Puff Print
A screen printing technique that creates a raised, three-dimensional texture on garments by adding a puff additive to plastisol ink. When the printed design passes through a dryer or heat press, the additive expands and produces a foam-like, tactile surface that sits above the fabric. Puff print is popular in streetwear and fashion apparel. DTF printing cannot directly replicate puff print effects, though some DTF puff films are emerging on the market.
Related Terms
A traditional printing method that pushes ink through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each color requires a separate screen, making it cost-effective only for large runs. DTF eliminates setup costs and minimum order requirements.
A heat-applied transfer made by screen-printing plastisol ink onto release paper, then heat-pressing the cured ink onto a garment. Plastisol transfers predate DTF and offer thicker hand-feel and bright opaque colors, but require separate screens for each color and have higher minimum order quantities. DTF has largely replaced plastisol transfers for short runs and full-color designs.