Soft UV Ink
Definition
What is soft UV ink?
A flexible UV-curable ink formulated with urethane acrylate oligomers that crosslink into a rubbery, bendable polymer film. Soft UV ink is used on substrates that flex, stretch, or curve in normal use — leather goods, silicone phone cases, vinyl banners, soft drinkware sleeves, and curved tumblers. Soft ink trades some scratch resistance for the ability to bend without cracking. Most consumer UV DTF transfers ship with soft ink because the broadest market is curved drinkware and flexible cases.
Where soft UV ink shows up on DTF Database
Guides on this site that cover soft UV ink, followed by guides on the related terms hard UV ink, UV DTF, DTF ink.
Soft UV ink flexes with leather, silicone, and curved drinkware. Hard UV ink cures rigid for glass, metal, and rigid signage. A buyer's guide to UV ink chemistry, substrate matching, and the mistakes that cause cracking and peeling.
Read the articleLonger's ePrint desktop UV printer is listed at a $1,699 sale price with DTF, DTG and UV DTF modes, plus October shipping.
Read the articleArcus lists the Monarch FB1218 UV flatbed as quote-based, with an 11.8-by-18.7-inch bed and optional UV DTF roll-to-roll accessories.
Read the articleMimaki's UJV300DTF-75 is a 25-inch roll UV DTF printer with inline lamination, MSRP $29,995 and $19,995 after rebate through Sept. 30, 2026. Full specs.
Read the articleRoland DGA launched a new UV DTF system in February 2026: UV-DTFA print sheets and UV-DTFB transfer film for its UV flatbeds. Compatible printers and price.
Read the articleUV DTF cup wraps are pre-printed peel-and-stick transfers for tumblers and glass — no heat, no press. Where to buy them wholesale, which cups they fit, and what to check before reselling.
Read the articleRelated terms
A rigid UV-curable ink formulated with shorter, more reactive monomers that crosslink into a hard, glass-like polymer film.
A variant of DTF printing that uses ultraviolet-curable inks printed onto a special A/B film set.
Specialized water-based pigment inks formulated for DTF printing.