Wood and natural materials

The choice of a wooden or natural material fundamentally affects the aesthetics, strength, and durability of printed or decorative applications. These materials differ in structure, hardness, surface smoothness, and suitability for various printing and finishing technologies, for example laser engraving, screen printing or printing with UV inks.

The overview below sums up the most commonly used natural materials and their key properties:

• Solid wood – a natural, strong, and attractive material for engraving and decorative use
• Plywood – a layered material with high stability and a smooth surface, suited to printing and cutting
• Veneer – a thin layer of natural wood on a backing material, ideal for decorative surfaces
• Cork – a light, flexible, eco-friendly material for creative print and decorative work
• Bamboo – a strong, durable material with a distinctive texture, suited to decorations and accessories
• Natural eco-friendly papers – recycled or sustainably produced papers for printing eco-conscious materials
• Resin surfaces – a transparent 3D layer for luxurious, glossy, and durable finishes on signs and labels.

How to choose a material by use?

• If you need a decorative, sturdy material that can be engraved or printed, solid wood is the choice.
• For a stable, smooth, all-round base for printing and cutting, plywood is ideal.
• If you’re after an attractive surface with a natural texture, veneer fits well.
• For light, flexible, creative applications with an eco focus, cork is recommended.
• Bamboo is ideal for durable decorations and accessories with a bold structure.
• Natural eco-friendly papers are used where sustainability and recycling matter – business cards, packaging, or flyers with a green message.

Solid wood

Solid wood is a natural material with a distinctive texture and strength. The surface can be sanded, coated, engraved, and printed with UV printing or screen printing. Interestingly, each piece has a unique grain and shade, which gives printed applications an original look.

• Solid wood is used for: decorations, engraved panels, gifts, stands, board applications.
• Typical thickness: 5–40 mm.

Plywood

Plywood is a layered material made of thin sheets of wood glued crosswise, which gives it high strength and stability. The surface sands smooth and takes UV inks or screen printing. Notably, plywood is often used for advertising and presentation panels thanks to its versatility.

• Plywood is used for: print panels, stands, models, decorations, and presentation products.
• Typical thickness: 3–18 mm.

Veneer

Veneer is a thin layer of natural wood bonded to a stable base (e.g. MDF or plywood). It offers an authentic natural look with the option of printing and engraving. Notably, veneer combines the look of solid wood with lower weight and a stable base.

• Veneer is used for: decorative surfaces, frames, cladding, small tables, engraving.
• Typical thickness: 0.3–3 mm.

Cork

Cork is a light, flexible eco-friendly material with a natural texture. The surface can be printed with UV inks, screen printing, or laser-engraved. Notably, cork is both flexible and abrasion-resistant, which makes it well suited to creative projects.

• Cork is used for: boards, mats, decorations, packaging, and creative print applications.
• Typical thickness: 2–10 mm.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a strong, durable material with a bold structure. The surface can be engraved, cut, milled, and printed using special methods. Notably, bamboo combines an eco-friendly character with high mechanical resistance and an attractive look.

• Bamboo is used for: decorations, stands, gifts, accessories, and interior applications.
• Typical thickness: 3–12 mm.

Natural eco-friendly papers

Natural eco-friendly papers are made from recycled fibres or sustainably sourced raw materials. The surface is often textured and well suited to printing advertising materials, business cards, or packaging. Notably, these papers support an eco-conscious approach and often have a natural look and a soft colour tone.

• Eco-friendly papers are used for: business cards, flyers, brochures, packaging, creative printed materials with a green message.
• Typical weight: 80–300 gsm.

Resin surfaces

Resin creates a transparent 3D layer over the print, which adds an effect of depth and space. The surface is glossy as glass and resistant to water and UV. It suits premium name tags, wayfinding systems, or decorative elements. Resin surfaces look expensive and draw the eye. They’re like a dewdrop on an image – adding shine, depth, and flair.

• Resin surfaces are used for: design labels, name tags, wayfinding systems, decorative signs and premium signage.

Typical layer thickness: 0.5–2 mm (depending on the type and the desired 3D effect).