Many clients ask when ordering advertising materials: What is the real difference between UV printing and photo printing? Which is more cost-effective? Both can "print an image", but the materials, results and lifespan differ greatly; a wrong choice may at best cost more money, and at worst cause outdoor materials to fade within a few months. This article helps you tell them apart once and for all.
Photo printing and solvent printing It mainly prints onto roll media (photo paper, light box fabric, PVC film), suiting "surface-applied" scenarios such as posters, display stand graphics and light box films. The image is fine and the price affordable, but the medium is relatively soft and needs to be mounted on a display stand or board.
UV printing It can image directly onto rigid boards (acrylic, PVC board, aluminum composite panel, wood board, glass, etc.). The result has a three-dimensional texture and is wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, suiting products that need to be "formed", such as storefront signs, image walls, signage and display props.
UV printing is generally priced higher per square metre than photo printing; the difference comes from Board cost, ink cost, printing waste and lead time UV printing turns out finished pieces quickly (panels are ready to use straight after printing), which suits rush orders; photo printing usually needs lamination, mounting and other finishing steps, so check capacity in advance for rush orders.
If you are unsure which to choose, send the use case, installation location and expected lifespan to the production party; letting a professional advise is safer than guessing on your own. JINTU® Enterprise Services provides UV, photo printing and solvent printing production with nationwide delivery, and supportsFree online consultationquotation.