UV printing on pens (plastic and metal barrels)

Desktop UV

Prints as is

Primer

Not stated

White ink

Not stated

Shape

Rotary or curved

Everyday objects. Things people make: promotional pens, logos on the barrel or clip. From the sources at the end, checked October 11, 2026; we haven't tested it ourselves.

What it needs

Desktop UV printers

Prints as is Roland, Epson, Mimaki and artisJet all list pens as a standard UV target. [1] [2] [4] [6]

Primer or adhesion promoter

Not stated

White ink

Not stated

Flat or curved

Rotary or curved. Pens are held in a pen jig (Procolored) or tray (artisJet), or turned on a rotary accessory; Roland's BD series rotary covers objects up to 2 inches across. [1] [2] [3]

How long it lasts

Scratches and wear

artisJet says LED UV printing keeps a high anti-scratch level and durability. [4]

Before you print

• Roland's UV guide lists stainless steel and aluminum among materials where primer is recommended; it says primer has no effect on copper or brass.

[5]

Related materials

• PVC ID and gift cards Prints as is
• Skateboard decks and other large wood items Limited
• USB drives, power banks and small electronics housings Prints as is
• AirPods and earbud cases Limited
• Baseballs and other leather-covered balls Limited
• Candles (wax) and candle jars Limited

Every material in one table: what a UV printer can print on. Weighing up other machines? See UV against DTF, sublimation and a Cricut.

Has a maker published something different, or does your printer's manual disagree? Email hello@homeuvprinter.com and we'll check it against the source.

Sources

1. Roland DGA: VersaObject (direct-to-object UV printers)
2. Roland DGA: VersaStudio BD Series desktop UV flatbed printers
3. Procolored: Jigs for UV printer
4. artisJet: Customized pen printing
5. Roland DGA: UV Guide, improving ink adhesion (primer printing)
6. Epson: Desktop UV Printers for Small Business

Checked October 11, 2026.