What Is Direct to Substrate Printing?

Direct to Substrate (DTS) printing — often powered by flatbed technology — is a digital printing process that lays ink directly onto a rigid or semi-rigid material, then instantly cures it with UV light.

Unlike traditional print methods that require mounting or laminating, DTS prints your graphics straight onto the material surface — no adhesive, no waiting, no second stage.

Why Designers, Marketers, and Printers Love It

1. Fewer Steps, Faster Turnarounds

No mounting. No laminating. No adhesives. DTS dramatically reduces production time — which means faster delivery, lower labor costs, and shorter timelines for clients who need everything “yesterday.”

2. Creative Freedom with a Wide Range of Substrates

With the right printer and ink, you can print directly onto:

• Foam boards and rigid plastics

• PVC and composite panels

• Brushed metal or Dibond®

• Acrylic or plexiglass

• Corrugated plastic

• Glass and mirror

• Wood, MDF, plywood

• Even leather or tile

This opens up innovative applications in retail, architecture, interior decor, packaging prototypes, and experiential environments.

3. Durable, Instant-Cure Prints

UV-curable inks are tough and scratch-resistant right out of the printer. No drying time required. No smudging. Great for both indoor and outdoor use — with longevity built in.

4. Special Effects Made Easy

DTS printing allows for layered printing, including:

• White ink for printing on dark or transparent surfaces

• Texture effects and raised ink (embossed feel)

• Spot varnishes for gloss accents

• Double-sided prints on transparent substrates like glass or acrylic

These add dimension and drama to your visuals — perfect for premium campaigns, museum displays, or luxury branding.

When Should You Use DTS Printing?

DTS is ideal when you need:

• Short-run, high-quality prints directly on specialty materials

• Quick-turn signage or display graphics

• Prototypes or mockups with a “final product” finish

• Interior decor elements with print-as-design (e.g., wood, tile, glass)

• Minimal post-processing or clean edges without mounting

It’s not always the cheapest route for high-volume runs, but for custom, high-impact, short- to medium-scale projects, it’s a game-changer.

How Substrate Choice Affects DTS Outcomes

DTS is only as good as the surface it prints on. Some substrates take ink beautifully; others require priming, treatment, or specific inksets. Factors to consider:

• Smooth vs textured surfaces

• Porosity or absorbency

• Color of the base material (especially if not using white ink)

• Static sensitivity

• Flexibility or expansion under heat

Substrate Bank makes this part easy — helping you:

• Find printable rigid and semi-rigid substrates by material type

• Understand compatibility with UV flatbed and hybrid printers

• Explore real-world applications and surface effects

• Compare eco-friendly or specialized substrates side-by-side

No more guessing. Just precision and clarity.

Final Word: Print That Goes Straight to the Point

Direct to Substrate printing removes barriers between design and execution, letting you print what you imagine — directly onto the final surface — with fewer steps, less waste, and more wow.

Whether you’re building a branded interior, a retail launch, or a one-of-a-kind installation, DTS lets your creativity touch the material world more directly than ever before.

Substrate Bank is your guide to choosing the surfaces that make it all possible.