Custom Medal Design Guide: Artwork Specs for UV Printing

UV printed medals require more than a full-color image. To achieve clear print detail, stable color and smooth bulk production, the artwork must be prepared with the right file format, resolution, print area, white ink planning, safe margin, epoxy boundary and sample approval method. This guide explains UV print medal design specs from a manufacturer’s perspective, helping designers, procurement teams and event buyers prepare production-ready artwork before sampling. It also highlights common artwork mistakes that can cause blurry print, weak colors, misalignment, unreadable sponsor logos or epoxy issues.

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UV print medal artwork should be prepared before sample production, not adjusted after problems appear. File quality, flat print area, small logo size, dark metal base, white ink and epoxy boundary all affect the finished medal. A clear artwork handoff reduces sample revisions and helps bulk production follow the approved design.If the design needs durable recessed color with a polished metal outline, review our oem soft enamel cut out medals page before finalizing artwork, plating, and production details.

Key Takeaways:

UV print medal artwork should be prepared with clear file format, high resolution, correct size and separated print areas before sample production.
UV printing works best on flat or slightly flat medal areas; strong 3D relief, curved surfaces or deep recesses may reduce print clarity.
Dark plating or black nickel surfaces may need a white ink base layer to keep colors bright and readable.
Small sponsor logos, thin text and detailed maps should be checked by close-up sample photos before bulk production.
Epoxy dome protection can improve surface protection, but the epoxy boundary should be marked clearly in the artwork.

Why Artwork Specs Matter for UV Printed Medals

UV printing is often selected for full-color medal artwork, gradients, photos, detailed sponsor logos, route maps and complex graphics. But the final print quality depends heavily on the artwork file and how the print area is planned.

A good UV print medal design is not only a nice digital mockup. It must be readable at the real medal size, printable on the actual metal surface and clear enough for sample approval and bulk production.

Artwork Factor	Why It Matters	Buyer’s Check
File format	Determines whether artwork can be edited, scaled and separated	Provide AI, EPS, editable PDF or layered PSD where possible
Resolution	Controls print sharpness and small detail quality	Avoid low-resolution screenshots or compressed images
Print area	Affects alignment and clarity on the medal surface	Use flat or slightly flat areas for printing
Metal base color	Affects print brightness and color appearance	Check whether white ink is needed
Safe margin	Reduces edge misalignment risk	Keep print away from sharp edges and holes
Epoxy boundary	Controls protection area and surface finish	Mark the dome area clearly in the artwork

At Badge Artisans, our design team can prepare artwork proof within 24 hours at the fastest, but the production result still depends on clear artwork inputs. If the original logo, photo or map is low resolution, a fast proof cannot turn it into a sharp printed medal without redrawing or replacing the file.

If you want to understand the full factory workflow after artwork approval, see our guide to the UV print medal process .

Recommended File Formats for UV Print Medal Artwork

The file you send affects how quickly the factory can review the design and prepare a production proof. Editable vector files are better for logos, text, outlines and print area marks. High-resolution image files are needed when the design includes photos, gradients or illustrations.

medal-design-drafting-software — uv-print-medal-file-format-requirements

A low-resolution screenshot may look acceptable on a phone or presentation slide, but it is usually not suitable for final UV print production.

File Type	Production Fit	Best Use	Buyer’s Tip
AI	Strong	Vector logo, layers, print area marking	Preferred for production artwork
EPS	Strong	Vector artwork and scalable logos	Good for clean graphics
Editable PDF	Strong if properly prepared	Approved layout and proof review	Check whether text is outlined
PSD	Good	Photos, gradients and layered images	Keep original resolution and layers
PNG	Case by case	Transparent image reference	Must be high resolution
JPG	Limited	Visual reference or photo source	Avoid compressed low-resolution files
Screenshot	Not recommended	Concept communication only	Recreate artwork before production
Word / PPT image	Not recommended	Rough layout reference	Needs proper artwork reconstruction

For production, we recommend providing an editable vector file when the medal includes logos, text, outlines or marked print areas. If the design includes a photo or full-color illustration, provide the original high-resolution image, not a compressed version copied from a website or message app.

Text should be outlined before final production. If the font is missing or replaced during file transfer, the printed text may change shape, spacing or style.

Resolution, DPI and Image Quality Requirements

UV printing can reproduce fine details, but it cannot improve a poor source file. Print quality depends on both printer output and the resolution of the artwork supplied by the buyer.

High-resolution images can be reproduced with UV printing to preserve fine details

A practical UV print output reference is 1440dpi for fine printed detail. For raster images, photos or gradients, the file should ideally be prepared at 300dpi at actual print size where possible. Small logos and small text should always be checked at real medal size, not only on a large screen.

Artwork Item	Recommended Reference	Why It Matters
UV print output reference	1440dpi	Supports fine printed detail
Raster image source	300dpi at actual print size where possible	Prevents blurry graphics
Small text	Avoid very thin letters below 1mm height	Improves readability
Sponsor logos	Keep enough spacing between logos	Avoids visual crowding
Photo artwork	Use original high-resolution image	Keeps facial and object details clearer
Map / route lines	Avoid ultra-thin lines	Prevents broken or weak print
QR code	Must be tested on sample	Scan reliability depends on size and clarity

For sponsor logo walls, the main risk is overcrowding. UV print can handle more detail than enamel, but a small print area still has physical limits. If too many logos are placed in a small space, they may become readable on the digital proof but unclear on the finished medal.

For maps and route graphics, simplify minor roads or tiny labels. Keep the main route, event name and distance readable first. Detail should support the medal design, not overload the print area.

Print Area Planning: Flat Areas, Borders and Safe Margins

UV printing works best on a flat or slightly flat medal surface. If the print crosses deep 3D relief, a strong curve, a recessed area or a sharp edge, the printed image may lose clarity or alignment.

Before sample production, the print area should be marked clearly on the artwork. This helps the factory confirm whether the design can be printed cleanly and whether the print needs a metal border, white ink layer or epoxy dome.

Design Element	Recommended Planning	Risk If Ignored
Flat print area	Use flat or slightly flat surface	Print distortion
Safe margin	Keep 0.5–1mm from metal edge where possible	Edge misalignment
Raised border	Use metal border around print area	Helps visual separation and epoxy control
Deep relief	Avoid printing across height changes	Blurry or broken print
Ribbon hole	Keep print away from hole area	Alignment and wear risk
Sharp corner	Avoid print ending exactly on the corner	Uneven edge or weak protection
Epoxy boundary	Mark dome area clearly	Overflow or uneven edge

For UV printed medals, a raised metal border can help define the print area and protect the visual edge. This is especially useful when the printed area is in the center of the medal or surrounded by plated metal.

If the medal has complex 3D relief, keep UV print on flatter zones. For example, a 3D city skyline can remain as sculpted metal relief, while the event logo, map or sponsor area can be printed on a flat panel.

Medal size and thickness also affect print planning. A very small medal may not leave enough room for detailed sponsor logos, safe margins and epoxy boundary. For broader specification planning, see our guide on race medal size, thickness and weight specs .

White Ink Layer: When Dark Metal Needs a Base

UV printed colors are affected by the metal base underneath. On silver or chrome surfaces, colors often appear cleaner. On dark plating, black nickel, matte black or warm antique finishes, colors may look weaker or darker unless a white ink base is used.

A white ink layer acts as a base under the printed color. It can improve brightness, readability and color saturation, especially on dark medal surfaces.

Metal Base	White Ink Need	Buyer’s Tip
Silver / chrome	Usually lower	Colors usually stay cleaner
Gold	Case by case	Warm base may affect color tone
Black nickel	Often needed	Improves bright color visibility
Matte black	Often needed	Prevents colors from looking weak
Antique silver	Case by case	Depends on printed artwork and desired effect
Antique copper / brass	Case by case	Warm base may change color feel
Transparent enamel base	Case by case	Test sample color before bulk production

White ink is not automatically needed for every UV printed medal. If the design intentionally wants the metal tone to influence the print, the white layer may be reduced or avoided. But if the goal is bright color accuracy on dark metal, white ink should be reviewed during sample planning.

The white ink layer also needs accurate alignment. If the white layer shifts slightly under the color layer, a white edge may appear around the print. This is why sample photos should include close-up views of the printed edges.

If you are still choosing the base metal finish, review our race medal plating options guide before finalizing the UV print artwork.

Text, Sponsor Logos and Fine Detail Rules

UV printing is useful for small details, but it is not unlimited. Text, sponsor logos, route lines, QR codes and tiny icons must be checked at real medal size.

UV-Printed Medals Applied To Acrylic Material — UV-Printed Medals On Acrylic Material With A Flowing Sand Effect In The Center.

A common mistake is designing on a large screen and forgetting how small the printed medal area will be. What looks readable at 200% zoom may not be readable on a 60–80mm medal.

Detail Type	Recommended Rule	Buyer’s Tip
Small text	Avoid below 1mm height when possible	Confirm by close-up sample
Thin lines	Avoid ultra-thin strokes	Lines may look weak
Sponsor logos	Keep enough spacing	Do not overcrowd the area
QR code	Case by case	Must test scan after sample
Route map	Simplify minor roads	Keep key route visible
Social media icons	Use simplified icons	Avoid tiny text inside icons
Photo face	Use high-resolution image	Check facial clarity in sample

For sponsor-heavy medals, UV print is often better than enamel because it can reproduce more logo detail. But the back side or sponsor area should still be designed with enough spacing. If every logo is compressed into one small block, the final medal may look crowded.

QR codes require special care. Even when printed clearly, they must be scanned after sample production. Metal surface, epoxy gloss, size and camera angle can affect scan performance.

Epoxy Dome and Protection Area Specs

Epoxy dome protection is often used over UV printed areas to improve surface protection and gloss. It helps reduce direct scratching on the printed layer and creates a smooth transparent cover.

Epoxy is not required for every UV printed area. The decision depends on where the print is placed, how much the surface will be touched, whether the buyer wants gloss and whether the print area shape is suitable for dome control.

UV Print Area	Epoxy Recommendation	Reason
Front main graphic	Recommended	Better protection and gloss
Back sponsor logos	Case by case	Depends on handling and budget
Small logo patch	Case by case	Edge control may be difficult
Large flat center area	Recommended	Dome is easier to control
Irregular edge area	Review first	Higher overflow risk
Matte finish design	Not always	Glossy epoxy may change appearance
QR code area	Case by case	Must check scan after epoxy

A common epoxy dome thickness reference is around 0.5–1mm. The exact result depends on the print area shape, medal surface and production method.

The artwork should clearly mark where epoxy should start and stop. If the boundary is not clear, epoxy may cover areas that should remain metal, or it may stop before fully protecting the printed design.

QC for epoxy should check bubbles, dust, uneven flow, overflow, edge thickness and scratches. Angled light photos are useful because they show surface issues more clearly than front-view photos.

Common Artwork Mistakes That Cause Rework

Most UV print medal rework starts from artwork problems that could have been caught before sampling. The earlier these issues are corrected, the easier it is to avoid sample delays and production misunderstandings.

The table below lists common artwork mistakes and how to correct them before sending files to the factory.

Artwork Mistake	Production Risk	How to Fix
Low-resolution screenshot	Blurry print	Provide vector or high-resolution file
Print over strong 3D relief	Distorted image	Move print to a flat area
Too many tiny logos	Poor readability	Enlarge or reduce logo count
No white ink plan	Weak colors on dark metal	Add white ink layer if needed
No epoxy boundary	Uneven protection	Mark epoxy area clearly
Missing font files	Text changes unexpectedly	Outline all text
Print too close to edge	Misalignment or weak border	Keep 0.5–1mm safe margin where possible
Ignoring ribbon hole	Print may be cut or worn	Keep artwork away from hole area
Assuming UV print creates glow	Wrong production expectation	Use glow pigment or glow paint separately

One important clarification: UV printing itself does not create glow-in-the-dark effects. Glow effects come from glow pigment, glow powder or glow paint. If your medal needs glow or glitter effects, those should be planned as separate material or finish requirements. You can review the related planning details in our guide to special finish options for race medals .

Artwork Handoff Checklist Before Sample Production

Before sample production, the design file should provide enough information for the factory to review print quality, positioning, color and protection method. A complete artwork handoff reduces back-and-forth communication and helps the sample match the buyer’s expectation more closely.

Use the checklist below before sending artwork for UV printed custom medals.

Handoff Item	Required?	Notes
Editable vector file	Recommended	AI, EPS or editable PDF
High-resolution image	Required for photos	Keep original resolution
Actual medal size	Required	Confirm diameter and print area
Print area mark	Required	Prevents position misunderstanding
White ink mark	If needed	Important for dark metal
Epoxy mark	If needed	Controls protection boundary
Color reference	Recommended	Pantone, CMYK or approved sample
Outlined text	Required	Prevents font replacement
Plating color	Recommended	Affects printed color appearance
Sample approval method	Required	Photo/video or physical sample
Deadline and shipping plan	Recommended	Helps schedule sample and bulk production

For international orders, photo and video sample confirmation is usually more efficient. Close-up photos should be requested for small logos, text, QR codes and epoxy edges. Physical samples can be shipped when strict hand feel, color or internal approval is required, but they add shipping and approval time.

Badge Artisans supports custom medal projects from 100 pcs per design and can provide artwork proof within 24 hours at the fastest. For broader event medal planning, you can also review our custom race medals page.

FAQ

AI, EPS or editable PDF is best for production artwork because these formats support vector logos, layers, text outlines and print area marking. PSD is useful for photos, gradients and layered images. PNG or JPG can be used only when the resolution is high enough. Screenshots are not recommended as final production files.

A practical UV print output reference is 1440dpi, but the final result depends on the original file quality. For raster images, photos and gradients, prepare files at 300dpi at actual print size where possible. Small logos and fine text should be confirmed with close-up sample photos before bulk production.

UV printing can be used on selected areas of a 3D medal, but it works best on flat or slightly flat surfaces. Strong relief, deep recesses, curved edges or uneven surfaces can reduce print clarity and alignment accuracy. For complex 3D medals, reserve a flat print zone in the artwork.

Dark metal finishes such as black nickel, matte black and some antique finishes often need a white ink base to keep printed colors bright and readable. Silver or chrome bases usually make colors appear cleaner. The need for white ink should be confirmed during sample review.

Front-side UV printed graphics and high-contact areas usually benefit from transparent epoxy dome protection of around 0.5–1mm. Back-side sponsor logos or low-contact areas can be reviewed case by case. Epoxy improves protection and gloss, but the boundary must be marked clearly in the artwork.

Approve the artwork by checking file format, print area, white ink layer, epoxy boundary, color reference and small detail readability. Then review sample photos or videos for print clarity, color, alignment and surface finish. For strict hand-feel or internal approval, a physical sample can be shipped, but it adds time.