Swell Touch Paper

Swell Touch paper is a specially formulated material with superior swelling properties, designed to produce highly effective tactile graphics.

Manufactured in-house and to the highest standards, Swell Touch paper is non-toxic and engineered for durability—allowing raised elements to be handled, explored, and reused repeatedly without degradation.

How It Works

Swell Touch paper features a proprietary coating applied to a specialized liner backing. Graphics can be photocopied, printed, or drawn onto the paper using standard methods. When processed through the Swell Form machine and exposed to heat, the black elements react and expand, creating a raised tactile graphic.

What Elements Will Swell?

Only black elements will swell. Swell Touch paper reacts to heat and the carbon present in black ink.

Colored elements will not typically swell; however, they can be used to enhance graphics for sighted users. Zychem also offers specially formulated Swell Touch markers designed to deliver sharp, consistent swelling for high-quality tactile graphics.

Note: Some colored markers may produce slight swelling due to trace amounts of carbon in the ink. Results may vary, and experimentation is encouraged.

Will produce a swell effect:

• Swell Touch markers (available in thin and thick)
• Carbon-based pencils
• Most major-brand printer inks
• Most major-brand photocopier toners

Will not produce a swell effect:

• Most colored inks and markers
• Non-carbon-based pens, pencils, and markers

Creating a Tactile Graphic

Locate the off-white, slightly textured matte side of the Swell Touch paper—this is the side intended for printing, copying, or drawing. The reverse side is a smooth white liner.

Create your graphic using one of the following methods:

• Freehand: Draw directly using a Swell Touch marker
• Printer: Ensure the paper is oriented correctly for printing
• Photocopier: Confirm proper orientation before copying

Tip: If you are unsure which side your printer or copier prints on, test with a standard sheet labeled “UP” and “DOWN” to determine correct orientation.

Once your graphic is prepared:

• Turn on the Swell Form machine
• Set the appropriate temperature
• Insert the sheet with the graphic facing upward
• Allow the machine to automatically process the sheet
• Retrieve the finished tactile graphic from the rear

For increased height, the sheet may be processed again (maximum of three passes recommended).

Standard Sizes

A4 · A3 · B4 · 8.5 × 11” · 11 × 11.5” · 11 × 17”
Custom sizes are available upon request.

Best Practices

• Fan sheets before loading to prevent sticking
• Use the bypass tray for a shorter, cooler paper path
• Test with a single sheet before full runs
• Use Swell Touch markers and high-quality ink for best results
• Avoid large solid black areas; use textures instead
• Start with lower temperatures and adjust as needed
• Process only one sheet at a time

Applications

Swell Touch paper is used across a wide range of industries:

• Education: Teaching concepts through tactile graphics
• Art & Design: Adding dimension and accessibility to creative work
• Makers & Innovators: Prototyping, sensory panels, and tactile designs

Tactile Library

Create high-quality tactile graphics quickly and easily with our free Tactile Library. Access thousands of ready-to-use graphics—from educational content to creative assets—available for download at no cost.

Join us and help grow the community of users.  Visit TactileLibrary.com.