Printing & Production
UV printing: what it prints on and when to choose it
UV printing cures the ink with ultraviolet light as it prints, which is why it can print directly on rigid materials and objects.
How it works
A UV printer lays down ink and cures it straight away with ultraviolet light. The ink dries on the surface instead of soaking in, so it can print directly on boards, acrylic, wood, metal and many objects, not only on paper or film.
Where it suits
- Rigid boards and panels for signs and displays.
- Acrylic, wood and metal items such as awards and promotional gifts.
- Flat objects that must be printed in a consistent position.
UV-DTF for hard surfaces
UV-DTF prints the design onto a film that is then applied to a hard surface as a transfer. It is useful for curved or awkward objects where direct printing is difficult, such as bottles and cups, and for short runs of detailed artwork.
Things to prepare
- The material and its size. Some surfaces need preparation for the ink to hold.
- Whether the item will be handled, washed or kept outdoors.
- Artwork as vector files, with colours and positions marked.
Ask for a sample when the colour must match a brand, because the surface changes how a colour looks.
What to send with your request
The item or material, quantity, artwork and print position, how it will be used, and the date. See Printing & Production or request a quote.