Custom plate: wood, acrylic or metal in UV printing

Door sign, company signage, keepsake plaque, a gift with a name on it: the custom plate is one of the most common uses of UV printing. The choice of material (wood, acrylic, metal) changes the look, the durability and the quote.

Our UV printer arrives in December 2026 and the service is not open yet. Here we help you prepare your project: choose the material, understand what makes the price vary, and know what to send us. Quote requests are already possible on the UV printing page.

Why UV printing for a plate

A plate must be legible, durable and clean. UV printing addresses all three:

• the ink is cured under UV light and bonds with the surface: no sticker that peels off;
• colour rendering, with a white base, stays true even on a dark or clear material;
• a gloss or matte varnish protects the print, and raised texture up to 7 mm can highlight a name or a logo.

For the full principle, see our article UV printing: how it works.

Size: up to A3+

The print area reaches 330 × 420 mm. A door sign, a desk panel or a frame fit easily. Beyond this size we cannot print in one piece: tell us the size you want on the quote.

Custom wood plate

Wood (plywood, MDF, solid wood) gives a warm look, suited to gifts, decoration and interiors.

• Strengths: natural look, the grain stays visible under a thin ink, good contrast with white.
• Precaution: raw, porous wood is sanded or sealed first, so the ink does not spread.
• Uses: door sign, place card, photo board, wall plaque, a child's drawing reproduced on wood.

Custom Plexiglas (acrylic) plate

Acrylic, clear or coloured, suits desk plates, indoor signs and polished presentations.

• Strengths: printing on the front or the back with a white base, which gives a smooth surface protected on the face side.
• Precaution: acrylic is smooth, so it receives a primer to make the ink bond durably. We take care of it.
• Uses: indoor signage, business plate, keepsake plaque, invitations.

Custom metal plate

Metal (aluminium, plates, painted metal objects) offers a sober, robust look.

• Strengths: rigidity, professional look, good durability in indoor use.
• Precaution: primer required. For metal you provide, we may ask for a test piece before launching a run.
• Uses: identification plate, signage, commemorative plaque.

What about a 3D-printed plate?

A fourth option, specific to our workshop: make the plate itself by 3D printing, then print the artwork in UV. It is useful when shape matters: custom outline, fixing holes at your dimensions, built-in counter stand, display foot. The plate is printed in a rigid material such as PLA or PETG, then dressed in colour. Our article 3D printing and UV printing covers this pair.

What makes the quote vary

We show no prices in this article: the price is calculated on the quote. Here is what moves it, as a logic:

• The printed area: the larger it is, the longer the print and the more ink it uses.
• The layers: colour only, colour with white base, varnish, texture. Each added layer adds machine time.
• The material: wood, acrylic or metal do not cost the same, and primer is added for smooth surfaces.
• The quantity: setting up a file is spread over the run. A single piece is possible, with lower unit prices for runs.
• The plate shape: standard rectangle or custom cut-out.
• The file: a print-ready design saves time. If we have to prepare it, that can add to the price.

We also confirm on the quote whether we supply the plate or you do, and which sizes are possible. To understand how our 3D parts are priced, see how much does custom 3D printing cost.

What to send for an accurate quote

• the type of plate and its dimensions;
• the material you want, or the use (indoor, outdoor) so that we can advise you;
• the artwork: ideally a vector PDF or SVG, otherwise a high-resolution PNG at actual size. A sketch or a photo is enough to start;
• the quantity and the date you want;
• the options: texture, varnish, fixing holes.

For outdoor use or sun exposure, let's talk: colours can fade over the years.

You can start your request on the UV printing page, or use the online quote if your project includes a 3D-printed part. For a professional run, our short run page explains the process. All the materials we 3D-print are also presented on the site.

Frequently asked questions

Which material should I choose for a custom plate?

Wood for a warm indoor look, acrylic for a smooth, crisp plate, metal for a sober, robust one. If shape matters, a 3D-printed plate dressed in UV is also possible. Tell us the use and we advise you.

What is the maximum plate size?

The print area is up to 330 × 420 mm (A3+). Send us the dimensions you want and we confirm feasibility with the quote.

Can a Plexiglas plate be printed on both sides?

Printing can be done on the front or the back of an acrylic plate, with a white base. For double-sided, state it in your request: we tell you what is possible on the quote.

Is the plate suitable for outdoors?

Cured ink resists scratches and water in everyday use. For a plate left in full sun for a long time, colours can fade over the years. Let's talk before choosing the material.

Can you make a single plate, with no minimum quantity?

Yes, a single piece is possible, with lower unit prices for runs. The price is set on a quote.

How much does a custom plate in UV printing cost?

It depends on the printed area, the layers (white, varnish, texture), the material and the quantity. We prepare a quote on the UV printing page.

When will you be able to print my plate?

The UV printer arrives in December 2026. You can send your project now: your order is scheduled when we open.