UV printing compared with screen printing, DTF, sublimation and vinyl
| Method | Best for | Setup per design | Colours | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV printing | Rigid items, short runs, personalisation | None (prints from the file) | Full colour + white + varnish | Acrylic, glass, wood, metal, stone, plastic, leather |
| Screen printing | Large runs of one design, T-shirts | A screen per colour | One spot colour per screen | Fabric, paper, flat rigid items |
| Pad printing | Small logos on pens and parts | A plate per colour | Usually 1–2 spot colours | Plastics, curved small parts |
| Sublimation | Mugs, polyester shirts, coated items | None | Full colour, no white | Polyester and polymer-coated blanks only |
| DTF transfer | T-shirts and fabric | None | Full colour + white | Cotton, polyester, most fabrics |
| Vinyl sticker | Cheap signage, vehicle graphics | None | Full colour | Anything it sticks to (but can peel) |
UV vs screen printing
Screen printing needs a screen made for each colour of each design. That is expensive for one piece and very cheap for ten thousand. For a single logo colour on a large run of identical items, screen printing usually wins on price. For full colour, photos, small runs or a different name on each item, UV wins, because there is nothing to make before printing.
UV vs sublimation
Sublimation turns ink into gas that bonds into polyester. It is excellent for coated mugs and polyester sportswear, and the print cannot be felt at all. But it only works on polyester or specially coated blanks, it cannot print white, and it looks washed out on dark items. UV prints on uncoated acrylic, wood, glass, metal and stone, and on dark surfaces using white ink.
UV vs DTF
DTF (direct-to-film) prints onto a film that is heat-pressed onto fabric. For T-shirts, hoodies and bags it is usually the better choice, because it stretches and survives washing. UV ink on fabric feels stiff and is not made for laundry. For hard items, UV goes on directly and skips the transfer film.
UV vs vinyl stickers
A printed vinyl sticker on a board is cheap and fast, but the edges lift, it bubbles in heat, and it peels in a few years. Direct UV printing has nothing to peel, and on clear acrylic or glass the ink can be printed behind the sheet where nothing touches it.
Frequently asked questions
Which method is cheapest?
It depends on the quantity. For one to a few hundred pieces of a full-colour design, UV printing is usually cheapest because there is no setup. For thousands of identical pieces with one or two colours, screen or pad printing is usually cheaper per piece.
Do you do T-shirt printing?
No. We are a UV print unit, and UV printing is not the right method for clothing that is washed. Look for a DTF or screen printer for apparel.
Related UV printing services and guides
What is UV printing?
How UV printing works, what it can print on and where it is not the right choice.
UV printing for corporate gifts
Logos and names on diaries, pens, gift boxes, awards and desk items.
Pens and promotional products
Logos on pens, USB drives, power banks, badges and giveaways.
UV printing on paper, board and packaging
Rigid boxes, kraft board, invitation cards and packaging prototypes.