UV Printing vs Screen Printing — Which is Right for Your Packaging?
CustomPack.pk uses two professional printing methods — UV printing and screen printing. This guide explains exactly how each works, what they cost, and which produces the best result for your logo and order size.
UV Printing
Ultraviolet light cures ink instantly on the packaging surface. Produces vibrant, photographic-quality prints with unlimited colours. No screen setup — ideal for multi-colour logos and small-to-medium quantities.
- ✓ Unlimited CMYK colours + gradients
- ✓ No per-colour screen setup cost
- ✓ Fine detail and small text
- ✓ Scratch-resistant UV-cured finish
- ✓ Best for 500–5,000 piece orders
Screen Printing
Ink is pressed through a fine mesh screen onto the packaging — one screen per colour. Produces bold, opaque solid colours with thick ink coverage. Most economical at high volumes with simple logos.
- ✓ Bold, opaque solid colours
- ✓ Lower per-piece cost at 5,000+ pcs
- ✓ Best for 1–2 colour logos
- ✓ Thick ink layer for vibrant coverage
- ✓ Best for 5,000+ piece high-volume runs
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | ⚡ UV Printing | 🖨️ Screen Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Colour range | Unlimited CMYK + gradients | 1–4 spot colours |
| Fine detail / small text | Excellent | Good for bold text |
| Setup cost | No screen setup fee | Screen fee per colour |
| Per-piece cost at 500 pcs | Moderate | Slightly higher (screen amortised) |
| Per-piece cost at 10,000 pcs | Moderate | Lower (screen cost amortised) |
| Colour opacity / boldness | Very good | Excellent (thicker ink layer) |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent (UV-cured) | Good |
| Suitable for curved surfaces | Yes | Yes |
| Full 360° wrap | Yes | Yes |
| Food-safe certification | Yes (FDA-compliant) | Yes (food-grade inks) |
| Best for logo with gradients | Yes | No |
| Best for 1–2 colour logo at high qty | Yes but costlier | Yes — most economical |
| Turnaround time | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
Which Method Should You Choose?
Choose UV Printing if…
- • Your logo has 3 or more colours, gradients, or photographic elements
- • You are ordering 500–5,000 pieces (no screen setup cost)
- • You want the sharpest detail on fine text or intricate designs
- • You need high scratch and moisture resistance on the print
- • You want premium presentation (premium cafés, hotel brands)
Choose Screen Printing if…
- • Your logo is 1–2 solid colours (no gradients)
- • You are ordering 5,000+ pieces per run
- • You want maximum colour boldness and opacity
- • Budget is the primary consideration for bulk recurring orders
- • Your brand uses a simple wordmark or icon
Not sure? Share your logo file on WhatsApp (+92 303 4173359) and we will review it and recommend the right method for your specific design and quantity — at no charge.
Indicative Price Comparison (Paper Cups, PKR per piece)
| Quantity | UV Printing | Screen Printing (1–2 colour) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 pcs | Rs. 15–30 | Rs. 18–35 (screen setup amortised) |
| 1,000 pcs | Rs. 13–27 | Rs. 13–22 |
| 5,000 pcs | Rs. 11–24 | Rs. 9–16 |
| 10,000 pcs | Rs. 10–22 | Rs. 7–13 |
Indicative ranges for standard paper cups. Final pricing depends on product type, exact size, design complexity, and current material costs. Use our Quote Calculator for an accurate estimate.
Printing Methods FAQ
What is UV printing and how does it work on packaging?+
UV printing uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure (harden) ink as it is applied to the packaging surface. The result is a vivid, durable, scratch-resistant print that works on curved and smooth surfaces like PET glasses, paper cups, and injection glasses. UV printing supports unlimited CMYK colours, gradients, and fine detail — making it the best choice for logos with multiple colours or photographic elements.
What is screen printing and when should I use it?+
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen (one screen per colour) onto the packaging surface. It produces bold, opaque colours with excellent coverage. Screen printing is most economical for 1–2 solid colours at volumes of 5,000 pieces or more. It is ideal for simple wordmarks, single-colour logos, or brands that want vibrant spot colours without gradient effects.
Which printing method is cheaper for packaging in Pakistan?+
For small quantities (500–2,000 pieces) with a multi-colour logo, UV printing is often more cost-effective because there is no screen setup cost per colour. For large quantities (5,000+ pieces) with a simple 1–2 colour logo, screen printing becomes more economical due to lower per-impression cost once screens are made. We advise on the best option after reviewing your artwork and quantity.
Can I get full 360-degree wrap printing on cups and glasses?+
Yes. Both UV and screen printing support full 360-degree wrap-around printing on cups and glasses, meaning your logo is visible from every angle. We confirm the exact printable area for your chosen product when preparing the mockup.
Is UV printing food-safe for cups and food packaging?+
Yes. All UV inks used at CustomPack.pk are food-grade certified and FDA-compliant. UV-cured inks are fully polymerised (hardened) by the UV light and do not leach into beverages or food under normal use conditions. Our materials — paper, PET, and PE coatings — are certified food-safe.
Artwork Guide →
How to prepare your file for printing
Quote Calculator →
Instant price estimate by quantity
Request Sample →
Get a printed sample before bulk order
Ready to Print Your Logo?
Share your logo and we will recommend the right printing method and give you a quote within 15 minutes.