Surfaces We Print On
Drywall, brick, glass, wood, and concrete. If it is a wall, we can probably print on it.
One of the most common questions we hear before a project even starts is whether direct-to-wall printing will actually work on a specific surface. It is a fair question, since most people have only encountered vinyl decals or wallpaper murals, both of which are applied on top of a wall rather than printed directly onto it. Prints Ink's vertical surface printing technology works differently, and it adapts to a range of surfaces rather than requiring a single uniform material to print on.
This page walks through each surface we work with, what to expect from the finished result, and answers to the specific questions we hear most often about each one.
Why the Surface You Print On Matters
Every surface interacts with ink differently. A smooth, uniform material like painted drywall will produce a different result than a textured, porous material like brick or concrete, and a translucent material like glass requires an entirely different technical approach than any opaque surface. Understanding those differences upfront helps set the right expectations for how a finished wall will actually look, rather than assuming every surface behaves the same way once printed.
It also affects planning. Textured surfaces like brick and concrete often benefit from a design built around that texture rather than one that ignores it, while smooth surfaces like drywall and glass tend to favour designs with sharp lines and precise colour blocking. Our team factors the surface into the design process from the very first consultation, not as an afterthought once printing is already underway.
Drywall
Drywall is the most common surface we print on, and for many offices, retail spaces, and commercial interiors, it is also the easiest to achieve a flawless result with. Because drywall provides a smooth, even surface, it produces the sharpest detail and the most consistent colour of any surface we work with.
Can you print directly on drywall?
Yes. Drywall is our most frequently printed surface and typically produces the highest level of detail and colour accuracy, since the surface is smooth and consistent.
Does drywall need special preparation before printing?
In most cases, standard painted or primed drywall is ready to print on as-is. Our team assesses the wall during the initial consultation and will flag any prep work needed, such as patching damage or addressing an uneven finish.
How long does printing on drywall take?
Most drywall projects are completed in a matter of hours, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
Brick
Exposed brick has become a popular feature in offices, restaurants, and retail spaces, and it is one of the surfaces clients ask about most often. Printing directly onto brick does not flatten or hide the texture, the mortar lines and natural variation in the brick remain visible beneath the printed design, giving the finished result a depth that a flat vinyl decal cannot replicate.
Can you print directly on a brick wall?
Yes. Our printer adapts to the texture of the brick, and in most cases that texture becomes part of the finished look rather than something we try to eliminate.
Will the mortar lines and texture show through the print?
Yes, typically. Most clients choose brick specifically because they want that texture to remain part of the design, and we account for it during the design phase rather than after printing.
Is printing on brick more expensive than printing on drywall?
Pricing depends primarily on wall size and design complexity rather than surface type specifically, though heavily textured or uneven brick may require additional assessment during the quote process.
Glass
Glass is a less common surface for wall printing, but it is a strong option for storefronts, office partitions, and any space where a business wants branding or graphics without blocking natural light. Printing on glass requires a different technical approach than opaque surfaces, since light passes through the material rather than reflecting off it.
Can you print directly on glass?
Yes. We print on glass surfaces including storefront windows and interior office partitions, using techniques suited to a translucent material.
Does printing on glass block light from coming through?
It depends on the design. Full-coverage graphics will reduce light transmission in that area, while partial designs, patterns, or frosted-effect graphics can maintain more natural light. We discuss these tradeoffs during the design consultation.
Is glass printing permanent or removable?
Our glass printing is designed to be long-lasting for commercial use. If a design needs to be updated or removed in the future, we can discuss the best approach for your specific installation.
Wood
Wood panelling and accent walls are common in offices and hospitality spaces looking for a warmer, more natural aesthetic. Printing directly onto wood keeps the grain and natural variation of the material visible beneath the design, rather than covering it with an opaque decal.
Can you print directly on a wood wall or panel?
Yes. Wood is one of the surfaces we regularly print on, and the natural grain typically remains visible through the finished design, which many clients specifically request.
Does the type of wood affect how the print looks?
Yes, to some degree. Different wood tones and grain patterns will interact with a printed design differently, and our team can advise on how a specific wood surface is likely to look once printed during the consultation stage.
Can you print on reclaimed or rustic wood surfaces?
In most cases, yes. Reclaimed and rustic wood often has more texture and variation than finished panelling, which we account for in the design process.
Concrete
Concrete walls are common in industrial-style offices, retail spaces, and public or institutional buildings. Like brick, concrete has a natural texture that we work with rather than against, and its neutral tone makes it a strong base for high-contrast designs and bold colour work.
Can you print directly on a concrete wall?
Yes. Concrete is a surface we print on regularly, particularly for industrial-style offices, public spaces, and institutional buildings.
Does the surface need to be smooth for printing?
Not necessarily. Concrete's natural texture and variation typically remain visible beneath the printed design, and many clients prefer that character rather than a fully smoothed finish.
How durable is a print on concrete compared to other surfaces?
Concrete is one of the more durable surfaces we print on, which makes it a strong choice for high-traffic public spaces and institutional settings.
Can You Print on Surfaces Other Than These Five?
Drywall, brick, glass, wood, and concrete cover the large majority of walls we are asked to print on, but they are not the only surfaces we can work with. Depending on the material, texture, and condition of a wall, we may be able to print on other surfaces as well.
What other surfaces can Prints Ink print on?
Beyond our five most common surfaces, we evaluate other materials on a case-by-case basis. If you have a wall made of something not listed here, the best next step is to send photos and details so our team can assess whether it is a good fit for direct-to-wall printing.
What if my wall has damage, uneven texture, or an existing coating?
In many cases we can still print on a wall with minor damage or an uneven finish, though some situations may require prep work first. We flag any of this during the initial assessment, well before a project begins.
Not Sure If Your Wall Will Work?
If you are unsure whether your specific wall or surface is a good fit for direct-to-wall printing, the fastest way to find out is to send us a few photos and rough measurements. Our team can assess drywall, brick, glass, wood, concrete, and most other common wall surfaces, and will flag any prep work or considerations specific to your space before a project begins.
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Prints Ink provides surface assessments and free quotes for businesses across Toronto, Hamilton, and the Golden Horseshoe, as well as for projects across Canada. Whether you are working with a single interior wall or planning graphics across multiple surfaces in the same space, drywall paired with a brick accent wall, for example, our team can plan a design that works across all of them consistently.
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If you already know which surface you are working with, the pages linked throughout this site go deeper into pricing, process, and project examples for wall printing and custom murals specifically. If you are still comparing options or are not sure where to start, a quick photo of your wall is usually all we need to point you in the right direction.