How to Make Money with a UV Printer

The UV printing business is growing fast, and that's no surprise.

As of the latest report by Business Research Insights, the global UV inkjet printer market was valued at USD 1.44 billion in 2024. It is expected to reach USD 1.49 billion in 2025.

What does that mean for you? More businesses and individuals are investing in UV printing and many are making money doing it.

So, if you already have a UV printer or are thinking of getting one, the big question is: how do you turn it into a money-making machine?

Not every UV printer side hustle works the same way. Some paths earn faster. Others take more time.

In this guide, we'll share 8 profitable and practical ways people use UV printers to earn real income.

Let's break that down.

1. Sell Custom Products Online

This is one of the most common ways people earn with UV printers.

Instead of competing with mass-produced goods, the key is to create unique pieces that feel personal or hard to find elsewhere.

For example,

• Custom awards with vibrant acrylic printing featuring company logos;
• Unique phone cases that are hard to find in online shops;
• Personalized leather hat patches printed with detailed names, logos, or artwork;

The products don't have to be complicated. What really matters is the connection to a specific interest, theme, or audience.

If your product has a story behind it, or solves a small but specific need, people are often willing to pay a premium. You can start small and test demand without much risk.

2. Offer Local UV Printing Service

There's untapped opportunity in your own neighborhood.

Most small businesses don't have access to custom printing options without ordering online or in bulk.

With a UV printer, you can fill this gap with fast, personalized services.

For example:

• A small coffee shop needing branded mugs and tumblers (yes, UV printer can print on drinkware like mugs);
• A charity golf event that need to custom golf balls with sponsor logos;
• A photo studio exploring metal prints for wedding portraits as a high-end add-on;

What sets you apart is your proximity. You can offer:

• Faster turnaround
• In-person proofing
• No shipping delays or hidden fees

It also builds community loyalty. Once you're known for your reliable, high-quality service, word-of-mouth will drive steady business.

3. Rent Out Your UV Printer

If you're located near a makerspace, design school, or arts community, consider renting out your printer. Many hobbyists and entrepreneurs want to experiment with UV printing but aren't ready to buy their own.

You can:

• Charge by the hour or per project
• Offer beginner training or templates
• Provide assistance with file setup and materials

This strategy keeps your machine working even when you're not using it yourself. And it builds connections with local creatives who may become repeat customers for your other services.

But not all UV printers are easy to rent out, since many models are too large or complex for beginners.

A small printer like the eufyMake E1 is a better fit. It’s compact but still supports a large print area and different printing modes, including rotary printing and UV DTF printing.

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4. Event-Based or Seasonal Selling

Event personalization is a high-margin use of UV printing. People pay more for meaningful customization. This is especially true for weddings, milestone birthdays, and corporate parties.

Seasonal opportunities are important too. Holidays, pop-up markets, and special occasions bring short bursts of buying.

For example, think Christmas ornaments, Halloween decorations, wedding favors, or back-to-school name tags. These items might not sell all year, but they move fast when the season hits.

UV printers help here because you can:

• Personalize every item quickly

• Work in short runs (even just 5-10 pieces)

• Respond to trends or local events fast

You don't need a full-time shop to take advantage of these moments. Even a few weeks of seasonal hustle can add up.

Combining emotional appeal with fast, on-demand printing lets businesses offer valuable, personalized products. This boosts sales at key times and strongly connects with customers.

5. Rapid Prototyping for Designers and Startups

Small brands often need a sample or test version of their product before placing a big order with a manufacturer.

But they can't go to a factory for just one.

With a UV printer, you can create:

• Single-run samples of promotional items
• Custom box tops or inserts
• Product mockups with full branding and color

These are often urgent, high-value jobs, because the customer needs it for a pitch, photo shoot, or investor meeting.

You're not just printing - you're solving a timing problem.

And again, these clients are happy to pay a premium for fast, professional results.

6. Use UV Printing for Education

We're still in the early days of UV printing for consumers, and many people are unfamiliar with its techniques and possibilities.

A compact UV printer opens up many opportunities for teaching and creative workshops. You can introduce students or hobbyists to the basics of digital design, fabrication, and the science behind UV curing.

For example:

1. Demonstrate how to create 3D depth maps.

2. Teach learners how to improve ink adhesion on challenging surfaces.

3. Guide your audience in designing images for optimal UV print results.

Schools, community centers, and maker spaces are always seeking hands-on STEAM activities. You can offer in-person workshops or online tutorials, charging for instruction, materials, or both. This approach not only helps others unlock the full potential of UV printing but also builds your reputation as an expert in the field.

Image: RDNE Stock project

7. Become a UV Printing Influencer

Enjoy making videos or sharing your work? You can make money just by showing what you do.

There are still few videos or social posts about UV printing, so you have a real chance to stand out.

If you're comfortable talking on camera or posting your process, you could build a following.

Post to:

• YouTube (demos, tutorials, behind-the-scenes)

• Instagram (before, after, product ideas)

• TikTok (satisfying printing clips, hacks)

• Pinterest (project inspiration, templates)

You can earn from ads, brand sponsorships, affiliate links (like ink or blanks), or even release paid content later on. It takes consistency.

But it's a great long-term play. And it helps others discover the world of UV printing.

Image: Mariia Shalabaieva

8. Add Value to Your Existing Craft Business

If you already work with laser engravers, 3D printers, or do design work, a UV printer can be a smart next step. You don't need to start over.

Use it to add color and detail. You can print full-color images right onto wood, acrylic, or metal that you've engraved.

You can even print on 3D-printed parts. This gives your products a more polished, professional look. It also helps you raise your prices and attract more customers.

And if you're an artist, a UV printer gives you more freedom. No need to rely on outside print shops. You can make art prints at home, test ideas quickly, and control how everything looks and feels.

Check out our guide comparing UV Printing vs Laser Engraving.

How Much Money Can You Make with a UV Printer?

Here's an example of what small businesses or individual creators might earn by selling popular UV-printed products.

These results are based on ideal situations. Your actual income may be different depending on how you set your prices, what your costs are, and how well your products sell.

Key Takeaway

A compact UV printer can earn $10,000 to $40,000 per month if you sell popular items at good margins.

To get a more accurate picture, check out our earlier guide on real UV printing costs and how to price your products.

10 Profitable UV Printing Business Ideas in 2025

Here are 10 UV printing business ideas that can help you earn money and grow a successful business.

1. Custom Hat Patch

Custom hat patches are a popular way to personalize headwear.

People enjoy making their hats unique, and UV-printed patches are a great way to add style.

You can print directly on leather, faux leather, or other materials with vibrant, durable colors. Flexible white ink works best for this, helping the patch look natural when it’s curved or stitched.

2. 3D Texture Fridge Magnet

3D texture magnets, like those created by Justin Bitner, use depth maps to achieve highly detailed, touchable surfaces at millimeter-level precision.

While more time and ink intensive, these magnets can be sold at a premium. Careful 3D design allows you to control ink usage and maximize profit.

3. Custom Golf Ball

Custom golf balls are a great product idea. Golf ball printing lets you add logos, names, or designs directly onto golf balls. These make great promotional items, tournament giveaways, or gifts for golf clubs. 

And not just these, you can expand your product offering by printing matching items, like golf clubs, ball markers, or certificates, and sell them as themed sets.

Image: Anna Trower

4. Custom Sticker

Custom stickers open up many possibilities.

Printing on vinyl produces durable, weather-resistant stickers. These vinyl stickers work great on cars, laptops, water bottles, and more, perfect for brands or individuals who want long-lasting use.

Printing on film creates UV DTF transfers. These transfers are thin and flexible and can be applied directly to various surfaces without heat pressing. This makes them ideal for customizing items like mugs, phone cases, or other hard surfaces.

Vinyl stickers sell well for customers needing tough, outdoor-ready decals. UV DTF transfers appeal to those wanting unique designs that bond directly to different objects. Offering both lets you reach a wider range of buyers and use cases.

5. Custom Pet Portrait

The pet economy is booming, and custom portraits are always in demand. These pieces connect deeply with pet owners and make perfect gifts or keepsakes.

Mike Smerka recreated a photo of a cat in an oil painting style using UV print and the results are stunning.

6. Custom Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are often printed in small batches, which makes them ideal for UV printing.

Many couples order online, but that adds cost and waiting time. You can offer local, personalized service. What's more, you can even add extra touches like gold/silver foil or embossed textures to make them truly special.

7. Custom Trading Cards

High-end trading cards need advanced printing technology. They offer strong profit potential. You can print on premium cardstock for a sturdy, traditional feel. You can also print on plastic cards for a modern, durable style.

Special finishes like spot UV, foil stamping, and holographic effects make the cards stand out. 

They are popular with collectors, artists, and influencers.

Image: Jovan Vasiljević

8. Light Art Painting

Light art is a unique product category that combines UV printing with LEDs or light boxes. This is great for mood lighting, room décor, or gifts. It's niche, but eye-catching and memorable.

Mel Menzel uses the eufyMake E1 to produce captivating light-based artworks.

9. Custom Wall Art

UV printing can turn many materials into beautiful wall art.

For example, you can print on wood to highlight the natural grain and create a warm, rustic feel.

Printing on canvas is another good option. It offers a classic, textured surface that works well for both photos and paintings.

Wall art is popular during the holidays and home renovation season. While metal wall art is often made by big commercial printers, you can provide local, on-demand service with faster turnaround and more personal designs.

10. Custom Phone Cases

Phone cases are one of the most customizable everyday items. UV printing lets you create textured, full-color designs that pop. Print batches for local events, niche fan art, or collaborate with influencers for limited drops.

Image: Kerry Young

Start Small, Grow from There

Making money with a UV printer is still a good opportunity in 2025.

You earn more when you use the machine well, spend your time wisely, and choose the right products for the right customers.

The eufyMake E1 makes it easier to start small: it's compact, versatile, and supports a wide range of materials and effects without the steep learning curve.

You don't need to start big. Start focused. Master one product category. Learn your printer. Serve your customers. Then grow from there.