Not every design suits it. Bold shapes and simple lettering work best, while very fine lines or small text may blur as the ink expands. Send your artwork and our team will advise on adjustments or an alternative before production.
How high does the puff go?
Typically around 0.5 to 1.5 mm, depending on the ink and cure settings. We run a test piece so you can approve the height. Taller puff is possible but may feel heavier and need extra care in design.
Will puff print crack in the wash?
If cured correctly, it should not. Under-curing is the main cause of cracking, so we test cure temperature and time and wash-test samples. Following the care guide extends the life of the print.
Does puff work on dark shirts?
Yes. Puff inks are generally opaque and show strongly on black and navy. For very bright colours on dark fabric, we may add a thin flat underbase to get the cleanest result, and show this in the mockup.
Is puff print more expensive than flat screen print?
It involves extra ink and a controlled cure, so unit costs are typically higher than standard print. Your quote will break this out clearly, and we can suggest ways to limit cost, such as puffing only key elements.
Request a quote for Puff Print T-Shirts
Send your logo, preferred colours and quantities. We will confirm artwork suitability, run a test cure and return a quote. Minimums start at 50 pieces per style and colour.
- Reply within one business day
- Free mockup with every quote
- Pre-production sample before bulk
- Low minimums from 50 pieces
Prefer to talk? WhatsApp or call +92 329 8034691
When you click send, WhatsApp opens with your details pre-filled so you can send them straight to our team.
Want a logo with a raised finish?
Share your artwork and quantity, and we will test it in puff on a real swatch. Your account manager will handle the sample, approvals and dispatch.