| Feature | UV-Curable Coatings | Water-Based Coatings |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Method | Instant curing with UV light | Evaporation of water (heat or air drying) |
| Durability | High – scratch, chemical, and moisture resistant | Moderate – good for general use, less durable in harsh environments |
| Finish Options | High-gloss, matte, tactile effects | Typically gloss or satin finishes |
| Setup & Footprint | Compact, high-speed units | Larger footprint but simpler setup |
| Environmental Impact | Low VOCs, but energy-intensive | Low VOCs, low energy, water cleanup |
| Substrates | Paper, plastic, metal, vinyl, fabric | Mainly paper and porous substrates |
| Application Type | Recommended Coating |
|---|---|
| High-end photo/graphics | UV-curable |
| Short-run or general signage | Water-based |
| Food packaging | Water-based (due to compliance needs) |
| Durable labels, outdoor displays | UV-curable |
| Low-budget or start-up print shops | Water-based |
| Automated inline production | UV-curable |
| Item | UV Coater (2m width) | Water-Based Coater (3.3m width) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | ~£150,000 | ~£25,000 |
| Energy Use | High (UV lamps/LEDs) | Low (air/infrared drying) |
| Maintenance | Specialized parts, bulbs | Easier, fewer consumables |
| Running Cost (Est.) | Higher (power, materials) | Lower (water, energy) |
| Training/Skilled Labor | Required for operation & safety | Minimal needed |
⚖️ Illustration: For the price of one 2m UV-curable coater, you could purchase six 3.3m water-based systems and still have budget left for materials and training. However, one UV coater could outperform multiple water-based systems in speed and finish quality for certain applications.
| If you need… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Top-tier finish and durability | ✅ UV-curable |
| Lower upfront costs and eco-friendly operation | ✅ Water-based |
| High-volume, fast throughput | ✅ UV-curable |
| Flexibility and ease of use | ✅ Water-based |
| Recyclable and food-safe output | ✅ Water-based |
The eco-friendly comparison between UV-curable and water-based coatings involves looking at VOC emissions, energy use, waste, material safety, recyclability, and worker safety. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Factor | UV-Curable Coatings | Water-Based Coatings |
|---|---|---|
| VOC Emissions | ✅ Low VOCs (near-zero when 100% solids) | ✅ Low VOCs (but may contain small amounts depending on formulation) |
| Energy Consumption | ❌ High (UV lamps or LED curing systems use significant electricity) | ✅ Low (air or IR drying uses much less energy) |
| Carbon Footprint | ❌ Higher overall due to energy load | ✅ Lower overall |
| Waste Production | ✅ Minimal liquid waste, but bulbs and filters require special disposal | ✅ Water-based waste can often be treated and safely disposed |
| Material Safety | ❌ Some UV chemicals are hazardous before curing (skin/eye irritants) | ✅ Generally safer to handle, often non-toxic |
| Worker Safety | ❌ Requires PPE (UV light exposure, chemical handling) | ✅ Safer working conditions with minimal PPE needed |
| End-product Recyclability | ❌ Can reduce recyclability if printed over recyclable substrates | ✅ Better compatibility with recycling and composting (esp. in packaging) |
| Compliance with Regulations | ✅ Meets low-VOC regulations | ✅ Often preferred in food, packaging & eco-sensitive industries |
| Certifications | May meet GREENGUARD or UL ECOLOGO, but depends on formulation | Often easier to certify under EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, or Blue Angel |
| UV-Curable | Water-Based | |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Eco-Ranking | ⚠️ Moderately eco-friendly (if energy source is not renewable) | ✅ Highly eco-friendly |
| 🔧 Eco Improvements Possible? | Yes, with LED UV curing and better waste handling | Yes, with non-toxic additives and closed-loop water systems |
✅ Water-based coatings are generally the more eco-friendly option, especially in terms of energy use, human safety, and recyclability.
⚠️ UV-curable coatings, while low in VOCs, have a heavier environmental burden due to energy use and potential chemical hazards — but can still be part of a green solution when paired with LED UV and recyclable substrates.
If your focus is high-end production, speed, and long-term ROI, UV-curable coatings justify their high initial investment. But for smaller operations, eco-focus, or cost-efficiency, water-based is the smart and scalable entry point.
Mainly used for applications such as vehicle Graphics, and vehicle wraps on vinyl adhesive films such as cast film. Also used for outdoor banner, fabrics, canvas, and high traffic area interiors as well as digital wallcoverings.
Speed is usually limited to about 1m per minute.. Nevertheless you will achieve anything up to and including 60m2 per hours. Also perfect for our ISO Certified anti-microbial solutions for healthcare and high traffic areas
Similar to our 1.6m series the Landor 1.6m liquid laminator coater is most commonly used for larger external facias and signage where a longer lifespan is required, and which otherwise would be vulnerable to the outdoor elements including the premature fading of the prints.
Particularily common for liquid lamination to truckside curtains or retail signage.
Double the life of your prints outdoors!
The 2m UV 80 coater will run between 10 and 20m per minute using a diverse range of coatings including anti graffiti, dry wipe, gloss, clear and matt.
Roll to roll option also available
Foamex, dibond, and other hard and soft rigid materials work very well at fast speeds. Great for Retial applicaions where added abrasion proteciton or high traffic areas may otherwis lead the printed graffic to a shorter life
Speed capacity in the region of 20m per minute using Mercury Vapour UV lamp system and conveyor for rigid boards. Possibility for a roll to roll accessory. But designed specifically for rigid boards and surfaces. Also capable of coating Glass
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