UV printing is made for business and profit.

You'll find UV printing used in many areas like advertising, signs, packaging, and custom products. Businesses in these fields can make good profits by offering custom and small batch products.

In the past, UV printers were expensive and hard to maintain. Only big companies and factories could afford to use them.

But now, things are different. UV printers are smaller, cheaper, and easier to use. That means small businesses can tap into the same technology and unlock real profit potential.

Of course, success doesn't happen by itself. You still need a simple plan, a bit of learning, and the right tools to get started. That's exactly why we created this guide.

Step 1: Start With a Clear Niche

Before buying equipment, define what you want to sell and who you're selling to.

Narrowing your niche gives your business focus and makes it easier to attract customers.

For example, you might specialize in custom acrylic signs for weddings, UV-printed tumblers for small brands, or phone cases for pet lovers. It helps to look at trends on Etsy, Instagram, or TikTok to see what people are already buying.

The goal isn't to be everything to everyone. It's to find a specific audience, learn what they value, and offer something different-or better-than what's already out there.

Step 2: Write a Practical Business Plan

A UV printing business can start small, but it still needs a plan.

Figure out what products you'll launch first, how much you can invest, and where you plan to sell. You don't need formal spreadsheets, but you should answer some key questions:

• How will you price your work?
• How much do your materials cost?
• What's your monthly budget for ink and blanks?
• Will you sell through Etsy, a local market, or your own site?

Knowing these basics will help you avoid wasting time and money, and set realistic goals. It also keeps you on track when things get busy or tricky.

Not sure where to start? Don't worry. We'll walk you through each step later in the blog, so keep reading.

Step 3: Choose a Reliable UV Printer

If you want to start a UV printing business, your printer is the most important tool.

For most home businesses, a compact desktop model works best. It saves space, needs less maintenance, and costs less than big industrial printers.

Look for a printer that can print with white ink. Make sure it works on flat and curved surfaces, and supports extras like rotary attachments or UV DTF printing. These features let you offer more types of products from the beginning.

A good example is the eufyMake E1, which is made especially for home creators and small businesses. It prints in full color and white, and works with many materials such as acrylic, glass, metals, and leather.

You can print on cylindrical items like bottles and mugs or create custom stickers for curved or uneven surfaces with this one machine. To do this, you only need to add the right attachment. There is no need to buy extra equipment.

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To avoid problems, buy your printer directly from the manufacturer or an authorized seller. This way, you get proper support, software updates, and compatible ink right from the start.

Step 4: Plan for Ink and Supply Costs

Before you get started, take time to understand ink cost and consumption. You don't need to worry about refilling bottles, but you should plan for regular cartridge replacements. 

To keep costs manageable, check if the printer manufacturer offers bundle discounts or wholesale options. Some brands provide savings when you buy full cartridge sets, which helps lower your cost per print.

Tips:White ink tends to run out faster depending on your design style, especially if you create layered or textured prints.

Step 5: Use Quality Blank Materials

The blank materials you print on are just as important as your printer. When you're starting out, choose flat, coated surfaces because they're easy to print and cure evenly.

Buy small amounts in the beginning. Test your designs, see what sells, and only order more when you know which products are worth repeating.

Avoid no-brand blanks or very cheap materials, as they might warp or reject ink during curing.

Step 6: Set Up the Right Software

You'll need two types of software: one for design and one for printing.

• Design software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or CorelDRAW for creating your artwork

• RIP software (Raster Image Processor) that prepares your design for printing and controls layout, layers, and ink settings

Most beginner UV printers include compatible RIP software, but make sure to confirm that it works smoothly with your machine before you start production.

Step 7: Prepare a Clean, Simple Workspace

You don't need a full studio to run a UV printing setup. A clean, organized desk near a power outlet is enough. Keep the area dust-free and well ventilated, especially if you'll be curing prints indoors.

Add some small storage bins or shelves for your blank products, tools, and finished items. A basic setup like this allows you to work efficiently without getting overwhelmed.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a UV Printing Business?

If you're looking to start a UV printing business, getting a clear grasp of the costs is crucial.

We wanted to share real startup costs, so we talked to Emma.

She's one of our beta testers and has been running her own successful UV printing business for over 10 years.

Emma's small business set up | Image: Emma Taylor

UV Printer Cost

Your biggest decision is the printer itself. This choice sets your business up for its initial shape and future potential. There are three main categories:

• Entry-level desktop models (A4/A3 size): £4,000 - £12,000. Great if you're starting small or want to test the waters.

• Mid-range flatbed printers: £12,000 - £30,000. Ideal when you need more versatility or plan to grow production.

• Industrial-grade printers: from £30,000, up to and beyond £80,000. These are for high volumes or commercial ambitions.

But that's not all. You'll also need to stock up on supplies and accessories. Let's move on to the next part.

Ink Costs

Think of ink as fuel for your business. You'll need:

• An initial set: £250 - £800.

• Monthly refills: £50 - £250, depending on how much you print.

• Don't overlook cleaning and maintenance, which adds £80 - £250 to your initial spend.

Ink is not a one-time cost-it comes around every month.

Safety and Workspace Setup

Safe, healthy workspaces matter just as much as print quality.

• Ventilation (air filters, extractor fans): £250 - £1,500 to get the air right.

• Protective gear (masks, gloves, goggles): £40 - £150 for personal safety.

Where you work also changes your budget. If you use a room at home, you save. Renting a workshop or studio means £400 - £1,500 per month, so location choices ripple through your ongoing costs.

Software and Materials

You'll need software for managing your prints. Sometimes, RIP software comes bundled with your printer, but if you need to buy it separately, expect to pay £400 to £2,500.

Then there's your stock of printable materials: plan for £400 to £1,500, depending on how much variety you want up front.

Additional Equipment and Supplies

We're not done yet. You'll also need:

• Computers and design programs: £800 - £2,500.

• Packaging and shipping supplies: £150 - £400 to start.

• If you want to sell online, website or e-commerce tools will either be free (DIY) or up to £1,000 (professional help).

Hidden and Ongoing Costs

No matter your plan, surprises happen. Emma reminds us that there are some costs you might not think of at first, but they add up quickly:

• Print head replacements: £400 to £1,600 each time

• Ink wasted during cleaning cycles

• Repairs, downtime, and replacement parts

• Training or support contracts

• Marketing and branding to build your business

Each of these parts connects with your choices up front. Once you have these costs mapped, it's much easier to plan your next steps and avoid surprises as your business grows.

Example Startup Scenario for a Small Home Business

Startup Expense Category	Estimated Cost (GBP)
Desktop UV printer	£8,000 - £10,000
Inks and initial supplies	£800 - £1,000
Printable materials (blanks)	£800 - £1,200
Workspace setup and ventilation	£300 - £500
Computer, packaging, and other extras	£1,500 - £2,000

Estimated Total: £12,000 - £16,000 for a decent, functional home-based setup. It includes your first supplies and everything needed to launch and sell products.

How Should You Price Your Products?

Image:Jakub Żerdzicki

Once you've set up shop, figuring out your pricing strategy is crucial. Let's walk through it step by step.

Understanding Your Costs

We recommend breaking down the costs for each product you sell. Start with the basics:

• The blank item (phone case, metal plate, keyring, etc.)

• How much ink you'll use (small prints typically cost £0.10-£0.50 for ink)

• Machine depreciation, maintenance, and electricity

• Your time (design, prep, printing, finishing)

• Packaging and shipping

• Overhead (website fees, workspace costs)

For example, take a small acrylic keyring:

• Blank keyring: £0.50

• Ink: £0.20

• Machine/maintenance: £0.10

• Packaging: £0.30

• Labour (10 minutes at £15/hr): £2.50

That totals about £3.60 per keyring.

Setting Your Profit Margin

What about markup? Here's a general rule of thumb:

• For small, lower-cost products like keyrings and coasters, aim for a 3- 5x markup

• For mid-range custom gifts, go for a 2- 3x markup

• High-end or unique pieces (art, premium gifts) can command higher price points based on their perceived value

Taking our keyring example, with a 3x markup, you'll land at about £10.80-which you could round up to £10 or £12 retail.

Check Out the Market and Position Yourself

Next, research similar products on platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade. But here's a tip: don't just race to the bottom on price. Focus on how you can add value with quality, customisation, or standout branding.

Don't Forget Personalisation and Volume Discounts

If you're offering personalised items, consider an extra design fee (£3 to £25, depending on complexity), or create a flat rate for customisation.

Got bulk orders? Offer discounts. For example, 10% off for 25+ items, 20% off for 100+. Wholesale pricing generally sits at half of your retail price, but make sure you're still turning a profit.

Common Pricing Pitfalls to Avoid

Emma shares a few hard-earned lessons:

• Always factor in the value of your time.

• Don't price products based only on what you would pay.

• Avoid trying to be the cheapest. Instead, stand out on quality and what makes your business unique.

Where to Sell Your Products

Selling Online

The easiest way to get your products in front of buyers is to sell online.

Etsy is a strong place to begin, especially for giftable and personalized items. The platform already attracts people looking for customized goods, and the listing setup is fairly straightforward.

Other platforms like Amazon Handmade and Facebook Marketplace can also work. If you have time and are thinking long-term, building your own site on Shopify or Wix gives you more control. You won't have to pay as many platform fees, and you can start collecting emails and building a brand.

Social media works well as a sales support tool. Short video clips of your printer in action, texture printing demos, or time-lapse product builds tend to get attention. Even simple behind-the-scenes posts can help you stand out and earn trust.

Selling Locally

Selling things online is great for growing your business over time. But if you want to get started quickly, it helps to begin in your own area.

Your neighborhood, city, or local events are great places to test your products and get real feedback early on. Watch how people react and ask what they think.

Local sales also make things easier. You don't have to worry about shipping costs or delays. You can hand over orders in person or let customers pick them up, which helps build trust more quickly than tracking numbers ever could.

Image: @furkanfdemir

Another big advantage to selling locally is that trends change quickly, but big companies take longer to catch up.

For example, if a cool image from a new drama or movie becomes popular, large factories often need more time to prepare and want you to order in big amounts. By the time their products arrive, the trend might be over.

But if you have a UV printer at home, you can react quickly to trends. But do remember to stay within legal limits.

Let's break down your options:

How to Promote Your UV Printing Business

Promoting your UV printing business is important. Most consumers are still not familiar with UV printing. Many people do not know how creative and versatile it can be.

By showing what UV printing can do, you help others see its value. This also helps you attract customers who want unique and high-quality products.

Showcase Your Work Online

There aren't many videos or social posts about UV printing yet, so you have a real chance to stand out. Share high-quality photos and short videos on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. Use good lighting and simple backgrounds to highlight your prints.

Bring UV Printing to Events

With a compact UV printer, you can print live at craft fairs or pop-up shops. Offer on-the-spot customization and let people see and touch your products. This direct experience is powerful!

Engage with Communities

Join online groups related to printing, crafts, or small business. Share your expertise, answer questions, and post your best work. Collaborate with other creators or local businesses to expand your reach.

Final Thoughts

A UV printing business is one of the few creative side hustles that lets you launch with just a few tools, a small space, and a bit of trial and error. You don't need to go big right away. Start smart, test your ideas, and grow over time.

With the right printer like eufyMake E1, a clear plan, and some persistence, your home studio could become a reliable stream of income.