The Screen Print Column Design considerations
Important tips • Don’t apply foil directly onto uncured puff ink. The heat press will flatten it.
• Use a smooth foil (not distressed) for the cleanest look over puff.
• Test adhesive and foil compatibility – not all foils stick well to raised surfaces.
Testing and sampling Before a production run: • Create test swatches with different puff densities (ink deposit/ mesh count).
• Try embossing and printing on scrap fabric to check texture hold. • Wash-test samples – embossing holds, but puff ink may degrade with harsh washing if not cured properly. Use cases • Streetwear logos: Embossed patch and puff ink logo for rich, tactile branding.
• Luxury loungewear: Embossed grid pattern and puff monogram. • Event merch: Puff printed icons framed inside embossed borders.
• Techwear: Embossed geometric panels and puffed tech labels. Combining puff ink with foil stamping on textiles opens up
a striking interplay between texture and shine – a raised, soft surface with a metallic pop. It’s bold, tactile, and ideal for fashion, luxury branding, or high-impact merchandise. Let’s break down how to pull it off successfully, with technical advice, material tips, and creative possibilities.
Why puff and foil? • Puff ink: Expands during curing, creating a soft, raised surface. • Foil stamping: Adds a shiny, metallic layer using heat and pressure.
Together, these processes can; highlight specific raised elements (e.g., logo outlines, accents), create dimensional metallic effects not possible with foil alone, and build contrast.
Technical workflow options Option 1: Foil over puff (high drama, shiny texture). This is best for raised, shiny logos or patterns. 1) Screen print puff ink.
- Use a mesh count of 80 to 110 for thick deposit. 2) Cure the puff ink fully.
- Conveyor dryer at 160 to 165°C for 60 to 90 seconds.
3) Apply foil adhesive only on the puffed area using another screen. - Adhesive: plastisol foil adhesive (thicker) or water-based (softer hand).
- Flash cure lightly (tacky, not dry).
4) Apply foil using a heat press. - Temperature: 150 to 160°C. - Pressure: Medium. - Time: eight to 12 seconds. 5) Cool and peel foil sheet gently.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Pro tips for best results • Always pre-test puff and foil combinations – some foils resist bonding to textured surfaces.
• Avoid pressing directly on puff ink during foil application – use a Teflon sheet and minimal pressure.
• Register screens carefully. Even a 1mm misalignment in foil over puff can look off.
• Cool peel gives cleaner foil transfer on puff ink. • For soft-hand designs, use underbase puff ink and foil only on topmost raised details.
Use knockout techniques (leave out foil in certain puff areas) for dynamic layering.
Materials and tools
Option 2: Foil beside puff (contrast play). This is best for design elements with layered finish – shiny flat zones and raised soft ones. 1) Print puff ink areas and cure. 2) Print foil adhesive in separate areas. 3) Foil press only the adhesive sections. This gives you both textures, without the technical challenge of foil on an uneven surface.
Creative design combos
July 2025 | 67 |
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
