The Challenge: A Sign That Needed Both Precision and Custom Colour

When the Leaders Institute and Australian Agribusiness Institute came to Laser Dragon, they had a clear vision: a high‑impact indoor sign that would showcase their combined branding. The logo featured a complex, multi‑colour design with a specific shade of green and muddy brown that wasn't available in standard acrylic sheets. They needed a sign that was:

• Colour‑accurate – matching their exact brand palette
• Durable – designed for long‑term indoor display
• Precise – sharp edges and crisp lettering, even for fine details
• Visually striking – a premium finish that reflects the quality of their institutions

We proposed a hybrid approach that combined the best of two worlds: UV printing for detail and spray painting for custom colour matching.

Our Solution: UV Print + Spray Paint Hybrid

We developed a hybrid process that harnessed the strengths of both techniques, resulting in a sign that exceeded expectations.

Step 1: Precision Cutting

The logo was first cut from 10mm clear acrylic using our Trotec Speedy 400 CO₂ laser. This machine delivers micron‑level accuracy, ensuring that every curve, letter, and fine detail of the design was captured cleanly. The cut out logo/letters were sanded for better colour layer adherence.

Step 2: Custom Colour Application

The solid colour areas were either applied using custom‑mixed spray paint or printed directly with our UV printer, depending on the colour requirements of the design. This approach gave us complete control over colour accuracy and surface finish, while ensuring that every element of the logo—from broad colour fields to detailed elements—was rendered with crisp, professional clarity.

Step 3: Protective Clear Coat

To seal the artwork and enhance its longevity, we applied a clear gloss topcoat over the entire sign. This final layer not only enriches the colours but also creates a smooth, durable surface that resists everyday wear—keeping the sign looking fresh for years, even in high‑traffic indoor environments.

The result? A sign that combines the colour fidelity of custom spray painting with the precision of UV printing, all wrapped in a robust, protective finish.

The Result: A Lasting Impression

The finished sign now proudly adorns the entrance of the Leaders Institute and Australian Agribusiness Institute in Brisbane. It has become a talking point for visitors and staff alike.

“We wanted a sign that reflected the quality of our institutions. Laser Dragon delivered exactly what we imagined—vibrant colours, sharp details, and built to last. The hybrid approach was exactly what we needed.”

Beyond Colour: Metallic & Wood‑Look Finishes

While this project focused on custom‑coloured acrylic, our hybrid technique can also achieve a wide range of premium finishes on MDF, plywood, or acrylic substrates:

• Metallic finishes – Create signs that look like brushed aluminium, gold, or copper without the weight or cost of real metal.
• Wood‑look finishes – Achieve the warmth of natural timber on MDF or acrylic, perfect for rustic or heritage-style branding.

Whether you need a sleek metallic logo, a textured wood‑grain look, or a custom colour that’s not available off the shelf, we can deliver it using our combination of UV printing and spray painting.

Is a Hybrid Sign Right for You?

If your project requires:

• Exact colour matching that goes beyond standard acrylic or spray paint ink range.
• Detailed logos or intricate text
• A premium, professional finish for indoor display
• A custom look like metal or timber without the limitations of real materials

Our UV Print + Spray Paint hybrid service could be the perfect solution.