Flat rate delivery | Quick turnaround
Flat rate delivery | Quick turnaround
FAQs
What is UV printing?
UV printing is a process that prints ink directly onto a surface and cures it with ultraviolet light. It allows us to print on many rigid materials, including acrylic, wood, glass, metal, ceramic, coroplast, foamboard, PVC, and more.
What can UV printing be used for?
UV printing is useful for signs, displays, awards, name tags, ID cards, promotional items, coasters, magnets, plaques, specialty cards, and other custom printed products.
Can you print on clear, dark, or coloured materials?
Yes. We can use white ink behind colour to help designs show properly on clear, dark, coloured, or transparent materials. White ink can also be used on its own for certain designs.
Is UV printing durable?
UV printing is durable, but the final result depends on the material, surface, handling, cleaning, and whether the item is used indoors or outdoors.
Can you print on customer-supplied items?
Sometimes. The item needs to fit safely in the printer, sit securely, and have a surface that is likely to accept UV ink well. We may need to review or test the item first.
Where can I learn more about UV printing?
We have a more detailed guide that explains how UV printing works, what materials it can be used on, when it’s a good choice, and what to consider before ordering.
Do you only make the products listed on your website?
No. The products on our website are examples of what we can make. If you need something similar, smaller, larger, shaped differently, or made from a different material, contact us and we can let you know what’s possible.
Can I request something custom?
Yes. Most of our work is custom in some way, whether that means a custom size, material, shape, design, quantity, or finish.
What if I don’t know what product I need?
That’s fine. Tell us what you’re trying to use it for, where it will go, how long it needs to last, and roughly what size you have in mind. We can suggest options that make sense.
Can you make just one item?
Sometimes. One-off custom work is possible for many products, but it still involves setup time, so it may cost more per piece than ordering a small batch.
Can you make small batches?
Yes. Small batches are often a good fit for us, especially for custom signs, tags, awards, displays, name tags, specialty cards, and promotional pieces.
Can you copy a product I saw somewhere else?
We can use examples for general direction, but we can’t copy protected designs, logos, artwork, or branded products unless you have the rights to use them. We can help create something similar in function or style without making a counterfeit little gremlin.
Can you help me decide between product options?
Yes. If you’re not sure whether you need acrylic, aluminum, coroplast, foamboard, wood, magnetic material, or something else, send us the details and we’ll help narrow it down.
What is UV printing?
UV printing is a process that prints ink directly onto a surface and cures it with ultraviolet light. Instead of printing onto paper or vinyl and applying it later, the design is printed right onto the material or object.
What can UV printing be used for?
UV printing works well for signs, displays, name tags, ID cards, awards, plaques, promotional items, coasters, magnets, specialty cards, and many other custom products.
What materials can you UV print on?
We can print on many rigid materials, including acrylic, wood, glass, ceramic, aluminum, PVC, coroplast, foamboard, and other suitable plastics or coated surfaces.
Can you print in full colour?
Yes. We can print full-colour designs, logos, text, images, patterns, and artwork, depending on the material and file quality.
Can you print white ink?
Yes. White ink is useful when printing on clear, dark, coloured, or transparent materials. It can be used behind colour to make the design more visible, or on its own for a clean white print.
Can you print raised or textured areas?
Yes, on some projects. We can build up layers using white ink, varnish, or spot effects to create raised details, texture, or glossy accents. This works best on certain materials and smaller-format items.
Is UV printing durable?
UV printing is durable, but the final result depends on the material, surface, handling, cleaning, and where the item will be used. Outdoor items may need extra consideration depending on exposure to sun, rain, abrasion, and general abuse from the cruel little theatre we call weather.
Can UV printing be used outdoors?
Yes, many UV printed signs and products can be used outdoors, especially when printed on suitable materials such as aluminum, acrylic, coroplast, or other outdoor-friendly substrates. We’ll help you choose a material that makes sense for the location and use.
Can you print on customer-supplied items?
Sometimes. Customer-supplied items need to be reviewed first to make sure they fit safely in the printer, sit securely, and have a surface that is likely to accept UV ink well.
Is UV printing good for small batches?
Yes. UV printing is especially useful for small-batch custom work because it does not always require large production runs. It’s a good fit for custom signs, branded items, prototypes, samples, short runs, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
What file types can I send?
You can send PDF, AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, JPG, or PSD files. Vector files such as AI, EPS, SVG, and some PDF files are best for logos, text, and sharp edges. If you’re using Canva, the best option is usually to export your design as a PDF Print file. If your design includes small text, transparent areas, or logos, we’ll check the file to make sure it is suitable for printing.
What resolution should my image be?
For best results, images should be high resolution at the size they will be printed. As a general rule, bigger original files are better than small images pulled from websites or screenshots.
Can you fix blurry or low-quality artwork?
We can sometimes improve or rebuild simple artwork, but we can’t magically turn every tiny, blurry image into a perfect print file. Tragic, I know. If the file quality is too low, we’ll let you know before printing.
Do you provide proofs before printing?
Yes. We provide a digital proof for custom work so you can review the layout, spelling, phone numbers, addresses, dates, QR codes, colours, sizing, and overall appearance before printing. Please check everything carefully, because once a proof is approved, we print from that approved file.
What should I expect for printed colours?
Printed colours may not match your screen exactly. Screens, printers, materials, lighting, and finishes can all affect how a colour looks. We do our best to keep colours accurate and consistent, and brand colour values such as Pantone, CMYK, RGB, or HEX can help, but exact colour matching is not guaranteed.
Can you print white ink, raised areas, or spot gloss?
Yes, depending on the product, material, and artwork. We can print white ink on clear, dark, coloured, or transparent materials, either on its own or behind colour to help the design stand out. Raised areas and spot gloss effects may also be possible, but they need special artwork setup, so let us know early if you want certain areas to have extra shine, texture, or dimension.
Can you cut the artwork to a custom shape?
For some materials, yes. We may be able to cut custom shapes such as an acrylic name tag with rounded corners, a coroplast real estate sign in the shape of a house, or a small wood or acrylic display piece cut around a simple logo shape. What’s possible depends on the material, size, and design, so send us your idea and we’ll let you know what will work.
Who owns the finished artwork?
You own the logo, images, and content you provide. Print files, setup files, and production files created by us may not automatically be included unless arranged in advance.
How long will my order take?
Turnaround depends on the product, quantity, artwork, materials, and our current schedule. Many jobs are completed in about 3 to 7 days, depending on what is involved. More complex orders, larger quantities, or special-order materials may take longer.
When does the turnaround time start?
Turnaround usually starts once the order details are confirmed, artwork is ready or approved, payment or deposit has been received if required, and any needed materials are available. If we are waiting on artwork, approval, payment, or supplies, the timeline may shift.
Can you guarantee a deadline?
We’ll always be honest about what we can realistically do. Timelines for in-house production are based on our current schedule and the type of work needed. Timelines for special-order items or materials are estimates only, because we can’t control shipping delays or supplier timelines before the materials reach us.
Do you offer rush orders?
Rush orders may be available depending on our schedule, materials, and artwork readiness. A rush fee may apply when an order needs to be completed faster than our usual turnaround or requires us to prioritize it ahead of other scheduled work.
How should I clean my printed item?
Use a soft, clean cloth and gentle wiping only. Do not use abrasive pads, harsh cleaners, solvents, alcohol, or heavy scrubbing, as these can damage the printed surface.
Can my sign be used outdoors?
Yes, if it is made from an outdoor-suitable material. Coroplast is a good choice for temporary outdoor signs, such as lawn signs or event signs. Aluminum is a better choice for longer-term outdoor signs. Foamboard is for indoor use only, and wood should be kept indoors or protected unless it has been specifically prepared for outdoor use.
How long will my printed item last?
Most indoor printed items should last for years with normal use and gentle cleaning. Temporary outdoor signs, such as coroplast lawn signs, are best for short-term use. Aluminum signs are the better option for longer outdoor use. Items that are handled often, left in direct sun, or exposed to rough weather will show wear sooner.
Are custom orders returnable?
Custom orders are not returnable unless there is a production error or defect. Because custom items are made specifically for your order, they usually cannot be resold.
What if there is a problem with my order?
Please contact us as soon as possible if something is wrong with your order. If we made a production error or there is a defect, we’ll work with you to fix it, replace it, or find a fair solution.
What happens if I approve a proof with a mistake?
Once a proof is approved, we print from that approved file. Please check names, spelling, phone numbers, dates, QR codes, colours, layout, and sizing carefully before approving. Reprints or changes after approval may require a new charge.
Do I need to know which service I need?
No. You don’t need to know whether your project needs UV printing, laser cutting, engraving, or a combination before contacting us. Tell us what you want to make, where it will be used, how many you need, and when you need it. We can help figure out the best approach.
Do you offer small-batch custom work?
Yes. Small-batch work is one of the things we’re well suited for. We can often make smaller quantities without requiring the high minimums that come with traditional production.
Can you combine services on one project?
Yes, depending on the material and design. Some projects can combine UV printing, laser cutting, and engraving to create custom shapes, layered pieces, signs, awards, tags, and display items.
Do you offer design help?
We can help with basic design, layout, and print setup. More involved illustration, branding, logo creation, or professional art/design work may be outside our scope, but we’ll let you know what’s realistic before the project begins.
What makes a project harder to quote?
A project is harder to quote when we’re missing details like size, quantity, material, artwork, deadline, or intended use. A few clear details at the beginning usually save a lot of back-and-forth later.
What is the difference between laser cutting and laser engraving?
Laser cutting goes all the way through suitable materials, such as acrylic or wood, to create custom shapes, openings, detailed outlines, tags, ornaments, signs, and display pieces. Laser engraving marks the surface of the material without cutting all the way through. It can be used for text, logos, names, dates, labels, decorative details, and personalization.
What materials can you laser cut or engrave?
We can laser cut acrylic, wood, and other laser-safe sheet materials. We can engrave acrylic, wood, and some coated or prepared surfaces. Some materials are unsafe to laser, so we confirm the material before accepting a project.
Can you cut custom shapes?
Yes. Custom shapes are one of the main reasons to use laser cutting. We can cut simple shapes, detailed outlines, holes, slots, layered pieces, signs, tags, ornaments, and display parts from suitable materials.
Can you print and then laser cut the same piece?
Yes. We can UV print onto suitable material and then laser cut the shape afterward. This is useful for acrylic signs, tags, awards, ornaments, display pieces, and small custom items.
Can you engrave customer-supplied items?
Sometimes. Customer-supplied items need to be reviewed first so we can confirm the material is safe for laser engraving and will fit properly in the machine. We may decline sentimental, irreplaceable, or very expensive items, because laser engraving carries some risk and we can’t guarantee the item will not be damaged during testing or engraving.
What size laser-cut projects can you make?
We can laser cut sheet-material projects up to a standard 4 ft × 8 ft sheet, including acrylic, wood, and other suitable materials. Send us the material, thickness, finished size, and shape you need, and we’ll let you know what we can make.
Do I need a special file for laser cutting?
Vector files are best for laser cutting. SVG, PDF, AI, or EPS files usually work well. If you do not have a proper cut file, we can often help with basic setup for simple shapes, outlines, holes, or slots.
What materials can you print on?
We print on a range of materials, including acrylic, aluminum, canvas, corrugated plastic, foamboard, magnetic sheeting, vinyl, and wood. You can view the full material details on our materials page.
How do I know which material is right for my project?
Start with where the item will be used. For temporary outdoor signs, coroplast is a good choice. For longer-term outdoor signs, aluminum is usually better. For indoor displays, foamboard, acrylic, wood, and canvas can all work well. Tell us where the item will go, how it will be used, and the look you want, and we’ll help narrow it down.
Are all materials suitable for outdoor use?
No. Coroplast and aluminum are the main choices for outdoor signage. Coroplast works well for temporary lawn signs, event signs, and real estate-style signs. Aluminum is better for longer-term outdoor signs. Foamboard and canvas are for indoor use, and wood should be kept indoors unless it has been properly prepared for outdoor use.
Can you print on customer-supplied materials?
Sometimes. We need to review customer-supplied materials before printing to make sure they are flat, clean, safe, and suitable for UV printing. Smooth, rigid materials are usually the best candidates. We may decline materials that are warped, textured, flexible, too tall, unsafe, or difficult to print cleanly.
Can you print on clear or coloured materials?
Yes. We can print on many clear, dark, and coloured materials. White ink can be used under full-colour printing to help the design stand out, especially on clear acrylic, dark surfaces, and coloured materials.
Can materials be cut into custom shapes?
Yes. Acrylic and wood are good choices for laser-cut custom shapes. We can cut simple shapes, rounded corners, holes, slots, tags, ornaments, display pieces, and layered pieces. Very tiny details, narrow points, or delicate cutouts need enough material around them to stay strong.
Do you keep all materials in stock?
We keep some common materials on hand. Specialty colours, larger sheets, unusual thicknesses, and larger quantities are usually ordered for the project. If material needs to be ordered, we’ll tell you when we quote the job and give you the estimated timing.
Can I choose the thickness of the material?
Yes, for many materials. Acrylic, wood, and aluminum are available in different thicknesses. Some products come in standard thicknesses only. We’ll let you know which practical options are available and recommend a thickness that suits the item.
Will printed colours look the same on every material?
No. Colour changes with the surface. White and glossy materials usually give the brightest, cleanest colour. Clear acrylic, wood, canvas, and coloured materials create different results because the base material affects the final look.
Where can I learn more about the materials you use?
You can visit our materials page for more details about each material, including common uses, thicknesses, finish options, and project suitability.
How do I place an order or request a quote?
The best place to start is our quote form. It asks for the main details we need, such as product type, size, quantity, material, artwork, and deadline. You don’t need to have everything figured out before contacting us. Send what you know, whether it’s a finished idea, a rough idea, or just a problem you’re trying to solve, and we’ll help narrow down the best options.
What about minimum quantities and bulk orders?
For many products, you can order just one item. Some products may have a minimum quantity or minimum order charge, depending on the material, setup, and time involved. Bulk pricing may be available for larger quantities or groups of related items. We’ll quote the order based on the product, quantity, size, material, artwork setup, and finishing.
How long will my order take, and do you offer rush orders?
Turnaround depends on the product, quantity, artwork, materials, and our current schedule. If you have a deadline, please tell us as early as possible. Rush orders may be possible depending on material availability and the type of work needed.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Most orders do not require a deposit. A deposit is only required for large orders or when custom materials need to be ordered. If a deposit is needed, we’ll include the amount on your quote before any work begins.
Can I make changes or cancel my order?
Usually, yes, as long as production has not started and materials have not been ordered. Changes may affect the price or timeline. Once custom materials have been ordered, artwork has been prepared, or production has begun, cancellation may not be possible or may include charges for work already completed.
Can I reorder the same item later?
Yes. If we still have the artwork and order details on file, reordering is usually easier. If anything has changed, such as size, quantity, colour, or material, let us know when you contact us.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept e-transfer and card payments. Payment instructions will be included on your quote or invoice.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Most orders do not require a deposit. A deposit is only required for large orders or when custom materials need to be ordered. If a deposit is needed, we’ll include the amount on your quote before any work begins.
When is payment due?
Payment is due on the date of the invoice. In most cases, we provide the invoice at pickup or delivery, and payment is due the same day.
What happens if I cancel after paying a deposit?
If the order is cancelled before materials are ordered, artwork is prepared, or production has started, the deposit may be refundable. Once work has begun or materials have been ordered, part or all of the deposit may be kept to cover those costs.
Do you offer pickup or local delivery?
Yes. Pickup is available by appointment or pre-arrangement only. We do not have regular walk-in pickup hours, so we’ll arrange a time with you once your order is ready. Local delivery may also be available for orders in Greater Victoria and nearby areas.
Is delivery included in the price?
Delivery is not automatically included unless it is listed on your quote or invoice. If you would like delivery, let us know when requesting your quote so we can include the fee.
Can someone else pick up my order?
Yes. Someone else can pick up your order as long as we know ahead of time. Please make sure they have the order name or business name so we can match them to the correct order.
Is installation included?
Installation is not included unless it is listed on your quote or invoice. Most orders are supplied as finished printed pieces for pickup or delivery. If your item needs holes, mounting hardware, standoffs, or installation support, please let us know before we quote the order.
