| Water-Based High-Expansion Foaming Paste | Cotton and cotton-rich textiles | Use as a ready-to-print paste or follow the technical sheet for pigment and binder addition. A controlled starting point is usually 5–15% foaming component in a compatible base. | Approximately 32–55 threads/cm, with a medium stencil thickness to retain foam volume. | Print a smooth, even deposit; avoid excessive squeegee pressure and allow adequate drying between colors. | Dry thoroughly, then activate according to the formulation. Many systems require approximately 150–170°C for 60–120 seconds, but the technical data sheet takes priority. | Soft, lightweight, raised texture with medium-to-high expansion. | Best for breathable apparel, soft-hand graphics, and high-relief designs. | Can dry in the screen; moisture balance and complete curing are important. | ★★★★★ |
| Water-Based Low-Expansion Foaming Paste | Cotton, rayon, and blended fabrics | Typically used as a ready-to-print specialty paste or at a lower additive level than high-expansion systems. | Approximately 43–77 threads/cm for better detail retention and a controlled deposit. | Use one or two controlled strokes with moderate pressure. Suitable for fine outlines and smaller raised details. | Common activation ranges are approximately 140–160°C for 60–120 seconds after the print is dry. | Subtle raised texture with improved detail and lower overall height. | Best for logos, fine lettering, lightweight garments, and designs requiring controlled relief. | Produces less dramatic height than high-expansion paste and may require careful color selection. | ★★★★☆ |
| Plastisol Foaming Paste | Common apparel textiles, including cotton and synthetic blends when compatibility is confirmed | Often used as a dedicated ready-to-print ink or blended with compatible plastisol at the supplier-specified percentage. | Approximately 32–55 threads/cm with a medium-to-high stencil deposit. | Print a substantial, even ink film. Flash only as needed and avoid over-flashing before the foam layer is printed. | Typically requires approximately 160–180°C ink-film temperature for about 60–90 seconds; verify the actual ink-film temperature rather than relying only on dryer air temperature. | Pronounced, durable raised effect with strong opacity. | Best for bold graphics, athletic-style lettering, and high-volume production. | May feel heavier than water-based foam and can lose height if over-cured or excessively compressed. | ★★★★★ |
| Low-Cure Foaming Paste | Heat-sensitive or blended textiles, subject to compatibility testing | Use only within the formulation range specified for the product; avoid excessive additive levels that can weaken the print film. | Approximately 32–55 threads/cm; use a stencil that provides enough deposit for expansion without flooding detail. | Print with consistent pressure and use the lowest process temperature that achieves complete cure. | Often designed for approximately 130–150°C, but the required time depends on the formulation, fabric, dryer airflow, and ink-film thickness. | Medium raised effect with reduced risk of fabric scorching or dye migration when properly tested. | Best when the substrate or dye system cannot tolerate conventional high curing temperatures. | Lower cure temperature does not guarantee complete curing; wash testing is essential. | ★★★★☆ |
| High-Opacity Foaming Paste | Dark cotton and cotton-rich garments | Use as a dedicated opaque paste or print over a compatible underbase when a bright, raised result is required. | Approximately 32–49 threads/cm for sufficient coverage and foam height. | Use a controlled underbase where needed, allow the correct flash condition, and print the foaming layer without excessive compression. | Common cure ranges are approximately 150–180°C for 60–120 seconds, depending on the complete ink system. | Bright, dense, raised surface with strong visual contrast. | Best for dark garments, large solid graphics, and high-contrast artwork. | More ink deposit can increase stiffness, weight, and the risk of uneven expansion. | ★★★★☆ |
| Soft-Hand Micro-Foam Paste | Lightweight cotton, cotton-modal, and fashion garments | Use at the formulation’s recommended level; lower deposits generally help preserve softness and drape. | Approximately 49–77 threads/cm for finer detail and a thinner ink film. | Use a fine, even deposit and avoid multiple heavy strokes that can flatten the developing foam. | Typically cured within approximately 140–170°C for 60–120 seconds, subject to the formulation and fabric. | Fine, low-profile texture with a soft hand and limited visual height. | Best for premium garments, tonal graphics, and designs where comfort is more important than maximum lift. | Less suitable for dramatic 3D effects or very large opaque areas. | ★★★★☆ |
| Stretch Foaming Paste | Stretch cotton, elastane blends, and flexible sportswear after testing | Use a compatible stretch base and follow the specified ratio; excessive foaming additive can reduce elasticity. | Approximately 32–55 threads/cm with a flexible stencil and sufficient deposit for expansion. | Print with controlled tension and avoid over-flashing. Evaluate stretch recovery after curing. | Commonly approximately 150–170°C for 60–120 seconds, with exact conditions determined by the complete ink system. | Raised effect with improved flexibility compared with conventional rigid specialty pastes. | Best for flexible garments, sportswear details, and graphics exposed to moderate stretching. | Stretch performance depends strongly on the base, fabric, cure, and ink-film thickness. | ★★★★☆ |
