Full-color UV printing services
Photo-real, full-color decoration for hard goods. Print anything - including gradients and photos - directly onto the substrate.
Full-color UV printing is the digital-press revolution for hard goods. Print directly onto drinkware, tools, and awards in full CMYK with no setup-per-color penalty.
What it's best for
- Hard goods that need photo-real artwork. Drinkware with branded illustrations, tools with logo + tagline, awards with photographs.
- Multi-color logos on hard goods - no per-color setup penalty (unlike screen print or pad print).
- Wrap-around designs on cylindrical drinkware (with the right machine).
- Short to mid-volume runs (24-500 pieces) where digital pricing beats screen + pad pricing.
- Variable artwork - per-piece different designs (employee names, locations, dates).
What it's NOT best for
- Apparel. Use screen print, embroidery, DTF, or heat transfer.
- Very large quantities (5,000+) - screen / pad print becomes more cost-effective.
- Substrates that flex a lot. UV ink can crack on flexible plastic or thin fabric.
- Premium-feel awards. Laser engraving feels more premium on glass + crystal.
Pricing model
- Per-piece cost: .50-5.00 depending on substrate + print area.
- Setup fee: $25-75 one-time. Lower than screen print since no per-color screens needed.
- Color count is free - print full CMYK + white + spot colors at the same cost.
- Reorders: Setup waived within 12 months.
Substrates we UV-print on
- Stainless / aluminum drinkware (tumblers, bottles, mugs)
- Tools (multi-tools, knives, flashlights)
- Awards (acrylic, crystal, wood)
- Pens (metal barrel)
- Leather goods
- Wood (boards, plaques, signs)
- Phone cases + accessories
Common questions
How does UV print compare to laser engraving?
UV print = full color, photo-real. Laser engraving = mono-tone, dimensional, permanent. Use UV print when you need color; engrave when you want a premium feel + permanence.
Will the UV print scratch off?
UV ink bonds to the substrate and is durable in normal use. Dishwasher use can wear it over time on drinkware - hand-wash recommended.
Can I print white ink on a dark substrate?
Yes - white UV ink is standard. Often required as a base layer when printing CMYK on a dark substrate.
Wrap-around prints on tumblers?
Yes - rotary UV printers handle 360-degree wraps on cylindrical substrates. Tell us at quote time.
