UV Printing
UV printing cures the ink instantly with ultraviolet light instead of letting it soak in and dry. That means it prints directly onto rigid and non-absorbent surfaces — acrylic, metal, glass, wood, foam board — with colour that resists fading and handling far better than conventional ink.
What UV printing does that other printing cannot
Conventional ink needs a surface that will absorb it. UV ink cures on contact with ultraviolet light, so it sits on top of whatever it is printed on — which opens up acrylic, aluminium composite, glass, wood, tile and rigid board.
Because it cures instantly there is no drying time before finishing, and because the cured film is tough, the result handles cleaning, sunlight and outdoor exposure far better than solvent or water-based prints.
Where it is the right choice
Signage that has to survive outdoors. Panels and displays that will be handled. Anything printed onto a rigid sheet rather than paper or vinyl. Short runs of personalised or one-off items where setting up a press would make no sense.
Materials
- Acrylic and polycarbonateSignage, displays, illuminated panels
- ACP and aluminium compositeExterior signage and cladding panels
- Foam board and rigid PVCDisplays, standees, exhibition panels
- Wood and MDFDécor panels, plaques, interior fitments
- Glass and tileFeature and décor applications
- Rigid sheet materials generallyDirect flatbed printing without lamination
Applications
- Shop signage and fascia panels
- Exhibition and event display boards
- Interior décor and feature panels
- Nameplates, plaques and wayfinding
- Promotional standees and point-of-sale
- One-off and personalised items
How the work is delivered
- Bring or send the artwork and confirm the finished size.
- Choose the substrate — we advise where the application decides it.
- Artwork prepared and colour checked in-house.
- Direct flatbed printing with instant UV cure.
- Cutting, finishing and mounting as required.
- Installation, for signage and fixed panels.
Frequently asked questions
What surfaces can UV printing be done on?
Rigid and non-absorbent materials that conventional printing cannot handle — acrylic, aluminium composite, foam board, rigid PVC, wood, MDF, glass and tile among them. Because the ink cures on contact rather than soaking in, the surface does not need to be porous.
Is UV printing suitable for outdoor signage?
Yes. The cured ink film is considerably more resistant to sunlight, moisture and handling than solvent or water-based prints, which is why it is a common choice for exterior signage and panels.
Can you print a single piece?
Yes. There is no plate or setup cost, so a single panel is economical in a way offset printing never is. One-off and personalised items are routine.
Start a project
Tell us the site, the scale and the date it needs to be in place. We will tell you what is achievable and what it involves.