| Water-Based High-Expansion Paste | Raised logos, dimensional lettering, fashion graphics, fleece, sweatshirts, and medium-to-heavy cotton garments | High expansion; commonly produces a visibly raised print when the deposit, drying, and curing conditions are properly controlled | Absorbent, stable fabrics with enough structure to support a raised surface | Usually about 150–170°C, depending on the formulation and the fabric | Soft to moderately firm, three-dimensional, and often matte | Strong height, water-based handling, good visual impact, and suitability for large raised effects | May lose height if over-squeezed, under-cured, or applied to unstable fabric; can require careful control of deposit thickness | Best for bold, high-relief graphics on structured garments |
| Water-Based Low-Expansion Paste | Subtle texture, tonal branding, lightweight fashion garments, T-shirts, and fine decorative details | Low to moderate expansion; creates a controlled lift rather than a highly pronounced 3D effect | Lightweight to medium-weight cotton, cotton blends, and fabrics where drape must be preserved | Usually about 140–165°C, subject to the technical data sheet and textile heat tolerance | Low-profile, soft, and lightly textured | Better control, softer hand feel, lower risk of excessive distortion, and suitable for understated effects | Provides less visual height and may not be suitable when a deep embossed effect is required | Best for soft, low-profile texture on everyday apparel |
| Plastisol Foaming Paste | Sportswear, workwear, cotton garments, polyester blends, and prints requiring strong opacity or consistent deposit control | Moderate to high expansion after reaching the required fusion temperature | Stable woven or knitted fabrics that can tolerate plastisol curing temperatures | Often about 160–180°C; exact cure requirements vary by formulation | Raised, opaque, and moderately firm; the finish can range from matte to semi-gloss | Good opacity, long screen open time, reliable print body, and broad garment compatibility | Heavier hand feel, higher energy requirements, and the need to confirm full fusion for wash durability | Best when opacity, production consistency, and durability are priorities |
| Low-Temperature Foaming Paste | Heat-sensitive polyester, performance fabrics, synthetic blends, and garments that may shrink or discolor at higher temperatures | Moderate expansion at a lower activation temperature than conventional systems | Heat-sensitive textiles and fabrics with limited dimensional stability | Commonly about 120–150°C, but the supplier's curing specification must be followed | Raised and usually soft to moderately firm | Reduces thermal stress, shrinkage risk, dye migration risk, and fabric distortion when correctly selected | May have a narrower processing window and can require testing for complete cure and wash resistance | Best for synthetic or heat-sensitive fabrics |
| Stretch Foaming Paste | Leggings, activewear, rib knits, elastane blends, stretch jerseys, and close-fitting garments | Low to moderate expansion with improved flexibility after curing | Elastic fabrics that repeatedly stretch during wear and laundering | Typically about 140–170°C, depending on the binder system and fabric | Flexible, raised, and generally softer than rigid specialty effects | Better elongation, improved resistance to cracking during normal stretch, and suitable for flexible graphics | Usually offers less height and stiffness than high-expansion products; excessive deposit can reduce stretch comfort | Best for elastic garments and performance apparel |
| Soft-Hand Foaming Paste | Premium T-shirts, babywear, underwear, lightweight knits, and garments where comfort is important | Low to moderate expansion with emphasis on a smooth, flexible hand | Soft, lightweight, and absorbent fabrics that need a comfortable surface | Often about 140–165°C, according to the formulation and textile requirements | Soft, lightly raised, and low-gloss | Comfortable touch, lower perceived print weight, and good suitability for skin-contact garments | Limited maximum height and may require careful mesh, stencil, and squeegee selection to avoid a weak effect | Best for comfort-focused apparel and premium soft garments |
| Opaque Foaming Paste | Dark cotton, colored garments, workwear, uniforms, and graphics requiring strong color coverage | Moderate expansion while maintaining a relatively dense, covering print film | Dark or saturated fabrics where the garment color could reduce print brightness | Usually about 150–180°C, depending on the curing system | Raised, dense, and more substantial than transparent or low-opacity effects | Improved coverage, stronger color contrast, and better visibility on dark textiles | Can feel heavier and may reduce the softness of lightweight garments; migration testing may be needed on polyester | Best for high-contrast raised graphics on dark fabrics |
| Transparent or Semi-Transparent Foaming Paste | Tonal effects, overprints, fashion textures, vintage graphics, and designs intended to reveal the base fabric | Low to moderate expansion with a translucent visual effect | Light or medium-color fabrics with an attractive base texture or color | Typically about 140–170°C, subject to the technical specification | Subtle, textured, and sometimes slightly glossy | Creates layered visual depth, preserves the underlying fabric color, and supports decorative effects | Limited coverage on dark fabrics and more variation in appearance when the base fabric is uneven | Best for tonal designs and decorative surface texture |
| High-Density Foaming Paste | Embossed lettering, premium labels, geometric graphics, and structured decorative prints | Controlled high deposit with pronounced height after expansion and curing | Firm, stable fabrics that can support a thick print without excessive deformation | Usually about 150–180°C, depending on the product system | Strongly raised, sharply defined, and often firm | Excellent dimensional impact, crisp edges, and premium tactile definition | More demanding screen preparation, slower production handling, heavier hand feel, and reduced suitability for drapey fabrics | Best for premium embossed effects on stable textiles |
