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UV Printing
How UV printing works, what it's good for and why we use it on so many corporate gifts.
What Is UV Printing?
UV printing uses inks that harden instantly under ultraviolet light, giving crisp, vivid colour on rigid items.
Because the ink cures the moment it's printed, there's no drying time, and the finish resists scratches, water and sun fading.
Full-colour direct UV print on a tag
For our Singapore clients, it's the method we use most on corporate gifts.
The equipment is costly and the printable area is limited, but for hard gifts it's tough to beat. Here's how it works and where it fits.
Recent UV Printing Projects
At a Glance
- UV inks are cured instantly by ultraviolet lamps
- Prints directly onto rigid items such as pens, bottles, power banks and acrylic
- Full colour with fine detail, including white ink on dark items
- Scratch- and water-resistant finish that holds its colour
- Tall or deeply curved items may need UV transfer instead
Why We Use UV Printing on So Many Gifts
UV printers use UV-curable inks, printing either straight onto the item or onto a transfer film.
As the print head passes, UV lamps cure the ink on the spot. This instant curing means items can be handled straight away and the colours sit sharply on the surface.
UV printing works on wood, glass, metal, plastic, acrylic and ceramics, which covers most of the gifts in our catalogue.
Direct UV vs UV Transfer
We apply UV prints in two ways. Direct UV prints onto the item itself, which suits flat or gently curved surfaces.
UV transfer prints onto a film that is then applied to the item, which is handy for curved or awkward shapes such as tumblers.
Planning a Custom Order?
Ordering T-Shirts or Corporate Gifts in quantities of 20 pieces or more? Talk to us and we'll take care of the rest.
UV Printing: Strengths and Limits
Here's how UV printing weighs up before you decide.
Its main advantages are bright, long-lasting colour, quick production and sharp results on a wide range of materials.
Planning a Custom Order?
Ordering T-Shirts or Corporate Gifts in quantities of 20 pieces or more? Talk to us and we'll take care of the rest.
Pros
It has plenty going for it, which is why so many businesses use it for branded merchandise.
Because the colours are tough and fade-resistant, UV-printed items hold up well indoors and out.
- Colour that keeps its punch for years
- Holds up indoors and outdoors
Cons
It does have drawbacks, so UV printing isn't the answer for everything.
Ink and equipment are costly, so the price per piece can be higher than with simpler printing methods.
- Works best on flat items; tall or deeply curved shapes are tricky
- Some soft or heat-sensitive materials can warp
- Needs tight control of ink droplets for clean results
Summary
UV printing combines speed, sharp detail and durability on hard items, which makes it a natural choice for custom corporate gifts.
Planning a Custom Order?
Ordering T-Shirts or Corporate Gifts in quantities of 20 pieces or more? Talk to us and we'll take care of the rest.
It costs a little more than some methods, but for durable, eye-catching branded gifts the results speak for themselves.
Not sure if your item can be UV printed? Send us the product and artwork and we'll advise.