The first question to answer is "how big is my budget?" When you need a full-color sign, but have a limited budget, you're better off getting a few UV printed signs, rather than trying to hit the price break for hundreds or thousands of screen printed signs. Buy what you need, rather than trying to get a lower per-unit price.

If you need a lot of colors on your sign, UV printing is also the best option. When you screen print, that means one separate screen run for each color. Running three or more colors gets expensive with the screen print method, and doesn't always look as good. A flatbed UV printer is a regular 4-color printer like the kind you have at home or work, so it's the better choice when you need photo quality printing, or need more than two colors on a sign.

You can clean a UV printed sign with window cleaner or soap and water. But solvent-based ink, like a screen printed sign, could actually run if you use an ammonia-based cleaner on it.

The substrate is another factor — if your sign is flat and stiff, then the UV printer is a good bet. If you need a vinyl banner or other flexible sign, then a UV printer won't work as well.

Finally, consider drying time. UV ink is cured with UV light, making it instantly dry. Solvent-based ink takes longer to dry. If you've ever seen a large printing job run — like 10,000 brochures — you may see occasional ghosting on the backs of the brochures, because the ink doesn't dry immediately. Plus a solvent-printed sign should ideally have 24 hours to cure completely. If you need a sign fast, the UV printer is the better option.

The UV printer is a fantastic solution for a lot of different signs. Some uses are better than others. It's important to choose the best one based on your budget needs, the design and colors, cleaning and maintenance, and the chosen substrate. Knowing all of this can help you make the best choice.

For more information on UV printed signs, visit the SIGNARAMA website. And to find the SIGNARAMA store nearest you, use our online store locator.