UV Printing Explained (Part 2)

Lindsay Kisiloski
2026-02-19T14:00:04-05:00

White ink, varnish layers, and material versatility are what truly set UV printing apart. This second part of our UV printing series explains UV inks, adhesion, materials, and production workflow to help businesses achieve consistent, high-quality results.

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UV Inks, White & Varnish Layers, Materials, and Production Workflow

In Part 1, we covered the fundamentals of UV printing — what it is, how it works, and why it’s become such an important technology across modern print markets. In this second article, we move from theory into production reality.

Understanding UV inks, white and varnish layers, material compatibility, and proper workflow setup is critical to achieving consistent print quality and long-term success. These elements are often where new UV users struggle — but with the right knowledge, they become powerful tools that set UV printing apart from other technologies.

Understanding UV Inks

UV inks are specially formulated to remain liquid until exposed to ultraviolet light. Once cured, they form a durable layer that adheres to the surface of the material rather than soaking into it.

Unlike solvent or water-based inks, UV inks:

Cure instantly

Sit on top of the substrate

Maintain sharp dot structure

Deliver vibrant, high-density color

Because the ink does not absorb into the material, color consistency is more predictable across different substrates.

Types of UV Inks

Most UV printers use a combination of ink types designed for specific purposes.

CMYK UV Inks

Standard CMYK inks are used for full-color images, graphics, and text. They provide:

High color saturation

Excellent edge sharpness

Strong adhesion on rigid materials

White UV Ink

White ink is one of the defining features of UV printing. It enables:

Printing on dark or colored materials

Opacity on transparent substrates

Bright color reproduction on non-white surfaces

White ink can be used in multiple ways:

As an underbase beneath CMYK

As a spot white design element

As a full flood layer

Because white ink contains heavier pigments, it requires regular circulation and maintenance.

Clear (Varnish) UV Ink

Clear ink is used to add visual and tactile effects rather than color.

Common varnish applications include:

Spot gloss highlights

Matte vs gloss contrast

Raised or textured printing

Simulated embossing

Clear ink is often layered on top of printed graphics or used independently for design accents.

Why White and Varnish Layers Matter

White and varnish layers allow UV printing to move beyond flat graphics.

They enable:

Increased contrast on dark materials

Premium, high-end finishes

Tactile and dimensional effects

Functional applications such as Braille

These features are often what allow printers to charge higher margins for UV-printed products.

Material Compatibility in UV Printing

One of UV printing’s biggest strengths is material versatility — but not all materials behave the same way.

Common UV-printable materials include:

Acrylic and polycarbonate

PVC and foam board

Wood and MDF

Aluminum and coated metals

Glass and mirrors

Plastics and synthetics

Each material requires consideration of surface energy, coating, and texture.

Adhesion and Surface Preparation

Adhesion is a critical factor in UV printing success.

Factors that affect adhesion include:

Surface cleanliness

Coatings or laminates

Material texture

Ink formulation

In some cases, surface treatments such as wiping, priming, or flame treatment may be used to improve adhesion, especially on challenging plastics or metals.

Material Thickness and Height Control

UV flatbed printers require accurate material height setup.

Key considerations:

Maximum printable thickness

Even bed leveling

Secure material placement

Improper height settings can result in head strikes or inconsistent print quality.

File Preparation for UV Printing

Proper file setup is essential for consistent results, especially when using white and varnish layers.

Best practices include:

Creating spot color channels for white and clear

Naming spot colors correctly for the RIP

Separating artwork layers logically

Previewing layers before printing

Good file preparation reduces waste and ensures predictable output.

RIP Software and Workflow Control

RIP software plays a central role in UV printing.

It controls:

Ink channel assignment

White and varnish layering order

Ink density and curing settings

Print resolution and speed

Understanding your RIP is just as important as understanding the printer itself.

Common Production Challenges

New UV users often encounter similar issues.

Typical challenges include:

Inconsistent white ink coverage

Adhesion problems on certain materials

Banding caused by improper curing

Over-curing or under-curing

Most of these issues can be resolved through proper setup, testing, and maintenance.

Maintenance and Ink Management

UV printing requires routine care to maintain reliability.

Key maintenance tasks include:

Daily nozzle checks

White ink circulation

Regular cleaning cycles

Environmental control

Consistent maintenance prevents downtime and extends printhead life.

Mimaki and Komodo UV Ink Ecosystems

Established manufacturers such as Mimaki offer well-developed UV ink systems designed for long-term reliability, color consistency, and compatibility with professional production environments.

Komodo UV printers are designed to balance performance with accessibility, providing reliable white ink support, user-friendly workflows, and broad material compatibility for small and mid-sized businesses.

Both ecosystems emphasize the importance of genuine inks and proper maintenance to achieve consistent results.

How UV Workflow Fits Into Daily Production

UV printing integrates well into modern production environments because it:

Eliminates drying time

Reduces outsourcing

Simplifies finishing

This allows shops to move from design to finished product faster than many traditional methods.

What’s Coming Next in This Series

In Part 3, we’ll explore:

Real-world UV printing applications

Industry-specific use cases

Profitable product ideas

Business models that succeed with UV printing