Request the right sample pack for your printer and substrate
A good trial starts with the right ink set and the right substrate list. Write to UV Ink through the contact page form and tell us whether you are printing on a flatbed or roll-to-roll machine, what material you use most, and whether your work is for signage, packaging, décor or general graphics. That helps us prepare samples that are useful in real production, not just on a test sheet.
We supply from Epping, Cape Town and courier across South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha. If your work is affected by coastal humidity, or changing workshop temperatures, mention that too because curing and handling can shift with conditions.
What to include in your sample request
Keep your request specific. The more detail you give, the better the sample pack can match your daily work. If you are unsure about one item, send what you know and we will help fill the gaps.
- Printer type: flatbed or roll-to-roll
- Substrate: PVC, board, acrylic, vinyl, polypropylene or another surface
- Ink colours needed and whether white or clear is part of the job
- Current curing method and lamp type if you know it
- Problem areas such as scratching, poor adhesion, slow curing or colour shift
- Delivery area, for example Bellville, Paarl, Cape Town CBD or a national courier address
We also welcome notes about fire retardant media, outdoor use, or jobs that need strong rub resistance. That helps us guide the selection and the testing sequence.
How we prepare the sample pack
Once we receive your request, our team checks the ink type against your machine and application. Lindiwe Maseko in sales, Hennie Opperman in technical support, and Shanaaz Allie in operations work together so the pack is packed with purpose and not waste. If a sample needs a specific handling note or a faster turn around, Moagi Shirinda in logistics will plan the dispatch route.
A sample pack may include small containers for trial printing, a simple note on curing behaviour, and guidance on expected adhesion on common substrates. We do not guess at compatibility. If there is a known limitation, we will say so plainly before you print.
- Check the label before use and compare it with your printer setup
- Follow the safety data sheet and wear gloves when handling ink
- Keep containers closed when not in use to reduce contamination
- Store samples away from direct sun and extreme heat
Test curing, adhesion and finish on your own media
Use the sample pack on the same substrate and with the same print settings you use in production. UV-curable inks cure when exposed to the correct UV energy, so the best result depends on lamp output, carriage speed, ink laydown and the surface itself. A print that looks dry can still need more curing time, so give it a proper rub test and not only a visual check.
We suggest testing more than one job type if possible. For example, print a small solid block, a fine text area and a high coverage image. Then check for cracking, peeling, pinholes, odour, gloss changes and edge lift after curing. If you print in humid coastal conditions or in a workshop where temperature moves through the day, repeat the test at a different time to compare results.
Need help with colour trials and production planning
Sample requests often lead to more than one question, and that is normal. Nadine Motaung can help with follow-up queries, while Thabo Steyn can talk you through operator handling and first-run testing steps. If your team needs a quick refresher before a live job, we can support that too.
Use the trial to confirm practical points before placing a larger order.
- Does the ink bond properly after full curing?
- Does the finish suit your customer’s expectations?
- Can the print pass your handling, packing and install checks?
- Is the selected ink compatible with your day-to-day throughput?
If the first sample shows a good result, we can help with repeat order planning and courier stock support so you are not caught short during busy periods or municipal tender work with firm deadlines.
After the trial, tell us what changed
Once you have tested the samples, send your feedback through the enquiry form on our contact page. Include what worked, what did not, and whether the print was used indoors, outdoors, or on a surface that flexes. If the job needs better adhesion, faster curing or a different colour build, we will talk through the next step with you.
Michael van Wyk oversees the business from our Epping base, and the team keeps the process practical from first request to follow-up. The aim is simple: help you choose an ink that fits your printer, your substrates and your production pace without wasted runs.
