Learn everything about puff additive—what it is, how it works, and why SHALITEINK puff additive is key to achieving outstanding 3D print effects.
What’s the Difference Between Puff Base and Puff Additive?
In the screen printing industry, both puff base ir pūsti priedą are widely used, but they serve different purposes.
- Puff base is a ready-to-use ink system pre-formulated with expansion components. It is ideal for streamlined operations and standard 3D effects.
- Puff additive, by contrast, is a concentrated expanding agent designed to be mixed into water-based inks. It offers more flexibility and better control over the puff height and color tone.
SHALITEINK offers both options, allowing print professionals to choose between convenience and customization depending on production needs.
How to Wash Puff Prints Without Compromising the Raised Effect
To preserve the raised structure of puff prints, proper care is essential. SHALITEINK recommends the following guidelines:
- Turn garments inside out before washing to reduce abrasion
- Use cold water and a gentle wash cycle
- Avoid fabric softeners and strong alkaline detergents
- Allow garments to air dry. Do not tumble dry, as high heat may alter the puff structure
When used and washed correctly, SHALITEINK puff additive delivers durable, long-lasting 3D effects.
What Is Rapid Cure Puff Additive and Will Puff Prints Crack?
SHALITEINK Rapid Cure Puff Additive is formulated for high-throughput screen printing environments. It enables faster curing while maintaining a consistent puff effect.
Advantages include:
- Rapid heat-reactive expansion
- Shorter curing time suitable for mass production
- Consistent puffing performance without sacrificing print quality
Cracking may occur due to incorrect handling. Common causes include:
- Excessive puff additive in the ink mix
- Incomplete mixing or dispersion
- Insufficient curing temperature or time
- Printing on highly stretchable fabrics
SHALITEINK recommends conducting a test print to verify your settings before full-scale production.
Puff Printing vs. High-Density Printing: Which Suits Your Design?
Both techniques create raised visual effects, but they differ in texture and production methods.
Feature | Puff Printing (with SHALITEINK Puff Additive) | High-Density Printing |
---|---|---|
Mechanism | Expansion under heat | Multi-layer ink stacking |
Texture | Soft, elastic, bubble-like | Firm, sharp, solid |
Paraiška | Ideal for casual or soft-edge effects | Suitable for clean lines and bold designs |
If you are looking for a soft, voluminous effect, SHALITEINK puff additive is the ideal choice. For sharper, sculpted designs, high-density inks are more appropriate.
How to Use Puff Additive with Puff Binder
SHALITEINK puff binder is designed for use with puff additive and water-based pigment systems. Below is a standard mixing and printing procedure:
- Mix your desired pigment into the SHALITEINK puff binder
- Add 5% to 20% puff additive, depending on the level of puff required
- Stir until the mixture is fully homogeneous and smooth
- Use a mesh screen of 43T to 60T for printing
- Cure the print at approximately 160°C (320°F) for optimal results
Control over the ratio and curing process is key to achieving a uniform and consistent puff finish.
Recommended Usage Levels of Puff Additive
The correct proportion of puff additive varies depending on the desired print texture and design details:
- 5% to 10%: Suitable for fine details and light puff effect
- 10% to 15%: Offers standard puff volume for most textile applications
- 15% to 20%: Delivers a strong, dimensional effect for bold graphics
Exceeding 20% may result in instability or uneven expansion. SHALITEINK recommends testing formulations before final production.
Industry Applications and Market Trends
With the increasing demand for personalized and tactile garment designs, puff printing has emerged as an essential technique in both fashion and promotional apparel. SHALITEINK puff enhancer plays a crucial role in driving this trend, delivering reliable and consistent results across various printing conditions.
Key Application Areas Include:
Streetwear and fashion brands seeking soft, elevated text or logos;
Children’s clothing where the texture adds sensory appeal;
Promotional merchandise, such as caps, tote bags, and sweatshirts;
Artisanal and limited-edition prints, offering a handmade touch.
SHALITEINK puff enhancer supports both small-batch production and high-volume output, making it a scalable solution for print shops of all sizes.
Technical Considerations When Using Puff Enhancer
Achieving high-quality puff effects requires more than just the correct percentage of additive. Environmental factors and print setup also play significant roles:
Ambient humidity and temperature can impact ink drying speed and curing performance;
Screen tension and emulsion thickness affect ink deposition and expansion space;
Ink viscosity must be carefully managed to maintain smooth screen flow while supporting the puff effect.
For optimal results, SHALITEINK provides tailored technical support and guidelines for your specific equipment setup, whether manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated.
Innovation and Sustainability
SHALITEINK is committed to driving innovation through eco-conscious formulations. Our puff enhancer is:
Free from harmful phthalates and formaldehyde;
Compatible with water-based and hybrid ink systems;
Designed for low-energy curing, minimizing operational impact.
By integrating SHALITEINK puff enhancer, manufacturers can enhance product differentiation while aligning with sustainable production goals.
Conclusion: SHALITEINK Pūstų priedų Brings Dimension to Your Designs
Whether you are a screen printer, apparel manufacturer, or studio designer, SHALITEINK puff additive provides a flexible and high-performance solution to achieve unique 3D effects.
This guide covered:
- The difference between puff additive and puff base
- Proper care of puff-printed garments
- Features of rapid cure puff additive and how to avoid cracking
- Puff vs. high-density printing comparison
- How to correctly mix and use puff binder
- Recommended mixing ratios for puff additive
SHALITEINK puff additive is more than a functional component—it is a creative tool that helps you push the boundaries of screen printing.