How durable is direct to media printing on materials?

Direct to media printing uses UV-cured inks that bond directly to the substrate, creating a surface that is both scratch-resistant and weather-resistant. This makes it suitable for long-term external signage, construction environments and high-traffic internal areas. On materials such as Dibond or Acrylic, the print becomes exceptionally hard-wearing and retains its colour integrity for extended periods, even when exposed to sunlight or environmental changes.

What level of detail can be achieved when printing directly onto rigid materials?

Our flatbed technology delivers high-resolution output with excellent clarity, allowing for fine text, photographic imagery and detailed graphics to be reproduced accurately. Rigid materials do not absorb ink in the same way as porous substrates, meaning edges remain crisp and gradients stay smooth. This makes direct to media printing suitable for premium display panels, corporate branding and any application where visual precision is essential.

Are there limitations on the type of artwork that can be printed directly onto a rigid board?

Direct to media printing performs best with vector artwork and high-resolution imagery. Artwork containing low-resolution images, incorrect colour modes or insufficient bleed may compromise output quality. Files should also avoid excessive transparency effects or unflattened layers. As long as artwork follows our technical guidelines, we can reproduce complex designs with accuracy across a wide range of materials.

Does the texture or finish of the material affect the final print result?

Yes, the surface of the substrate has a direct impact on the appearance of the print. Smooth materials such as Acrylic or Dibond produce sharp, vibrant results, while textured materials like wood or recycled boards create a more natural, tactile finish. Our production team profiles each material to ensure colours remain consistent and the ink adheres correctly, regardless of texture.

Can you print white ink, and when is it recommended?

White ink is essential when printing onto clear, coloured or dark substrates. It can be used as a solid backing layer to improve opacity, as a spot-white for selective emphasis, or as part of a multi-layer print for acrylic panels and illuminated displays. White ink prevents colour washout and ensures artwork remains legible and vibrant across challenging materials.

What sizes can you produce, and can panels be joined for larger installations?

We can print rigid sheets up to 4m x 2m in a single piece. For larger installations, panels are tiled with precise alignment to maintain artwork continuity. Our studio prepares panel layouts to ensure joins fall in appropriate positions and installation teams can fit them seamlessly on site.

How are direct to media panels finished or shaped after printing?

Once printed, panels can be cut to any outline using CNC or CAD cutting machinery. This allows for shaped signage, internal cut-outs, rounded corners and bespoke contours. We also prepare fixing holes, standoff drill points or hardware locations as required. Finishing is completed to tight tolerances so that every panel installs cleanly and reliably.

What industries benefit most from direct to media printing?

This process is widely used across retail, leisure, construction, education, museums, events and commercial fit-outs. Clients benefit from the speed, durability and accuracy of direct printing, which is particularly valuable for site boards, wayfinding signage, branded interiors, exhibition panels and premium acrylic displays. The versatility of the method makes it suitable for both one-off pieces and large multi-site rollouts.

Direct To Media Printing

PRINTING ON ANY MEDIA

Direct to media printing allows us to print high-quality graphics straight onto rigid substrates without the need for mounting or adhesive layers. Using advanced UV flatbed technology, we produce durable, colour-consistent prints on materials such as Foamex, Dibond, Acrylic, Display Board and Wood.

OUR PRINT FACTORY

Platinum KCXL Pro by Liyu UK

The Liyu FlatBed printer delivers stunning 2400 dpi prints with a 5-picolitre drop size, handling materials up to 100 mm thick. Its advanced vacuum system ensures a perfect grip, making it a versatile choice across different materials

Impala 2i by SwissQPrint

Widely regarded as a market leader for direct-to-substrate print quality, the Swiss Q range of hybrid flatbed printers has topped the sales charts across Europe for five consecutive years.

H3200i LED Anapurna by AGFA

The 6-colour engine prints at a width of up to 3.2 m and combines high quality with high productivity for outdoor and indoor, rigid and flexible wide-format jobs. The white ink function allows printing on transparent material for backlit applications or for printing white as a spot colour.

If you’re unsure which materials or print method are best for your project, our team is here to help. Email sales@wallaceprint.com with your project details, quantities and intended use, and we’ll review everything for you. You’ll receive clear recommendations and a no-obligation quote based on what will deliver the best result.

Direct to Media Printing

Direct to media printing is the process of digitally printing directly onto the surface of a chosen material. This method removes the need for mounting films or secondary layers, providing a clean, efficient and highly accurate production process. At Wallace Print, we operate a large-format digital print facility capable of printing onto almost any rigid substrate, supported by UV-cured technology that provides a durable, colour-stable finish suitable for both internal and external environments.

Printing Directly Onto Almost Any Material

As a long-established large format print specialist, we print directly onto Foamex, Correx, Dibond, Acrylic, Display Board and many other rigid materials. The UV inks used in our flatbed systems are cured instantly on contact with the surface, producing a robust finish that performs reliably across a wide range of environments. This versatility makes direct to media printing ideal for signage, display boards, exhibition panels, decorative installations and branded interiors.

Because the print is applied directly to the substrate, there is no risk of long-term delamination that can occur with mounted graphics. The result is a high-quality, professional finish with strong colour accuracy and excellent edge definition.

Large Format Capability for Demanding Applications

Our UV flatbed printers can handle media up to 4m x 2m. This allows us to produce large rigid panels in a single piece without joins, which is useful for feature walls, oversized signage and architectural installations. For larger projects, our studio prepares panel splits with precise alignment to ensure a seamless final installation.

We currently operate a Platinum KCXL Pro by LIYU, Anapurna H3200i LED and a SwissQ Impala flatbed printer. These machines are recognised for high image quality, excellent colour stability and consistent performance across long production runs. The combination of these systems allows us to achieve exceptional output on demanding materials and challenging artwork.

White Ink Printing for Specialist Applications

White ink plays an important role in direct to media production. It can be applied as a base layer on coloured materials to improve opacity, used to create selective visual emphasis within artwork or applied as part of a layered print process on acrylic and clear substrates. This capability is particularly valuable for panels that require controlled light diffusion, illuminated displays or high contrast graphics mounted within interior environments.

Durability Delivered Through UV Cured Printing

UV cured inks bond firmly to the surface of the material, producing a finish that is both durable and resistant to weathering. This makes direct to media printing suitable for long-term external applications such as signage, construction hoarding panels, outdoor displays and wayfinding. For internal use, the high print resolution and smooth colour handling ensure a premium visual finish suitable for close viewing.

With over 40 years of experience in large format printing and as one of the first companies in the United Kingdom to adopt direct-to-media flatbed technology, we understand how to achieve the best possible results from each material and machine.

Finishing and In-House Production Support

All finishing takes place within our production facility. Once printed, panels can be laminated for additional protection, cut to shape using CNC or CAD systems, drilled for fixings or packed for distribution. Keeping all processes under one roof allows us to maintain strict quality control and ensures that projects move efficiently from artwork to delivery or installation.

Whether your project requires a simple rigid sign or a full set of panels for a large interior or exterior installation, our team supports you through each stage of the process with clear communication and dependable lead times.

Printing Services

We offer a complete suite of large format printing services, covering everything from start to end of the printing process. All produced and finished in-house for consistent quality.

Frequently asked questions

How durable is direct to media printing on materials?
Direct to media printing uses UV-cured inks that bond directly to the substrate, creating a surface that is both scratch-resistant and weather-resistant. This makes it suitable for long-term external signage, construction environments and high-traffic internal areas. On materials such as Dibond or Acrylic, the print becomes exceptionally hard-wearing and retains its colour integrity for extended periods, even when exposed to sunlight or environmental changes.
What level of detail can be achieved when printing directly onto rigid materials?
Our flatbed technology delivers high-resolution output with excellent clarity, allowing for fine text, photographic imagery and detailed graphics to be reproduced accurately. Rigid materials do not absorb ink in the same way as porous substrates, meaning edges remain crisp and gradients stay smooth. This makes direct to media printing suitable for premium display panels, corporate branding and any application where visual precision is essential.
Are there limitations on the type of artwork that can be printed directly onto a rigid board?
Direct to media printing performs best with vector artwork and high-resolution imagery. Artwork containing low-resolution images, incorrect colour modes or insufficient bleed may compromise output quality. Files should also avoid excessive transparency effects or unflattened layers. As long as artwork follows our technical guidelines, we can reproduce complex designs with accuracy across a wide range of materials.
Does the texture or finish of the material affect the final print result?
Yes, the surface of the substrate has a direct impact on the appearance of the print. Smooth materials such as Acrylic or Dibond produce sharp, vibrant results, while textured materials like wood or recycled boards create a more natural, tactile finish. Our production team profiles each material to ensure colours remain consistent and the ink adheres correctly, regardless of texture.
Can you print white ink, and when is it recommended?
White ink is essential when printing onto clear, coloured or dark substrates. It can be used as a solid backing layer to improve opacity, as a spot-white for selective emphasis, or as part of a multi-layer print for acrylic panels and illuminated displays. White ink prevents colour washout and ensures artwork remains legible and vibrant across challenging materials.
What sizes can you produce, and can panels be joined for larger installations?
We can print rigid sheets up to 4m x 2m in a single piece. For larger installations, panels are tiled with precise alignment to maintain artwork continuity. Our studio prepares panel layouts to ensure joins fall in appropriate positions and installation teams can fit them seamlessly on site.
How are direct to media panels finished or shaped after printing?
Once printed, panels can be cut to any outline using CNC or CAD cutting machinery. This allows for shaped signage, internal cut-outs, rounded corners and bespoke contours. We also prepare fixing holes, standoff drill points or hardware locations as required. Finishing is completed to tight tolerances so that every panel installs cleanly and reliably.
What industries benefit most from direct to media printing?
This process is widely used across retail, leisure, construction, education, museums, events and commercial fit-outs. Clients benefit from the speed, durability and accuracy of direct printing, which is particularly valuable for site boards, wayfinding signage, branded interiors, exhibition panels and premium acrylic displays. The versatility of the method makes it suitable for both one-off pieces and large multi-site rollouts.

Industry Specialists

With over 40 years in large format printing, we’ve delivered thousands of projects across the UK. Our legacy is built on precision, reliability, and trusted results.