Printing directly onto acrylic used to be difficult and costly. You either needed expensive equipment or had to rely on a professional print shop.

But in 2025, that’s changed. With UV printers becoming more affordable, you can now print on acrylic sheets at home.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to UV printing on acrylic and walk you through everything you need to start creating your own acrylic prints.

How to Print on Acrylic: Step by Step

Here’s how you can print ink on acrylic using your eufyMake UV printer.

Step 1: Clean the Acrylic

Make sure the surface is free of dust, fingerprints, or oils. Use a soft cloth or alcohol wipe to clean it. A clean surface helps the ink stick better.

Step 2: Prepare Your Design

Create your image using software like Photoshop or Illustrator. Use high-resolution files (at least 300 dpi). Keep in mind how the light will pass through clear acrylic or how reflections might affect your design.

Step 3: Set Up the Printer

Place the acrylic sheet on the flatbed. Then click the "Snapshot" button to capture its position.

This takes a real-time photo of the print surface so you can clearly see where your material is positioned.

You'll then be able to drag and move your design to match the shape and size of your acrylic sheet.

Step 4: Select Material and Print Settings

In the printing software, you'll need to let the machine know what you're printing on.

Under the Material setting, select Acrylic. This helps the printer adjust things like ink flow and curing time to match the surface of your sheet.

Next, choose your Print Quality based on what you're trying to do:

• If you're working on a final product and want the colors to look sharp and vibrant, go with High Quality. This mode uses more ink, but it gives you the best results.
• Standard mode is a good balance — it still gives you nice quality but saves some ink.
• If you’re just doing a test run to check positioning or alignment, Draft mode is enough. It prints faster and uses less ink.

Step 5: Set the Ink Mode

Now it’s time to tell the printer how to lay down the ink.

This part depends on your design and the effect you want:

• White → CMYK is the most common for printing on acrylic. It starts with a white base layer so the colors on top stay bright and solid — especially important when your acrylic is clear or translucent.
• CMYK only skips the white layer. Use this when you want to keep part of the acrylic see-through, like for light effects or layered designs.
• CMYK → White → CMYK is used when you want the design to be visible from both sides, almost like a double-sided sticker with strong contrast.
• If your design has glossy or textured parts, you can also add Gloss Varnish to bring out a shiny or raised effect. This works great for things like logos or patterns.

Before hitting print, make sure to preview your layout one last time. That way you’ll know everything is lined up correctly

Step 6: Start Printing

When everything looks good, start the print. The printer applies the ink while UV light cures it instantly. You can print in full color, add white layers, or build texture by layering.

Why UV Printing Works So Well on Acrylic

UV printing on acrylic offers several advantages that make it a top choice for creating vibrant, durable designs. Here's why it's so popular:

Sharp, Vibrant Colors

UV printers use light to cure the ink while it's being printed. This makes the colors look bold, clean, and rich. It’s great for photo-quality prints, clear logos, or colorful graphics. You can print a picture onto acrylic with fine lines and smooth gradients that really stand out.

Durable Results

Acrylic is already tough. And UV inkadds more protection. Once the print ink on acrylic is cured, it resists scratches, fading, water, and sunlight. Your prints can last for years, whether they’re hanging indoors or exposed to the weather outside.

Detailed Designs

Because the ink cures instantly, it doesn't bleed or run. That means UV printing gives you sharp lines and accurate detail. It’s great for small fonts, complex logos, or layered effects on clear acrylic.

Works with Many Types of Acrylic

You can use this method on clear, frosted, or colored acrylic in different thicknesses. UV printers can even handle uneven surfaces or edge-to-edge printing. This gives you more freedom when customizing acrylic panels, signs, or display pieces.

Faster Turnaround

Since UV ink dries instantly, you don’t have to wait between steps. You can print and handle the acrylic right away. This makes it perfect for quick jobs or printing in batches.

What Can You Print on Acrylic?

There are lots of ways to put an image on acrylic using UV printing. Here are a few common ideas:

• Signs and Logos: For offices, shops, or trade shows
• Wall Art and Decor:Print family photos or custom graphics
• Retail Displays:Highlight products or pricing in stores
• Awards and Gifts: Personalized plaques or event trophies
• Product Branding:Add branding to acrylic packaging or nameplates
• Keychains and Accessories:Great for craft sellers and makers

Tips for Better Acrylic Prints

1. Add a white base layer under your design

If you're printing on clear acrylic, your image may look faded or translucent unless you add a white underlayer. Most UV printers support printing white ink behind your main design. This helps your colors pop and makes your print more visible from both sides.

2. Calibrate your printer settings carefully

Every piece of acrylic might be a little different in thickness or reflectivity. Adjust the print head height and ink density based on the sheet you're using. Start with a test print so you don’t waste materials or time. If you’re just learning how to print ink on acrylic, this step is key.

3. Print in a clean and controlled space

Printing in a dusty or humid environment can ruin your results. Acrylic attracts static, which pulls in lint or dust that can stick under the ink. Try to work in a stable, clean room to keep particles from settling on the surface while you print.

4. Use multi-layer printing for depth or texture

Want to add something special to your design? Many UV printers let you print multiple layers of ink or varnish. You can build up a 3D texture or create a layered look that appears different when viewed from the side. This works especially well when printing logos or art panels.

Best Acrylic Printer for Home

To print on acrylic, you need a UV flatbed printer that can handle smooth, non-porous surfaces. One great option is the eufyMake E1 UV Printer.

It’s affordable, compact, and designed for small businesses or makers. With a flatbed platform, it lets you put an image on acrylic with sharp detail and strong adhesion. You can print ink on acrylic sheets, panels, or even small blocks.

What makes the eufyMake E1 stand out is its multi-function support. In addition to flatbed printing, it also handles:

• UV DTF printing for decals and transfers
• Roll-to-roll printing for film and labels
• Rotary UV printing for bottles, mugs, and curved items

If you're looking for a versatile UV printer that can print a picture onto acrylic and much more, the eufyMake E1 is a reliable place to start.

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Final Thought

UV printing on acrylic is a game-changer for creating vibrant, durable designs. With its precision, eco-friendliness, and versatility, it's perfect for a wide range of applications. Whether you're printing for business or fun, UV printing delivers professional, eye-catching results.

FAQs

What printer can print on acrylic?

The most reliable option for printing on acrylic is a UV printer like the eufyMake E1. For commercial use, screen printing and solvent inkjet printers are also effective.

What types of acrylic are best for UV printing?

Cast acrylic sheets are the most popular. They're smooth, strong, and very clear. Clear, frosted, or white acrylics all work well, depending on your design.

Can you screen print onto acrylic?

Yes, it’s possible, but screen printing on acrylic takes more setup and works best for larger production runs. UV printing is faster and better for small batches or one-off custom designs.

Does UV light damage acrylic?

Acrylic is UV-resistant, but over many years of constant sunlight, it may start to yellow slightly. However, UV-cured inks are made to bond well with acrylic without causing damage during printing.