Why UV Printing Is Best for Leather
While there are multiple technologies to print on leather, the most durable option is UV printing. With UV printing, the ink becomes part of the very fabric and texture of the leather itself. This makes UV-printed items highly durable and ideal for leather goods because of the often high impact uses of the material, for items such as handbags, shoes and more.
When choosing UV printing for leather and using Roland DGA VersaUV flatbed technology, that’s exactly what ECO-UV ink will bond do – it bonds directly to the leather material and takes on its unique texture and form. The UV ink cures instantly once exposed to printer’s UV light, creating a print that is resistant to scratches, fading and wear, allowing for maximum long-term durability.
Choosing Your Leather Material
Because UV printing and ink adhere strongly to the material surface regardless of the surface texture, UV printing offers the widest array of options for printing on leather. With UV, you can print on a wide variety of leather and leather-like textures, including:
● Smooth
● Flat grain
● Grainy
● Pebble grain
● Embossed
● PU
● Leatherette
How to UV Print on Leather
When you’ve selected your leather material and you’re ready to UV print on leather, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the leather surface.
To ensure optimal adhesion of the ink, ensure that the leather surface is cleaned before printing.
2. Print on the leather object.
Ensure that the leather is secured in the printer to ensure optimal image output.
3. Cure the leather under the UV light.
After the initial printing phase is completed, the UV light will immediately cure the ink to the leather.
Leather Project Ideas
Shoes
VersaUV flatbed printers can be set-up for on-demand customization of leather shoes and sneakers— add custom art, branding and text to create unique fashion items.
Corporate Branded Items
Print logos and branding directly onto leather upholstery for exclusive, high-end décor.
Handbags and Purses
From pre-production handbag prototypes to creating personalized handbags and purses for fashion retail, VersaUV technology fits a host of production models.
Leather Giftware
Print directly onto custom leather giftware items like coin purses, phone case wallets, key chains and more with VersaUV flatbed technologies.
Belts and Other Accessories
Add custom art and graphics to a wide range of faux leather items— with VersaUV technology, you can also print onto PU leather, leatherette and other artificial leather products.
Case Study: SAKATA
SAKATA is a leather goods manufacturer that is passionate about maintaining its focus on traditional Japanese quality. They serve a wide range of businesses, from providing OEM products for several companies to production for their own brands. Learn more about how SAKATA uses Roland UV technology to print high-quality, custom leather goods and see examples of their work. Read the case study here.
Printing on leather turns already valuable products into exciting, upscale items that command high-end prices. Roland DG VersaUV flatbed technology is available in a range of desktop and large-format flatbed devices. Whether you're looking for custom leather giftware or upholstery applications, Roland DGA has a machine to fit your production needs.
