Answers
Surface Printers sells direct-to-surface UV printer packages for walls, floors, glass, metal, wood and panels. These are the questions buyers ask on almost every call, answered short. If yours isn't here, call or text Jason Ott at 910.679.0962.
01
How much does a direct-to-surface UV printer cost?
Printers start at $39,995 and run to $44,995 for the Pro Series. Certified reconditioned packages start at $29,995, by request. Every package includes training, lifetime support and the software. The right one depends on your work, so call or text Jason at 910.679.0962 and he'll walk you through it.
What comes in the printer package?
The printer, starter ink, the software, training and lifetime support, plus a hardware warranty of up to five years on new machines. No royalties or subscriptions. Jason can walk you through the full list: 910.679.0962.
Which printer do I need?
Walls, glass and doors run on the Pro or Tech Series. Floors run on the Floor Series. Tell Jason what you want to print and he'll point you to the right one: 910.679.0962.
How long until I have it?
New machines are built to order. Jason will give you a delivery date with your quote, and training is scheduled around it.
Can I see one before I buy?
Yes. Come to Wilmington, NC, or watch one run on a video call. Call or text Jason at 910.679.0962 to set a time.
Is financing available?
Yes, for qualified buyers. See the Financing page, or call Jason at 910.679.0962 and he'll connect you with our financing partner.
What does wall printing cost per square foot?
Ink runs about fifty cents a square foot. The rest is time, setup and prep, and that's different on every job. Try the cost model, then call Jason at 910.679.0962 to run it on your own numbers.
Is direct-to-surface printing better than vinyl wall graphics?
For most permanent and semi-permanent graphics, yes. There's no adhesive, no seams and nothing to peel, and it follows brick and texture. Vinyl still makes sense for short-term graphics. Jason can help you compare on your own job: 910.679.0962.
02
How fast does a direct-to-surface printer print?
10 to 20 sq ft an hour, depending on resolution and color mode. Ask Jason how long your job would take: 910.679.0962.
How tall can it print?
Up to 11 feet on the Pro and Tech Series. Planning edges and corners is part of every job, and Jason will walk you through yours.
Does it need power, or does it run on a battery?
It needs power at the surface. There's no battery.
How much does the ink cost?
About $160 a litre, which works out to about fifty cents a square foot. White ink is standard on all three machines.
How much is a replacement print head?
About $2,000. The print head is a wear item, and the support team will help you plan when to replace it.
How much maintenance does it need?
About twenty minutes every other day the machine runs, and the ink circulates on its own every twelve hours. Training covers the routine, and the support team is there when you need them.
What if it sits unused for a month?
The pump box pulls ink through every twelve hours while the machine sits. When you're back, run the checklist and print.
How long does a machine last?
Machines from the very beginning are still printing. Most owners run out of their own hours before the machine runs out of anything.
Who can run it?
Someone organized and good with files. You don't need to be an artist. For a company, it's usually whoever runs your paint crew or print room now.
Do I need a shop to use it?
No. The machine breaks down, rides in a van and sets up where the work is. Panels and canvas can be printed in a shop and installed on site.
03
What surfaces can a UV surface printer print on?
Walls, floors, glass, metal, wood, concrete, brick, tile, acrylic and canvas, and more. White ink is standard, so dark surfaces work. Send Jason a photo of yours and he'll tell you how it prints: 910.679.0962.
Can it print on floors?
Yes, on the Floor Series ($39,995). It rolls across concrete, tile, hard floors, courts and aisles on four belt-driven wheel housings, with no track. Safety markings, wayfinding, logos at center court. Jason will recommend the approach for your floor and its traffic.
How long does a print last outdoors?
Outdoors, ask Jason whether a clear coat makes sense for your surface and exposure.
Is there an SDS for the ink?
Yes, for every ink.
04
What's the warranty?
Up to five years on hardware for new machines, plus lifetime support.
Who do I call for support?
The support team in Wilmington, NC, by phone, email, video or help desk ticket, 9am to 8pm ET, seven days, for the life of the machine. Put it in a ticket, add a picture, and give them as much context as you can.
Is training included?
Yes. One full day in Wilmington or online, recorded so you can rewatch it, with the help desk behind you after.
05
We already buy printed vinyl. Why switch to a direct-to-surface printer?
You stop paying per job for film and an installer, and you print on your own schedule. Whether it pencils out depends on your numbers. Try the cost model, then talk it through with Jason: 910.679.0962.
06
Is a surface printer a handheld printer, a flatbed, an office printer or a 3D printer?
None of those. It isn't a handheld inkjet coder for marking boxes and pipes, a flatbed that prints what you lay on its bed, an office printer or a 3D printer. It's a direct-to-surface UV printer that goes to a wall, a floor, a window or a panel and prints on it where it is.
07
Is the printed surface fire rated?
Every project and code path is different. Call or text Jason at 910.679.0962 and he'll help you decide where printing fits best and what your spec needs.
Is the print chemical or disinfectant resistant?
There's an SDS for every ink, and every cleaning routine is different. Send Jason your protocol at 910.679.0962 and he'll give you a straight recommendation.
Is a printed floor slip resistant?
That depends on the floor, the finish and how it's cleaned. If your project has requirements, call or text Jason at 910.679.0962 and he'll recommend the approach.
How does a printed floor hold up to foot traffic and forklifts?
Every floor sees different traffic. Send Jason photos and how the floor is used at 910.679.0962. He and the support team will recommend placement and whether a clear coat makes sense.
On video
Direct-to-surface printing, explained
What owners have printed in their cities
Call or text Jason Ott at 910.679.0962. Help desk 9am to 8pm ET, seven days.
2157 Dexter St, Wilmington, NC 28403
