TL;DR: UV wall printers print on a wide range of surfaces because the ink cures on contact under UV LED light. Smooth painted drywall and plaster are the easiest and show the finest detail. Brick, concrete and stucco print well but texture affects detail. Wood prints well with grain showing through unless you use a white underbase. Glass and metal are non-porous and may need cleaning or a bonding primer for best adhesion. Tile and ceramic print well after cleaning. Always test a small patch on any new surface. Hypermural X prints walls only; the other five Vertiq models print walls and floors.
Surface summary
| Surface | How it prints | Prep notes | White underbase? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted drywall | Easiest; finest detail | Clean, dry, fully cured paint | Only if the paint is dark |
| Plaster | Very good | Fill cracks; seal fresh plaster | If dark or uneven in tone |
| Brick | Good; texture shows | Brush off dust; test mortar lines | Often, on red or dark brick |
| Concrete and block | Good | Clean; seal very porous concrete | Often, on grey or dark concrete |
| Stucco | Good; texture softens fine detail | Clean; check for loose material | Depends on color |
| Wood | Good; grain may show | Sand if rough; clean; test finish | To hide grain or on dark wood |
| Glass | Possible with care | Clean thoroughly; bonding primer may be needed | Yes, for opaque color |
| Metal | Possible with care | Degrease; primer may be needed | Usually |
| Tile and ceramic | Good | Clean and degrease; test glaze | Depends on color |
Painted drywall
The most common surface for interior murals. Make sure paint is fully cured and the wall is clean. A light, matte or eggshell finish gives the most predictable color. Dark paint usually needs a white underbase, which adds ink. If the client is repainting anyway, a light base color simplifies the print.
Plaster
Smooth plaster prints much like drywall. Fill cracks and allow fresh plaster to cure and, where appropriate, seal it so absorption is even. Patchy tones in old plaster can show through light artwork.
Brick
Brick is popular for feature walls in restaurants and offices. The printer's distance sensing helps keep the head at a consistent distance, but deep mortar joints and rough faces affect detail. Bold designs read well. Red or dark brick usually needs white under the colors. Brush off dust and loose material first.
Concrete and block
Concrete and painted block are common in gyms, schools and warehouses. Very porous concrete can absorb more ink; a sealer or primer can even out absorption. Exterior concrete should be clean and dry before printing. Vertiq lists its printers as suitable for both indoor and outdoor work.
Stucco
Common on exteriors in warm climates. Texture softens fine lines, so choose artwork with clear shapes. Check for loose or crumbling areas.
Wood
Wood panels, doors and accent walls print well. Grain and natural tone show through light colors — sometimes a desired effect. A white underbase hides the grain. Test over any existing varnish or finish, since adhesion varies.
Glass
Glass is non-porous, so adhesion needs care. Clean thoroughly to remove grease and residue; a bonding primer may be needed for best adhesion. Use white ink behind colors for opaque results. Always test a small area first.
Metal
Elevator doors, panels and cladding can be printed. Degrease thoroughly. Like glass, metal is non-porous and may need a primer. Test before committing to a full job.
Tile and ceramic
Kitchens, bathrooms and pool areas often have tile. Clean and degrease the surface. Glaze types vary, so test adhesion. Grout lines create small gaps in the image, as with brick mortar.
Floors
Five Vertiq models — Nova, Immersive Dual, Apex, Hypermural X Dual and Spectra Dual — print floors. Floor graphics face foot traffic, so discuss protection, such as a clear coat, and the expected life of the graphic with the client.
Which Vertiq models fit which surfaces
All six models list a broad range of printable surfaces: brick, wood, concrete, marble, glass, wall covering, ceramics, stone, metal, fabric, plaster, tile and stucco.
Prices include shipping to any country.
General prep checklist
How to run a test patch
A test patch is a small section of the real artwork printed on the real surface, usually in an area that will later be covered by the full print or in an inconspicuous corner.
Surfaces to treat with extra caution
When in doubt, test first and tell the client what you found.
Talking to clients about surfaces
Clients often choose a wall first and ask about printing second. Set expectations early:
Indoor vs outdoor
Vertiq lists its printers as suitable for indoor and outdoor work. Outdoors, plan around weather: surfaces must be clean and dry, and printing in direct midday sun or wind can make the job harder. Exterior walls are often seen from a distance, so bold designs and faster modes usually work well. Discuss the expected life of an exterior print and any protective coat with the client before starting.