UV Printing on Glass

The UV printer allows us to print on almost any surface, but the key question to ask is… will the graphic remain in place without peeling off?

Glass is a prime example of this. When you run your fingers over the surface layer of the glass, you can feel how perfectly smooth it is, without any lumps or bumps sticking out.

This makes it a difficult material to get good adhesion to. However, just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it is impossible, which is why we’ve written this instructions article.

In the paragraphs that follow, we’ll demonstrate how using the appropriate pre-treatment can help effectively UV print on glass and assure that the graphic will remain in place.

So, let’s jump right in.

Get The Glass Ready for Printing

The first step in this process is to get the glass ready for printing. To do so, you’ll want to remove any glue, dust, fingerprints, or anything that might be on its surface.

We recommend using alcohol or a surface cleaner. Then you simply spray a little alcohol over the surface and wipe it down with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

Next, allow it to air dry.

Once that is done, we’re ready to move to the next step.

Pre-Treat The Glass

I hope you are ready for some fun… because that’s what’s coming next! We need to flame-treat the surface of the glass!

To do it, we’ll use a tool called a Pyrosil Torch.

Hiding behind the branding “Pyrosil” is a special flammable gas, which largely consists of propane-butane and a mixture of activators.

So, let’s put it to use!

Note: You’ll want to be very careful when working with this tool, to avoid any burning or injury.

First, direct the pale blue area of the flame onto the surface being treated. And make sure to keep the flame moving over the surface for at least five seconds.

Once that is done, allow the glass to cool down for a short period of time. We’re doing this because after flame treatment the glass surface has to be coated with a primer.

Now, using a brush, apply a thin layer of primer on the area you want to print.

Finally, we’re ready to send the glass to the UV printer for printing.

Start Printing

All your efforts have led you to this very moment, a moment you’ve been eagerly waiting for. So, let’s not waste time and begin printing on the glass.

To do so, we want to send the glass over to the UV printer for printing.

For this project, we’re using the Mutoh XpertJet 661UF printer because of it’s ability for rotary printing.

Due to the wine bottle’s round shape, a rotary jig is needed to secure it in place. So, we need to install it on the flatbed first.

Once that’s installed, we’re ready to lay the wine bottle down and press print!

To sum it up, before printing your a label or image on glass, like this wine bottle, there are a few steps to take.

If you’ve read this far — and you’re still with me — you should be able to do this on your own now! As you’ve come to learn, it’s not complicated or difficult to learn. With practice and repetition, you’ll get the hang of it!

But before you start practicing, go look at our UV printers and supplies page to shop for anything you’ll need to get going.

For one-on-one information simply call 800-891-1094 or live chat with one of our pros!