Distressed Pulav 3 is a very bold, very narrow, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'ATF Alternate Gothic' by ATF Collection and 'Geogrotesque Condensed Series' by Emtype Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: posters, packaging, labels, band merch, event flyers, gritty, vintage, industrial, rugged, noisy, authenticity, impact, texture, wear simulation, condensed, stamped, weathered, inked, textured.
A condensed, all-caps-forward sans with blocky proportions and assertive verticals. Strokes are heavy but broken up by consistent speckling and chipped counters, creating a worn-print texture that reads like uneven ink coverage. Curves are compact and slightly squarish, terminals tend toward blunt cuts, and spacing is tight with an energetic, irregular rhythm caused by the internal distress rather than by slant or script motion. Numerals and lowercase follow the same condensed, sturdy structure, with the texture staying visible at both glyph and word level.
Best suited for short, high-impact display typography such as posters, packaging, labels, and apparel graphics where a rugged texture is desirable. It works well for bold titling, badges, and signage-style compositions, especially when you want a worn or stamped impression rather than clean legibility at small text sizes.
The overall tone is tough and utilitarian, with a retro, workshop-like character. The distressed surface evokes age, friction, and imperfect printing, giving headlines a raw, hands-on feel rather than a polished corporate voice.
The design appears intended to deliver a compact, forceful display voice while simulating print wear and ink breakup for immediate atmosphere. It prioritizes character and texture over pristine outlines, aiming to make contemporary layouts feel aged, gritty, and tactile.
The distress is integrated across nearly all strokes (not just edges), so large sizes amplify the grain and chips, while smaller sizes may merge texture into a darker mass. The narrow set width helps build dense, impactful lines, and the irregular ink-like breakup keeps repeated shapes from feeling monotonous.