Wood Printers: A Guide to Printing on Wood Surfaces

Printing on wood has become increasingly popular for creating custom décor, signage, artwork, and branded merchandise. Whether you’re a business owner, artist, or DIY enthusiast, investing in a wood printer can unlock incredible creative and commercial potential. Here’s everything you need to know when searching for the best printer for wood.

🪵 What Is a Wood Printer?

A wood printer is typically a UV flatbed printer or laser printer that can print directly onto wood surfaces. These machines use specialized inks or technologies to ensure vibrant, permanent, and scratch-resistant prints.

🖨️ Types of Printers for Wood

1. UV Flatbed Printers

• How it works: UV printers use ultraviolet light to instantly cure ink onto the surface of wood.

• Key Advantages:

  • Prints directly on wood, including textured and irregular surfaces

  • Full-color images with high resolution

  • Durable, fade-resistant results

• Best For: Commercial production, personalized gifts, promotional items, furniture decoration

Top Models:

• LogoJET UVX40R PLUS

• Mimaki UJF-3042/6042 MkII

• Roland VersaUV LEF2-300

2. Laser Engravers / Printers

• How it works: Uses a laser beam to burn or engrave designs into wood.

• Key Advantages:

  • Permanent etching effect

  • Ideal for intricate patterns or logos

• Best For: Minimalist design, signs, nameplates, natural aesthetic

Popular Brands:

• Glowforge

• xTool

• Epilog Laser

3. Sublimation on Coated Wood

• How it works: Heat and pressure transfer ink onto a coated wooden surface.

• Key Advantages:

  • Vivid photo-quality images

  • Great for plaques, ornaments, and photo panels

• Best For: Coated blanks and specialized wooden photo products

Printer Suggestion:

• Sawgrass SG500 + heat press combo

🧰 What to Consider When Choosing a Wood Printer

• Material compatibility: Check if it handles solid wood, MDF, plywood, etc.

• Print size: Choose a bed size that matches your wood pieces.

• Ink type: UV inks for durability and color vibrancy.

• Production volume: Desktop models are great for hobbyists; industrial machines suit bulk orders.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality wood printer, a UV flatbed printer is the top choice—especially for full-color designs on various wood types. For natural or rustic aesthetics, a laser engraver provides precision and character. For personalized photo gifts, sublimation on coated wood is an affordable and effective method.

Each method suits different needs—so choose based on your project goals and production scale.