UV Sign Printing 101:
From Benefits to Best Uses, and Beyond!
If you’re not a sign maker yet, we hope by the end of this read, you’ll feel inspired to become one!
And if you already are, there’s definitely something here for you too.
To give you a preview and set your expectations for what you’ll find on this page, we’ll start with what UV sign printing actually is, after which we’ll outline its benefits.
Once we have these basics down, we’ll move on to explore the advantages of UV sign printers, including our newest additions, the ColDesi 300H3F and 500H3F, and discuss the benefits they offer you.
From there, we’ll walk you through various applications and real-world uses of UV printing in signage. This will give you a good idea of all the things you can create with this printer alone.
And, of course, we can’t call this a 101 without looking at other important areas like environmental initiatives, costs, and energy use.
Finally, as we near the end of this guide, we’ll point you toward the UV printers we carry here at ColDesi. So, anyone who’s ready to invest today or in the coming weeks or months can bookmark them and make their purchase.
There is a lot in store for us, so let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in.
Introduction: What is UV Sign Printing?
So, where do we stand with understanding UV sign printing?
Are you familiar with what it is and how it works, or could you use a quick refresher?
Either way, it wouldn’t hurt to go over the basics again, especially for anyone new to this.
Basically, UV sign printing is just a form of UV printing. It uses ultraviolet (UV) light and UV-curable inks to print directly onto surfaces like metal, plastic, or even wood.
Of course, that’s a bit of an oversimplification. For those of you interested in a more detailed read about that, have a look here, here, or here.
But in the context of sign printing, this means that you can now use printers like the ColDesi 300H3F or 500H3F to create stunning artwork, images, and crisp text on a wide array of mediums. You can produce everything from eye-catching signs and banners to impressive displays and foam boards.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—we’re going to get to that point a little later.
For now, it’s important to recognize that UV printing offers significant advantages over traditional printing methods.
Curious about what those advantages are? Keep reading to find out!
Advantages of UV Sign Printers
So, what are the big advantages of UV sign printers over the printer currently taking up space in your garage, home office, or workplace?
Well, you’ll be surprised to hear that UV printers offer advantages in quite a few areas over other types of printing methods. The big three are efficiency, versatility, and durability.
And so, we’ll take a closer look at each of these areas right here in this section of the article.
Efficiency: One of the biggest advantages of UV sign printers is their speed. With faster production times and instant curing, you’ll notice the difference in your daily workflow.
For starters, you can print more items in less time and get them on display right away and into the hands of consumers. This means faster sales and quicker profits.
Plus, no waiting for inks to dry means you can handle higher volumes without needing extra equipment. Basically, it’s a simple way to boost productivity and let technology do mundane and repetitive tasks for you.
Versatility: What makes UV sign printers stand out is their ability to print on almost anything—metal, glass, acrylic, plastic, you name it. Just think—how many other printers can handle that kind of variety? Let us tell you… not a lot! This range of options gives you the flexibility to create and sell whatever you want.
Durability: Over time, most things wear down—that’s just how it goes, right? Well, UV curing changes that. Prints made with UV technology resist fading, scratches, and weathering, making them ideal for outdoor signs.
We’ve only touched on a few of the many benefits and standout advantages UV sign printers bring to the table. There’s a whole lot more under the hood!
Next up, let’s take a closer look at how UV printing is being used in the real world and its applications.
Applications of UV Printing in Signage
Chances are, you got your eyes on UV printers because you’re looking to create unique products and turn a profit.
But the real question is: What exactly can you create with them? What are the practical applications? What do people want, and where’s the real money to be made?
Don’t worry—we’ve got the answers.
In this section we’ll clear things up for you. We’ll walk you through the most popular products and ways UV printers are used in signage.
- Warning & Safety Signs
- Directional Signs
- Indoor Signage
- Outdoor Signage
- Event Signage
- Advertising Boards
- Window Graphics
- Nameplates
- Guidelines
- Labels
- Billboards
- Banners
- Posters
- Merchandise
- Plaques
- Panels
- Packaging
- Awards
You could pick any one of those on the list and build a business around a single winning product!
There’s money to be made in this for everyone.
And honestly, that’s not even the full list of what you can create in signage—this was just the start!
Now, think about all the things you could create outside signage: phone cases, laptop skins, canvas, coasters, keychains, skateboards, and more!
You’d need two lifetimes to get through it all!
With that at the back of your mind, let’s chat about the environmental impact and cost-saving aspects of UV printing, as these are significant considerations and selling points for these printers.
Cost-Effectiveness and Eco-Friendly Benefits
When we set out to develop our newest UV flatbed printers, 300H3F and 500H3F, to complement our existing lineup at ColDesi, we asked ourselves several important questions.
One key consideration was: What can we do on our part to offset or even halt any of the negative impacts from printing?
We didn’t have to look far; we drew on our deep-rooted experience and established history of manufacturing environmentally friendly products.
We brought together some of the brightest minds in our industry, each an expert in their respective fields—from engineering and design to business and marketing.
It was all in pursuit of the ultimate goal—to find a greener way to UV print, decorate, and customize products while promoting a healthier, greener future for us all!
So, how have we achieved this? What methods and components have we used time and again to get there? Let’s take a look below.
Eco-Friendly Inks: It begins with a fundamental element that is essential in the printing industry and is also at the core of every UV printer: ink.
However, this isn’t your typical ink. It’s special in its own way and is often referred to as UV-curable ink. What makes it special is, in one sense, that it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fewer harmful chemicals.
But in the other, UV-curable inks produce bright and vivid colors that can be used on a wide range of materials. And here’s the kicker: they dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. All this makes them safer for both the planet and the people handling the prints.
Lower Energy Consumption: At the same time, our UV printers are highly energy efficient, so you’ll see lower energy bills at home or in the office. They use less power to get the same job done, which means you’re not wasting energy. Plus, they run quieter and cooler, and help cut down on your overall costs.
UV LED Curing: Inside every UV printer, there are several UV lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) light to dry and cure the ink. And so, typically, as the print passes under these lamps, the ink hardens or cures in real-time, eliminating the need for drying time or using a heat press. What’s even better is that these UV LED lamps consume far less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than traditional lamps. This makes them a greener solution.
Non-Toxic & Biodegradable Materials: We’re also studying and exploring ways to replace plastic or synthetic materials with biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable alternatives wherever we can. It’s a delicate balance between what current technology can support, the manufacturing costs, and keeping the final price affordable for you.
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about UV printers! The benefits go from eco-friendly inks and lower energy consumption to the use of ultraviolet (UV) light and higher-grade materials.
But we’re not done yet—let’s take a tour of the UV printers we carry here at ColDesi, so you can see your options and choose the model that is right for you.
Choosing the Right UV Sign Printer
Everything we’ve gone over so far has led to this moment. We’ve walked you through a lot, and now you’ve got all the information you need. Now is decision time. Which UV printer should you go for? How do you decide which one’s right for you (and which isn’t)?
Let us help you find the answers.
Each printer on the list below carries our stamp of approval. They’ve been thoroughly vetted and tested for years before making it onto this page.
So, you can make your choice based on that. And while we’re at it, we’ll include links to the product pages for each of these UV printers in case you want to learn more.
ColDesi UV 24H3R – First, a customer favorite, is the ColDesi UV 24H3R UV/DTF Printer. And before you ask, yes, it is indeed a multi-purpose UV (ultraviolet) direct-to-film printer that combines the strengths of both UV and DTF technologies.
In practical terms, this means your artwork is printed directly onto a transfer film rather than the final product itself.
Think of these transfer films as decals that can be applied to a wide variety of hard surfaces, including flat and uneven surfaces, cylindrical or conical shapes, arcs, concave areas, and other irregular forms. It may sound too good to be true, but it’s the real deal, thanks to this innovative technology. So, what will the ColDesi UV 24H3R cost you? Just under $20,000, as of this writing.
However, as we hinted earlier, this isn’t the only option worth considering. Other machines may be just as effective, if not better, for your specific business needs.
ColDesi UV 300H3F – The next one on the list is the ColDesi 300H3F UV Flatbed Printer. Simply put, this machine is a powerhouse for businesses that demand high-performance, durability, and versatility—all for $40,845 as of this publication date.
It has everything you need to succeed, including an integrated rotary printing system and the ability to print on objects up to 9+ inches tall. Whether you’re working with irregular shapes or three-dimensional surfaces, this printer is up for the challenge.
And did we mention it prints directly onto objects? That’s right—this UV printer can apply ink directly to items like bottles, phone cases, signs, and more without needing to go through extra steps like printing on transfer film and manually applying decals or stickers. Of course, everyone has their preferences, so let’s explore some other flatbed UV printers on these pages here…
ColDesi UV 500H3F – Next up is the ColDesi 500H3F UV Flatbed Printer, and it’s a true standout in the lineup. Physically, it’s even more impressive than the previous models, with a massive 63×47 inch print area—almost double the size of the ColDesi 300H3F.
But it’s not just about size; this printer brings versatility to the table too. Whether you’re printing directly onto large signs, adding special effects, or handling high-volume jobs, the ColDesi 500H3F can do it all with ease.
It delivers exceptional image quality with vibrant ColDesi VividBond 6-color CMYKWV UV Inks and advanced printheads, ensuring stunning, detailed prints every time.
Plus, with smart features like an automatic height measurement system, variable dot technology, and a user-friendly vacuum bed, you’ll have to look long and hard to find any other printer that matches the ColDesi 500H3F in terms of performance and ease of use.
Today’s price? $54,995!
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 $20,995, 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.
To learn more about ColDesi’s line of UV printers, visit
coldesi-uvprinter.com and Live Chat with a Pro below, or call 855-201-9185.
