Last updated: July 05, 2026
UVDTF stickers use UV printing to put a design directly onto a thin, clear film. The ink cures instantly under UV light, giving the finished sticker a slightly raised, glossy look that sits on top of whatever surface it is applied to, rather than looking like a flat sticker stuck on.
What is a UVDTF sticker?
A UVDTF sticker is made by printing a design with UV-curable ink onto a transparent film. The raised ink gives it a three-dimensional feel, so it looks printed directly onto the object rather than simply stuck on top. This is what gives UVDTF stickers their glossy, professional finish.
How UVDTF stickers are made
Design printing: The design is printed face down onto a transparent film using a UVDTF printer with UV-curable ink.
UV curing: The ink is cured under UV light as it prints, which locks in the colour and makes it resistant to fading.
Adhesive application: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is added to the back of the printed design, so it can be pressed onto a surface without heat.
Backing layer: A backing layer protects the adhesive until the sticker is ready to use.
The finished sticker has three layers: the transfer film, the printed adhesive design, and the backing. Once applied, the sticker is waterproof and oil-resistant.
How is this different from a regular vinyl transfer sticker?
Regular vinyl stickers are printed or cut onto vinyl, then covered with a transfer tape to hold the design together until it is applied. UVDTF stickers skip the vinyl layer entirely. The UV-cured ink itself is the design, which is why it has no visible edge or border once applied. For a full breakdown of when to choose each option, see our guide on UVDTF vs vinyl stickers.
What surfaces work best with UVDTF stickers?
UVDTF stickers work on glass, metal, wood, plastic, ceramic and leather. They suit tumblers, candle jars, phone cases, skincare bottles, and product packaging. They are not suited to fabric, since fabric stretches and moves in a way that can crack the raised ink over time. If you need something for fabric, DTF heat transfers are the better fit. See our comparison of UVDTF vs DTF to work out which one suits your product.
Have more questions? Check our 10 most asked UVDTF sticker questions. Ready to order? Shop UVDTF stickers or build your own UVDTF gang sheet. No minimums, printed and shipped from Brisbane in 1-2 business days.
Written by the Pure Pack team. We print UVDTF stickers, DTF heat transfers, and custom labels and stickers for over 6,000 Australian small businesses from our Brisbane workshop.
