Are you considering wall printing, but don’t know what the wall printing process involves? How long will an average order take? Do you need specialist knowledge about finishes? This guide gives you straight answers. Specific figures on material consumption, actual lead times and practical surface requirements. Information that will allow you to make a decision based on facts, not marketing promises.
Surface preparation – simplicity is the key to success
Applying UV graphics does not require any complicated or specialised surface preparation. This is one of the biggest advantages of this technology compared to other methods, such as wallpapering or painting walls.
The basic requirement for the wall is, above all, cleanliness. The surface should be clean – free of dirt and dust. In most cases, simply wiping it with a damp cloth is sufficient.
The wall does not have to be perfectly smooth. The printer can easily handle typical plaster textures. Just be careful with very large irregularities and protruding elements – they can affect the print quality.
Specific characteristics of different surfaces
The method of preparation depends on the type of substrate:
- Painted walls – usually do not require any special treatment, unless they are extremely dirty. In that case, simply wipe them down beforehand.
- Metal and glass – require degreasing, for example with a special primer. Materials that generate static electricity should be wiped with a damp cloth or glass cleaner.
- Wood – must be dry and clean before starting work.
- Lambskin plaster – the printer copes well with this type of surface, but excessive indentations may affect the quality of the details.
Practical tips
Keep cleaning products handy – this will allow you to prepare the surface on site if necessary.
Before starting work, check the wall for dirt and dust. If you notice anything, wipe it with a damp cloth and wait for it to dry.
If the surface has been freshly painted, it is a good idea to wait at least 24 hours for the wall to dry properly.
Resistance and durability – value you offer your customer
The graphics are cured with UV light, which gives them exceptional durability. In practice, this means that the sprayed ink is immediately cured with ultraviolet lamps, making it hard and resistant to external factors.
The print is fully waterproof. It can be washed without any problems, which is particularly important in children’s rooms or other places exposed to dirt.
Water resistance is also important in bathrooms, kitchens or garages – anywhere where there is increased humidity. In such conditions, wallpapers and stickers peel off over time, while UV printing remains stable.
Completion time – from printer installation to completion
The completion of an order depends on several factors: the size of the graphic, the device settings and the type of surface. On average, printing one square metre takes about 50 minutes without a white underprint and 1 hour and 40 minutes with a white underprint.
The average order is between 3 and 5 square metres. Based on the above figures, you can estimate that the average printing time without a white underprint is between 2.5 and 4 hours, and with a white underprint between 5 and 8 hours.
Keep in mind that projects can vary greatly – from logos that take a few dozen minutes to large murals that can take up to several days. The execution time should also include the assembly and disassembly of the printer, preparation of the surface for printing, and any technical breaks. Therefore, it is worth adding 2-3 hours to the service execution time.
Instant dry – a revolution that changes the rules of the game
The graphics are dry immediately after printing. This is thanks to the use of UV technology, which cures the ink with lamps immediately after it is applied to the wall. The colour material becomes hard and resistant to external factors.
There is no need to wait for the print to dry – you can touch the surface immediately after printing. There is no risk of smudging or damaging the graphics immediately after application. The room can be used immediately after completion.
Cleaning up after work is limited to folding up the printer and removing the machine from the place where you are performing the service. No dust, paint stains or other dirt.
Starter kit – what you get and how long it lasts
When you purchase a wall printer from wall printers⁺, you receive a complete set of five ink cartridges – each with a capacity of one litre – in CMYK colours and white. This is a significant amount of consumables, which you receive right from the start, at no additional cost.
Covering a full square metre requires 30 millilitres of ink without a white base layer. When working with dark substrates that need a white undercoat as a base for the final graphic, you will need to use 60 millilitres for the same area. In the case of white undercoating, you should expect ink consumption to be twice as high.
White underprint is used on walls other than light-coloured ones in order to reproduce the colours you want to achieve as accurately as possible. On light-coloured surfaces, you can usually skip it, reducing the time needed to complete the job.
The initial set is sufficient for 150 square metres. The average order covers 3 to 5 square metres, which translates into 30-50 such projects before you need to replenish your supplies. That’s a really large number of projects that you can complete without additional expenditure on materials.
Summary
If you are looking for a business that does not require months of training or complicated technical preparations, wall printing is a service that you can start providing quickly. You are not competing on price with traditional painters – you are offering something that they cannot replicate.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Does the graphic need to dry?
No – the print is dry immediately after printing. UV technology instantly cures the ink using lamps. You can touch the surface immediately after completion, and the room is immediately ready for use.
How to prepare the wall for printing?
The surface should be clean, stable (no crumbling or flaking) and relatively flat. The printer can handle classic wall textures. Freshly painted walls require a minimum of 24 hours to dry.
Can the printed graphics be washed?
Yes – the graphics are fully waterproof and can be washed. It is best to use a cloth with water, although mild chemicals such as window cleaner also work well.
When should white underprint be used?
White underprint is needed on walls other than light-coloured ones in order to reproduce the colours you want to achieve as accurately as possible. It is usually not needed on light-coloured surfaces, which shortens the production time and reduces ink consumption.
