| 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, matt, 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 clean-up |
| 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 | Specialised parts, bulbs | Easier, fewer consumables |
| Running Cost (Est.) | Higher (power, materials) | Lower (water, energy) |
| Training/Skilled Labour | Required for operation & safety | Minimal |
⚖️ Illustration: for the price of one 2m UV-curable coater, you could buy six 3.3m water-based systems and still have budget left for materials and training. However, one UV coater could outperform several water-based systems on 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 |
Comparing the environmental impact of UV-curable and water-based coatings means looking at VOC emissions, energy use, waste, material safety, recyclability and worker safety. Here is 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 of |
| 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 when applied over recyclable substrates | ✅ Better compatibility with recycling and composting (especially in packaging) |
| Regulatory Compliance | ✅ Meets low-VOC regulations | ✅ Often preferred in food, packaging & eco-sensitive industries |
| Certifications | May meet GREENGUARD or UL ECOLOGO, depending on formulation | Often easier to certify under EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan or Blue Angel |
| UV-Curable | Water-Based | |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Eco-Ranking | ⚠️ Moderately eco-friendly (if the 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, carry a heavier environmental burden due to energy use and potential chemical hazards – but they 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. For smaller operations, an eco focus or cost efficiency, water-based is the smart, scalable entry point.
Mainly used for vehicle graphics and vehicle wraps on self-adhesive vinyl films such as cast film. Also used for outdoor banners, fabrics, canvas, high-traffic interiors and digital wallcoverings.
Speed is usually limited to about 1m per minute, yet you can still achieve up to 60m² per hour. Also ideal 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 fascias and signage that need a longer lifespan and would otherwise be vulnerable to the outdoor elements, including premature fading of the prints.
Particularly common for liquid laminating truckside curtains and retail signage.
Double the life of your prints outdoors!
The 2m UV 80 coater runs at 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. Ideal for retail applications where extra abrasion protection is needed, or high-traffic areas that would otherwise shorten the life of the printed graphic.
Speed capacity in the region of 20m per minute, using a mercury vapour UV lamp system and a conveyor for rigid boards. A roll-to-roll accessory is possible, but the machine is designed specifically for rigid boards and surfaces. Also capable of coating glass.
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