UV Printing vs. Laser: Which Is Best for Your Business?
If your business is in signage, packaging, custom merchandise, or high-quality commercial printing—and you’re based in Colorado—you’re probably wondering: should you invest in a UV printer or stick with laser?
From Denver to Colorado Springs, businesses across industries are upgrading their printing workflows in 2024. In this guide, we break down the key differences between UV and laser printing, explain where each shines, and help you decide which one makes the most sense for your business goals.
📊 UV Printing vs. Laser Printing: Quick Comparison
| Feature | UV Printing | Laser Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Signage, promotional products, packaging | Office documents, brochures, general business use |
| Materials Supported | Wood, glass, acrylic, metal, plastic, paper | Paper, light cardstock, labels |
| Print Durability | Highly durable, weather-resistant | Good for indoor use, less durable outdoors |
| Dry Time | Instant (UV cured) | Quick, but requires cooling |
| Color Vibrancy | Vivid, high contrast | Clean, professional colors |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Moderate to high | Low |
🎯 What Is UV Printing?
UV (ultraviolet) printing is a digital printing technology that uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure or dry ink as it’s applied to a surface. This makes it possible to print directly onto non-traditional materials like:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Glass
- Metal
- Plastic
- Canvas
Because the ink sits on top of the substrate (instead of soaking in), UV printing creates sharp, durable, and vibrant prints. It’s especially useful for Colorado businesses that produce custom signs, branded merchandise, or packaging.
Example: A signage company in Denver upgraded to a flatbed UV printer to expand into acrylic and metal signage—growing their service offerings and boosting profit margins.
Want to explore UV options? Read our full guide: UV Printing vs. Laser: Which Is Best for Your Business?
🖨️ What Is Laser Printing?
Laser printing uses heat and static electricity to bond toner to paper. It’s fast, efficient, and highly reliable—making it a go-to for internal documents, reports, handouts, and brochures.
Laser printing is ideal if your business needs:
- Fast, high-volume printing
- Crisp text and clean black-and-white documents
- Lower upfront equipment cost
- Minimal daily maintenance
For most offices, laser printing is a practical choice—especially when integrated with a multifunction printer (MFP) for scanning, faxing, and secure printing.
💡 When Should You Choose UV Printing?
Go UV if you:
- Print on unconventional materials (wood, plastic, metal)
- Need photo-quality color for client-facing products
- Run a signage, packaging, or promo product business
- Want weatherproof, long-lasting output
Industries that benefit from UV:
- Sign & banner shops
- Promotional merchandise companies
- Industrial product labeling
- Custom packaging & branding
Learn more: Explore our commercial printer solutions.
📈 Which Printer Type Is More Cost-Effective?
Laser printers are cheaper to purchase and maintain, but they’re limited in the types of materials they can handle.
UV printers require more upfront investment and maintenance, but they open up new revenue streams if you offer creative or industrial print services.
Want help calculating ROI? Our team can help assess your use case and volume to recommend the right solution.
💬 FAQ: UV vs. Laser Printing
What’s the main difference between UV and laser printing?
UV uses ultraviolet light to cure ink onto a wide range of surfaces. Laser printing uses toner and heat for high-speed paper printing.
Is UV printing better for outdoor signage?
Yes. UV prints are weather-resistant, UV-stable, and longer-lasting in outdoor conditions compared to laser output.
Is a UV printer worth the investment?
If you print on non-paper surfaces or offer custom print services, UV is often a game-changer. It expands what you can offer clients and enhances print durability.
📍 Local Support for UV & Laser Printers in Colorado
Whether you’re a sign shop in Fort Collins or a custom packaging company in Colorado Springs, we provide:
- Product recommendations and live demos
- Flatbed UV printer installs
- Multifunction laser printer setups
- Ongoing training and support
Service areas include: Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the Front Range.
➡️ Request a free print consultation here