Rapid Cure Screen Printing Ink Puff Additive Gallon - Fast Cure Puff

In this review the Rapid Cure Screen Printing Ink Puff Additive (gallon) is evaluated for home printers and small shops who want a low-temperature way to add raised texture to garments. The bottom line: it delivers an obvious puff effect and cuts curing temperature compared with standard plastisol, which makes it appealing for heat-press workflows and DIY projects. The additive is simple to mix into existing inks, creates a high-opacity raised finish, and is especially useful when quick curing at 270F is needed instead of the usual 320F for plastisol.

Key Features

• Low cure temperature: Cures at 270F so prints can be finished faster and with lower heat equipment than typical plastisol inks.
• Ready to use: The additive is formulated to mix directly into your ink at 10-20% by weight, making setup quick and predictable for repeatable results.
• Puff texture: Produces a raised, elevated finish that keeps sharp edges and detail so stencil work remains crisp after curing.
• Fabric compatibility: Works on cotton, polyester, and blends so it fits a wide range of garment materials used by small printers.
• Long shelf life: Part of the Rapid Cure family that stores well, backing projects that need inventory stability over months.
• Made in the USA: Non-phthalate and CPSIA compliant formulation that meets common safety expectations for textile additives.

Who It's For

This additive is best for hobbyists, print shops experimenting with texture, and makers using heat presses, flash dryers or small conveyor systems who want a puff effect without raising cure temperature demands. It suits users who already work with plastisol inks and want a low-temp option to add dimension without changing their entire workflow.

It is less suitable for projects that require exact color matching, since the product notes that the additive will lighten ink color dramatically, or for printers who need a very thin, non-textured finish. Users seeking water-based puff effects should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Creates a noticeable raised effect while preserving print detail for graphic designs.
• Lower cure temperature at 270F makes it compatible with heat presses and lower-temp dryers.
• Easy to mix and use at 10-20% by weight, integrating with existing plastisol inks.
• High opacity prints on various fabrics and a long shelf life help with production planning.

Cons

• The additive will lighten ink color significantly, so color shifts must be anticipated and tested.
• Some customers report mixed texture and thickness results depending on mixing and ink base, so batches may need trials.

Specifications

Product form	Gallon (128oz)
Cure temperature	270F
Gel temperature	220F
Mix ratio	10-20% by weight into plastisol ink
Compatible surfaces	Cotton, polyester, poly blends
Safety	Non-phthalate, CPSIA compliant

Our Verdict

The Rapid Cure Puff Additive is a practical choice for small shops and DIY printers who want a reliable, low-temperature way to add raised texture to garments. It saves time in curing and integrates with existing plastisol inks, offering good value for projects that can accommodate the noticeable color lightening and may require test mixing for consistent texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much additive should I use?
Mix 10-20% by weight into your ink; for example, 50 grams of ink needs 5-10 grams of additive and adjust from there after test prints.

What temperature does it cure at?
The product cures at 270F and gels around 220F, allowing use with heat presses and lower-temp dryers.

Will it affect ink color?
Yes, the additive will lighten ink color dramatically, so expect color shifts and do sample tests before full production.