UV printing — vibrant color
UV printing uses specialized inks cured instantly by UV light, allowing for full-color, durable graphics and text on a wide range of flat surfaces. It's ideal for adding vibrant imagery, intricate designs, and precise branding to custom awards and packaging.
UV printing is a versatile technique that brings full-color designs to life on almost any flat surface. Unlike traditional printing that relies on solvents to dry, UV printing uses a unique ink palette (CMYK + White) that cures instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. This immediate curing process locks the ink onto the material, creating a highly durable and vibrant finish. From intricate logos to detailed imagery, UV printing offers exceptional clarity and color depth, making it a popular choice for awards that demand a striking visual impact. It's a direct-to-surface method, meaning the design is applied straight onto your chosen material, ensuring a seamless and high-quality result.
The UV printing process
*Ink, light, and instant adhesion*
The core of UV printing is similar to a home inkjet printer, but with a crucial difference: the ink. Specialized print heads apply a unique ink blend, including CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) plus white, directly onto the material. Immediately after application, powerful UV lamps cure the ink, transforming it from liquid to solid in a fraction of a second. This instant curing prevents the ink from spreading, ensuring sharp details and vibrant colors. For certain materials, an additional primer layer is applied first to enhance ink adhesion, guaranteeing a long-lasting bond between the print and the substrate.
Materials and applications
*Flat surfaces, endless possibilities*
UV printing excels on a diverse array of flat materials, making it incredibly versatile for custom awards. We commonly apply it to glass, acrylic, and metal, where it produces crisp, vivid results. It can also be used on properly prepared wood and even for branding packaging like award boxes. The key requirement is a flat surface; designs cannot be applied to irregular shapes or protruding elements. While it can print on porous or highly absorbent surfaces, the final print quality will always reflect the underlying texture and smoothness of the material itself.
Durability and finish
*Built to last, indoors and out*
One of the most significant advantages of UV printing is its exceptional durability. The instant UV curing creates a robust, wear-resistant finish that stands up to handling and environmental exposure. This makes UV printed awards suitable for both indoor display and, in many cases, outdoor applications where weather resistance is crucial. Beyond full-color graphics, UV printing also allows for the application of white ink, perfect for creating opaque designs on transparent materials, and even a transparent varnish for added protection or subtle textural effects. The result is a vibrant, lasting impression that maintains its integrity over time.
6 pieces from uv printing in the gallery.
Real commissions using this technique. Click through to see materials, dimensions, and engraving details per piece.
Working with uv printing.
What materials can be UV printed?
UV printing is highly versatile and can be applied to almost any flat surface. Common materials include glass, acrylic, metal, and properly prepared wood. It's also used for branding on packaging like custom award boxes.
Is UV printing durable and weather-resistant?
Yes, UV printing is known for its exceptional durability. The inks are instantly cured by UV light, creating a robust, wear-resistant finish that holds up well to handling and is highly resistant to weather conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Can UV printing handle full-color designs and intricate details?
Absolutely. UV printing uses a CMYK + White color palette, allowing for the application of full-color graphics, text, and even opaque white designs on transparent materials. It produces sharp details and vibrant colors, perfect for complex logos and imagery.
Are there any limitations to UV printing?
The primary limitation is that UV printing requires a flat surface. It cannot be applied to irregular shapes, curved surfaces, or elements that protrude from the material. While it can print on porous surfaces, the final quality is influenced by the material's smoothness and texture.
Ready to brief a piece in uv printing?
Tell us the moment, send your brand assets, and we'll respond with two material directions in two working days.