Concept
Hard-Good Substrate
Any rigid non-textile material a transfer can be applied to, including glass, metal, ceramic, acrylic, and wood.
Definition
Hard-good substrate is the category covering rigid non-textile materials that accept UV-cured decoration. Common hard-good substrates include glass, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, acrylic, polycarbonate, slate, wood, leatherette, and most rigid plastics. UV DTF and dimensional UV graphics are the production-ready transfer formats for hard goods. The cured acrylate ink bonds chemically to the substrate surface, producing a waterproof, dishwasher-safe, chemically resistant print. Low surface energy plastics like silicone, polyethylene, and polypropylene resist most adhesives and require surface treatment or alternate decoration.
Related Terms
Substrate
Any material onto which a transfer or print is applied. Includes apparel, hard goods, leather, and rigid surfaces.
UV DTF
A UV-cured direct-to-film transfer designed for rigid substrates and applied with a cold-peel adhesive instead of a heat press.
Dimensional UV Graphic
A large-format raised UV print used to brand drinkware, hard goods, and rigid panels with tactile relief.
Hard-Good Branding
UV-printed branding components designed to be integrated into rigid manufactured goods such as drinkware, journals, and assembled hardware.