Looking for ways to expand what your shop can offer?
Somewhere along the way, you’ve found your way to UV flatbed printing for textured printing.
And now you’re asking a simple but important question: is this just another piece of equipment (and technique), or something that could actually expand what you can sell?
The more you look into it, the more it starts to feel like a promising opportunity.
But before making an investment, it’s worth taking a step back and getting some perspective.
- Is this what your shop really needs?
- Will it pay for itself?
- And who would you be selling to?
If you don’t have all the answers yet, that’s completely normal—that’s exactly what this guide is for.
Here, we’ll walk through all the why’s, the what’s, and the how’s. What UV flatbed printing is, how it works, and where it can (or can’t) fit into your shop.
By the end, you’ll be in a position to make a confident decision either way.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Textured Printing with a UV Flatbed Printer?
Let’s ease into things with the basics.
What is textured printing with a UV flatbed printer?
At a basic level, textured printing with a UV flatbed printer is… exactly what it sounds like: a process where UV-curable ink is built up in controlled layers to create physical height on a surface, not just color.
To understand it, it helps to take a half step back for a second.
Now, most of what people are printing with UV printers is flat.
A UV printer normally works by spraying tiny droplets of UV-curable ink onto a surface, then instantly cures them with ultraviolet light.
What you typically get is a clean, high-resolution print with little to no physical texture and the result is purely visual.
Textured printing just takes that same process… and adds depth to it by layering ink in controlled ways to create raised areas on top of the print.
The result is a subtle three-dimensional effect, or even an embossed look on the surface, depending on the design.
It’s the kind of detail you can both see and feel when you run your fingers across the surface.
This technique is commonly used for things like signage, labels, packaging prototypes, and other printed graphics where tactile depth and dimension are important.
And that’s perhaps the easiest way to understand it.
But what’s in it for us? Let’s move onto that.
Stop limiting your business to apparel and start printing on glass, metal, wood and more. Learn how UV printing unlocks high-margin markets and diverse product lines! Read the article.
Benefits of Using a UV Flatbed Printer for Textured Printing
You’ve now seen what textured printing is at its most basic level.
It’s simply ink being built up in layers on a material until it has actual height to it.
Straightforward enough. But a definition only gets you so far.
So why use it at all?
After all, we’ve had beautiful flat prints for decades. And they’re still more than good enough for many applications. High-resolution, sharp, clean, and professional.
For plenty of applications, flat printing already does the job perfectly well.
So what really changes when you add texture?
As we touched on earlier, the difference isn’t just visual, it’s physical. Flat UV printing is all about surface and color. Textured printing, on the other hand, adds dimension, depth, and something you can actually feel.
This added dimensionality increases visual interest and creates a more engaging sensory experience, helping printed pieces stand out way more.
But that’s not the only advantage.
With a UV flatbed printer, you are not limited to a single material type. These printers can work across a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates, including acrylic, wood, metal, glass, and more. That kind of versatility opens up a lot of creative and commercial possibilities across different industries.
At the same time, the technology allows for precise, repeatable raised details, ensuring consistency from one print to the next. Once you’ve got your settings where you want them, you can repeat the same raised effect again and again without tweaking every time. That’s a huge help in production.
Efficiency is another key benefit.
Compared to older ways of creating textured effects, UV flatbed printing is significantly more efficient.
It reduces the number of production steps required, saving both time and labor while maintaining high-quality output.
But where does all of this actually get used? Let’s look at some real-world applications.
Applications of Textured UV Printing
We’ve covered what textured UV printing is, how it works, and why it’s used. Now let’s look at where it actually gets used.
In practice, it shows up across a wide range of applications and industries, each using it in different ways.
From high-end packaging to retail displays, it’s being used wherever brands want to be seen (and felt) rather than just noticed.
Because when you add texture to print, you change more than the look; you change the experience. And that small difference is often the whole point.
That’s exactly why more designers and marketers are starting to use it more often.
Here’s where it’s most commonly used:
ADA and Braille signage
One of the most practical uses of UV textured printing is ADA and Braille signage. You’ve likely seen these signs in everyday spaces such as restroom doors, elevator panels, and room numbers in public buildings.
In signage, “ADA signs” are designed to meet accessibility standards so they are readable and usable by people with visual impairments or other disabilities. These signs often include tactile elements, such as Braille, to support touch-based reading.
This type of signage falls under the broader category of wayfinding signage, which helps people navigate buildings and public spaces more easily.
Braille signage includes raised dots that can be read by touch by people who are blind or visually impaired. These signs are designed to meet legal accessibility requirements and can be read both visually and through touch.
Promotional products
Textured UV printing is also widely used in promotional products. Items like business cards, branded merchandise, and marketing handouts benefit from added texture because it immediately creates a more memorable interaction. Instead of a flat logo or design, raised details like embossed text or subtle patterns make people want to pick them up and feel them. Even a quick tactile moment can help the brand stick in someone’s memory. In a space where most promotional materials get ignored, that extra dimension can really make a difference.
Industrial labeling
Textured UV printing is also used in industrial labeling. Labels on machinery, equipment, and control panels often need to stay readable over time, and added texture can help with that. Raised text or symbols make key information easier to identify quickly, even in low-light environments or when operators are wearing gloves. It’s a practical way to improve usability while ensuring labels hold up over time.
Custom packaging
Textured UV printing is often used in luxury and high-end packaging to make products feel more premium and considered. It adds subtle depth that makes packaging more interesting to look at and handle, especially during unboxing. That extra touch can also help products stand out on the shelf.
You’ll see it a lot in industries where presentation matters, like cosmetics, electronics, and luxury goods.
Awards and plaques
Awards and plaques are usually given to recognize achievements, whether it’s employee of the year, a competition winner, or someone’s long-term contribution. Because these pieces are meant to celebrate something meaningful, presentation matters. Textured UV printing helps give important details more presence, with raised text that makes names, dates, and titles stand out clearly. It also adds some depth, which makes the piece feel more complete and well-made. For something meant to mark a meaningful moment, that small detail can make it feel more special.
And there you have it, just a few examples that show how versatile textured UV printing really is and how widely it’s used across different industries.
From signage and packaging to awards and everyday promotional items, it’s used anywhere that extra detail and a tactile feel can increase perceived value.
That’s a look at where this technology is used. Next, let’s look at the UV printer models that make this possible, including ones you can buy today.
Ready to expand your business into high-profit custom signage and promotional products? Learn how ColDesi’s UV Flatbed technology can transform your shop’s capabilities here.
UV Flatbed Printers Available from ColDesi
To get started with textured UV printing, you’ll obviously need a flatbed printer.
There are, however, plenty of different makes and models out there, so it’s not always easy to know which ones are worth the investment.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a selection of UV printers based on different performance levels and applications to help you find the right fit.
(and by the way, all of these models are available to purchase directly from us.)
Here’s how we’ll do this:
We’ll walk you through the complete lineup of UV printers we offer here at ColDesi. While you may only need one, we’ll introduce all four models: the ColDesi UV 300H3F and 500H3F, along with the Mutoh XpertJet 461UF and 661UF so you can compare our flagship models with those of others. Sort of “apples-to-apples” comparison.
ColDesi UV 300H3F – A high-performance UV flatbed printer built for direct-to-object printing on a wide variety of rigid and cylindrical materials.
It offers a generous 36″ × 24″ maximum print area, giving you plenty of workspace for both small products and larger custom pieces.
This versatile machine features an integrated rotary system for cylindrical items and an automatic height measurement system, allowing you to print on objects up to 9+ inches tall. It’s ideal for applications involving irregular shapes and three-dimensional surfaces.
The ink level detection system is another handy addition. The cartridges have lights that let you know exactly where your ink levels are, so you don’t suddenly run dry in the middle of a job.
There’s also a print head collision prevention system, which uses anti-crash sensors to stop the moving print head if something’s in the way. It pauses the machine and brings it back to the starting point so you can make adjustments without risking damage.
And believe it or not, these highlights barely touch on everything it can do.
ColDesi UV 500H3F – A high-performance commercial flatbed printer with an impressive 63″ × 47″ print area, offering roughly 1.85 × more printable area than its “little” brother, the UV 300H3F.
It features a multi-zone vacuum table and a six-channel UV-LED ink system (CMYK + White + Varnish).
The 500H3F can print on objects up to 5.9 inches tall.
This height is lower than that of the 300H3F, but it is intentionally designed for users who prioritize maximum bed size and production efficiency over additional vertical height.
The printer also includes ink-level detection and printhead collision-prevention systems to make operation effortless and safe.
At roughly 2,170 lb, it’s nearly twice the weight of its little brother.
This added mass is proof that all that extra capability had to go somewhere.
Mutoh XpertJet 461UF & 661UF – We’re now in Mutoh’s territory. If Mutoh isn’t on your radar yet, it’s time to change that.
Mutoh is a well-known brand in the printing industry, particularly among print shops, product decorators, customizers, crafters, and businesses involved in personalized and promotional products.
For these folks, Mutoh printers like the XpertJet series are often seen as a go-to solution for custom printing needs. Here at ColDesi, we carry two models in its lineup— Mutoh XpertJet 461UF and the 661UF.
So, what makes these printers stand out? Well, they produce prints that are incredibly smooth to the touch and the application of varnish adds an instant professional look to the finished product.
But there’s more to love. These printers are also super economical. The 461UF model is priced at $18,995, making it a fantastic value for what you get.
If you need something with a bit more heft, the 661UF is priced at $28,995. It’s a solid investment for those looking to handle larger projects and expand their capabilities.
Well, there you go! You’ve got a few options when it comes to buying a UV printer.
Did any of them catch your eye?
No matter which one you choose (Mutoh or ColDesi), you really can’t go wrong. Mostly because we’re the ones that stand behind these products and can guarantee you’ll get a top-of-the-line performance with any one of them!
So, why wait?
Make your choice today, and let us take care of the rest!
While you’re thinking it through, let’s take a look at the business advantages of textured printing.
Business Advantages of Textured Printing
Buying a UV flatbed printer isn’t exactly cheap. If you’re considering one, you’re thinking of it as an investment, not just a piece of equipment.
And like any investment, it needs to pay off, both financially and through clear advantages over traditional printing methods.
If you’ve been following along, those advantages should already be starting to come into view. Not all at once, of course, but gradually building on each other.
In this section, we’ll fill in the missing pieces and take a closer look at business advantages of textured printing.
Ability to command premium pricing
Textured printing lets you charge more for the “same” type of work. Clients tend to recognize that this isn’t a basic print anymore, and pricing usually follows that perception. In practice, it often means you’re no longer competing purely on cost for the same deliverable.
Product differentiation in competitive markets
Textured printing sets your work apart from standard flat printing. In crowded markets where many providers offer similar services, materials, and finishes, tactile and visually enhanced prints help your products stand out and become more memorable to clients and end customers.
Expansion into new revenue streams
Textured printing opens the door to entirely new categories of work that go beyond conventional flat printing. You can move into more specialized or higher-end projects. This can include high-end packaging, decorative panels, art reproductions, signage with tactile elements, and customized luxury products.
This helps bring in different kinds of clients and, over time, creates more ways to grow your business.
Taken together, these advantages show how textured printing can help you charge more, differentiate your work, and grow beyond traditional print work.
And it won’t take long before you start seeing a return on your investment (and then some) from those advantages.
But we’re getting a little too into the weeds here.
So let’s step back for a second and talk about why, if you’re looking to purchase a UV printer, you’d go with a company like ColDesi.
Why Choose ColDesi
Still here? Good! Because if you’ve made it this far, you’re not just curious about textured UV printing anymore.
You’re weighing your options and figuring out which company to go with.
Fair enough, we’d expect nothing less. In fact, we’d be doing the exact same thing if we were you.
So here’s where we make our case.
Onboarding and Training
At ColDesi, when you order from us, we’re here every step of the way. Questions, problems, advice, whatever you need, you get a real person on the other end who actually cares. You’re never left wondering if anyone will help. And, of course, we can’t forget to mention our training and supplemental learning materials, designed to deepen your understanding of the equipment and support your success. We offer a range of resources, including video demonstrations, articles, consultations, podcasts, among others.
Product Quality
It’s worth noting that our focus (and concern) is equally on our clients as it is on our products. Our commitment is to produce and deliver the highest-quality products we can engineer. We never take shortcuts.
Friendly Price Points
Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find something that works for you! We offer a wide range of machinery and supplies at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Our goal is to provide value for every dollar you spend.
Installation
Getting started could not be easier. We’ve already thought through every step you’ll go through, so you don’t have to spend hours troubleshooting or wondering if you did it right. The onboarding is simple, clear, and fast.
Just set it up… and focus on getting the most out of your printer.
Easy Maintenance
You’ll be pleased to hear that our UV printers require very little upkeep. But it’s not to say that you can skip doing regular maintenance and taking proper care of the equipment.
Ongoing Technical Support
Anytime you need help, you’ll get a real person who responds quickly and knows what they’re doing.
Something go wrong? No problem. One call or email puts you in touch with people who know these machines inside and out.
We have technicians nationwide. So no matter where you are, or what time zone you’re in, help is close by.
If there’s an unwanted accident, an error, or the printer just stops working, we’re ready to get you back up and running.
Knock on wood, you’ll probably never need it. But it’s there if you do.
Consumables Designed to Work Together
You don’t have to guess, buy the wrong thing, or worry about whether it will work. Every supply and part you need is made to fit and work with your system.
Reputation and Reviews
Over the years, we’ve earned positive feedback for both our company and our product lineup. We’ve been praised for our strong client relationships, problem-solving abilities, willingness to lend a helping hand, and our commitment to going above and beyond to ensure our clients are happy. We take pride in doing honest, reliable work.
Warranty
Last, but certainly not least, is our warranty. We offer a 1- to 3-year parts and labor warranty. If any component fails within that period, we’ll work with you to make things right, whether it’s a replacement, a return, or another solution (conditions apply, of course).
