Exciting areas developing for those willing to experiment is the process of printing on glass. In the past, decorating glass was mainly achieved by painting, etching, or using screen printing. To be sure UV Direct-to-glass printing is more economical and faster than the prior methods.
Glass printing achieves high-end, high-quality look
Direct-to-glass printing reproduces any design in glass. Print your photos, artwork, or branding in vivid color, directly to glass. Digital direct printing creates the sharpest images possible, even with complex artwork, photo realistic images, and fine text. Graphics can be printed on glass panels and alternatives such as mirrors, windows, signage, glassware and awards, achieving a high-end, high-quality color look.
“Glass printing is now standing out as a way to give a premium look to graphics in retail merchandising,” Sean Roberts, the manager of the Global Customer Experience Center at EFI, says. “And, you can also get a superior image.”
UV inks offers better quality cheaper than ceramic inks
Ken VanHorn, director of marketing and business development at Mimaki USA, claims UV printing is superior to ceramic-based glass printing. For example, the digital inkjet accommodates photographic quality imaging and smooth gradients, with a larger color gamut. “UV-LED inkjet is also less process-intensive because it does not require any post-print process such as high-heat curing,” VanHorn says. “It’s a less expensive way to create unique pieces in a considerably shorter amount of time.”
Architectural Options
Not surprisingly, Glass is one of the most desirable building materials used in modern architecture. Architects and designers are eager to use glass for decorative purposes like creating unique architectural signage for use in the interiors of office buildings and reception areas.
Today, designers combine function and artistic expression, printing dining room tables, coffee tables, shower doors, glass counter tops, glass plates and other items. Traditional sign and display companies using UV printing have found a new market with architects and interior designers, who are keen to break into the printed glass market where there is no limit to the number of possible applications.
Fueling the growing demand for decorative glass are dozens of specialty and decorative applications. The spectrum of products ranges from doors, partition walls for offices and restaurants to shower walls, staircase banisters, spashbacks and much more.
Color and Creative Requirements
Getting colors right is just second nature to our team at PrintOnGlass. Competitors find that glass printing and its creative requirements are significant, providing a greater level of sophistication than many expected. As one production manager noted “Meeting the demands of the architectural and design community steeped in the range of Pantone colors mixed by the thousands is one thing. Just getting the reds and yellows right for the first building project bid is another.”
Glass Printing Benefits
- Cost-effective for small quantities.
- Detailed with resolutions up to 720 dpi.
- Highly accurate across multiple panes.
Finishing and Fabrication
Fabrication also creates new opportunities. Growing interior application glass orders.
The direct-to-glass printing process creates custom printed glass that is both durable and decorative. The laminated glass is ideal for both exterior and interior installations.
For custom glass printing, contact us.