3D printing is classified as an additive, powder-based, solid freeform fabrication technique. The method researched can be also regarded as a novel and propulsive form of digital printing, creating finished objects in three dimensions. It is based on conventional ink jet technology, using powder material instead of a substrate and liquid binder, clear or coloured, as an ink. As 3D printing materials and 3D prints properties have been only periodically researched from the view of standard graphic technology, the thesis offers a comprehensive study using the existing and customized characterization methods usually employed in the graphic and material science and other related industries. The work explains the variety of characteristics of 3D materials and prints, including the structure, colour reproduction and methodology, permanence and colour stability, effects of accelerated aging and mechanical properties, as well as provides the general research models and defines the methodology. The goal of the research was to characterize the structure and to define permanence and stability of 3D printing materials and prints by applying selected microscopic, spectrophotometric methods, image analysis methods, surface evaluation methods, mechanical testing and permanence testing methods. These were performed with compiled existing and newly acquired knowledge during the interdisciplinary research and optimal solutions and methods were discussed. The thesis outcomes are specifically in the following, verification of the selected characterization methods as suitable for 3D printing materials and prints properties research; definition of methods and procedures, for research of 3D prints structure, surface, colorimetric and colour stability characteristics; contribution to the development of methodology for valorisation of 3D prints colour permanence, with emphasis on light fastness of 3D prints under natural and accelerated aging conditions; systematic presentation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data regarding the 3D prints specific properties.