Thinking about jumping into UV printing? You're in the right place.

Maybe you've already used big industrial UV printers for your small business or side hustle. Or perhaps you're totally new to this but have played around with sublimation, 3D printers, or laser cutters.

Either way, you probably have questions - How does it work? What can you print on? Is it worth the investment?

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Read on to learn all about this innovative technology!

What Is UV Printing?

UV printing has been around since the late 20th century, but it's really taken off in recent years as the technology has become more accessible.

Simply put, UV printing (short for ultraviolet printing) is a digital inkjet technology that uses special UV inks to print on various surfaces. These inks dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light, creating a durable image.

While UV printing works best on flat, hard surfaces, it can also handle slight curves or small height differences.

What's the Difference Between UV Printing and Normal Printing?

What makes UV printing different from regular inkjet printing is that the ink sits on top of the material rather than soaking in.

This means UV printing can work on pretty much any surface with good adhesion. For surfaces with poor adhesion, pre-treatment solutions can help the ink stick better.

But that's not all.

This surface-level printing does something even cooler - it creates 3D textures. By carefully stacking layers of ink, your prints can have raised designs you can actually feel. Run your fingers over it and you'll notice the difference.

Pretty awesome, right?

You might be thinking this sounds like 3D printing, especially resin 3D printing which also uses UV light.

Many people confuse the two, but they're actually quite different.

UV printing adds thin layers to an existing object, while 3D printing builds an entire object from scratch.

Benefit of UV Printing

Now that you understand how UV ink printing works, let's talk about its benefits in more detail:

Flexibility in Printing on Multiple Surfaces

UV printing is versatile. With UV rotary printing, you can easily print on cylindrical objects such as cups and bottles.

And with UV DTF printing, you can print on even more surfaces, expanding your options. This flexibility means your business can offer a wider range of custom products, all with high-quality printing.

Faster Turnaround with Instant Drying

One of the biggest advantages of UV printing is how quickly it dries. The UV light cures the ink instantly, meaning there's no need to wait for it to dry.

Compared to sublimation or other heat transfer methods, UV printing saves you time by eliminating multiple steps in the process, making it ideal for businesses that need quick turnarounds.

Durability and Vibrancy in Every Print

UV printing is high quality, you get prints that are not just sharp but also rich in color.

The ink creates a tough layer that resists fading, scratching, and even harsh weather. This is especially helpful when printing custom gifts, promotional items, or signs that need to stand up to outdoor conditions.

You can also charge a higher price because these products are built to last.

Image: Kyouki

Printing on Many Materials

Another benefit of UV printing is its ability to print on many different materials: wood, plastic, metal, glass, and more.

If you already use other technologies like 3D printing or laser cutting, you can easily mix them with UV printing to create even more possibilities.

Eco-Friendly

Because UV printing doesn't rely on solvents or harmful chemicals like some other printing methods, it's a more eco-friendly option. The ink used is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a cleaner choice for both the environment and the people working with it.

What Materials Can UV Print On

We've mentioned that UV printing can print on a variety of materials, but what exactly can it print on? Here are some specific materials you can use:

Acrylic

Acrylic's smooth, glassy surface often needs careful handling with other methods like laser engraving, which can leave burn marks.

But UV printing lays down color directly and cleanly. It's a go-to choice for stylish menu boards, modern photo frames, and colorful office signs - all without cracking or yellowing over time.

Glass

Glass usually feels too fragile for printing. Techniques like laser marking often risk cracks or shallow etching. With UV printing, though, vibrant designs sit right on the surface, clean and bright.

Metal

Laser cutting/engraving works on metal by etching or melting, 3D printers only use metal filament to build shape, and they don't print color on metal.

UV printing fills that gap, adding full-color designs onto metal business cards, durable signage, or machine labels that stand up to heat and daily wear.

Wood

UV printing makes wooden objects look more colorful and natural.

Rustic wedding signs and children's toy boxes with playful designs are common examples.

The technology also supports functional items like wooden coasters for restaurants or decorative wall plaques that maintain their finish despite humidity or temperature changes.

Plastic

Plastic's versatility is best shown through UV printing, which sticks to items like smartphone cases, keychains, or garden signs without damaging the material.

You can also use it outdoors, like on license plates or pool labels, because it can handle the sun and rain.

Ceramics

A popular everyday example is decorative fridge magnets. With UV printing, it can be printed with family photos, city landmarks, or playful patterns to create personalized keepsakes or souvenir gifts.

Image: Matthew Cornelius

Paper

Paper used to be all about simple flat prints - but UV printing brings it to life. Raised textures and glossy highlights make packaging pop off the shelf. Luxury invitations, standout business cards, and custom labels finally get the extra depth that other methods just can't match.

And honestly, there are tons more materials worth exploring! Here's what you should know about different types:

• Hard Materials (recommended): Rigid, flat surfaces like metal plates, wooden boards, and ceramics work best. They stay firmly in place during printing, giving you clean and detailed results.
• Heat-Sensitive Materials (use an adhesive board): Thin acrylic sheets (around 1mm) and 3D printed parts can warp from the UV lamp's heat. To prevent this, press them firmly onto an adhesive platform board. Make sure every part of the material is completely stuck down to avoid movement during printing.
• Paper and soft films (test first): If you're printing on paper or thin films, always test first. Make sure they stick well to the adhesive board, or use tape to secure the edges if needed. This helps prevent shifting or wrinkling during printing.

Important Things to Note

Before you start, remember these important points. 

1. Try to keep things on your print bed about the same height.

Why? Well, the printer head needs to stay at a consistent distance from the surface. If you've got some tall items and some short ones, the ink might not spray evenly. You could end up with messy overspray or prints that just don't look great.

2. This goes for single objects too.

If you're printing on something with big height differences, you might run into the same problem.

Curved objects like Stanley Tumblers are challenging for direct UV printing, but you might have better results using UV DTF printing as a workaround.

How eufyMake E1 Revolutionizes UV Printing

The eufyMake E1 has an all-in-one design with UV rotary and laminator add-ons. It lets you do both UV rotary printing and UV DTF printing in a small, easy-to-use machine. It’s perfect for big ideas without the extra size.

Its self-cleaning system cuts down on clogs and saves time on maintenance. Auto-positioning makes printing simple and accurate. 

With all these features, the eufyMake E1 makes UV printing easier than ever.

So, Is UV Printing Right for You?

If you're the kind of creator who wants flexibility, speed, and vibrant, durable prints without committing to huge runs or complex setups, UV printing is 100% worth exploring.

It's especially powerful for side hustlers, Etsy sellers, event vendors, and small brands who want to offer something unique-something that stands out and actually lasts.

And once you start experimenting with materials and layering effects? You'll start seeing possibilities everywhere.

FAQs about UV Printing

How long does UV printing last?

At least 2 years. In eufyMake's testing, printed items showed no significant changes even after 3 years.

Does UV printing smell?

UV ink contains photosensitive resin that does have some odor in liquid form, so there will be some smell during printing. The inks used by eufyMake are Greenguard Gold certified and safe for indoor use once cured, with the smell disappearing quickly. If you're sensitive to smells:

1. Close the printer door when using the mini platform or rotary printing accessories
2. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated

How is the 3D texture created?

3D texture effects are created by building up layers of white ink, and then covering the top with colored inks for vibrant results.

During printing, you'll see white ink layers first. Don't worry, these will be covered with color in later passes.

The thicker your desired texture, the more print passes are required.

Is UV Printing the Same as Sublimation?

No, UV printing and sublimation are different. UV printing cures ink on surfaces like plastic and glass with UV light, while sublimation uses heat to turn ink into gas and bond it with materials like polyester. This makes sublimation more durable on fabrics.