How to Press Puff HTV — Tips & Tricks

Puff HTV creates a dimensional, raised finish that stands out on garments, but it requires proper pressing to get the best results. This guide walks you through exactly how to work with puff HTV successfully. 

What Is Puff HTV?

Puff HTV expands when heat is applied, creating a three-dimensional “puffed” texture. Because it reacts to both heat and pressure, the right technique is essential. Each variety of puff HTV has it’s own set of presing instructions. We are using Heat Transfer Warehouse Puff in White for our tutorial LINK TO SHOP 

How to Press Puff HTV (Step-by-Step)

1. Pre-press your garment for 2–3 seconds to remove moisture and flatten wrinkles.
   
   
2. Apply your puff Heat Transfer Vinyl or HTV design using firm even, medium pressure.
   
   
3. Press at the recommended temperature and time. Heat Transfer Warehouse Puff HTV presses best at 302–311°F. This could vary from press to press, though.
   For Press 1, apply firm, even pressure for 1–3 seconds, then allow the design to cool and remove the liner.
   For Press 2, press again for 2–8 seconds using the same firm, even pressure. This second press activates the puff effect, helping the HTV expand evenly for a clean, dimensional finish.
   
   
4. Allow the design and material to puff as the garment cools fully.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Puff

• Use medium, even pressure.
  
  
• Choose simple, bold designs such as block fonts, numbers, outlines, or basic shapes.
  
  
• Avoid fine details, as they will disappear or lose definition after puffing.
  
  
• Press only on flat garments; seams and zippers disrupt the puff effect.
  
  
• Use a Teflon sheet only if necessary, as too much coverage may reduce puff height.
  
  
• Test on a scrap piece of fabric to fine-tune settings with your puff and press.
  
  
• Here is a link to shop all of the puff options offered at Heat Transfer Warehouse - each material has a separate set of instructions, make sure to test Shop Puff Heat Transfer Vinyl