Why protect a print at all?
Unprotected inkjet prints can scuff, mark with fingerprints, smudge if they get wet and fade in strong light. A protective layer guards against handling and moisture, makes the surface easier to clean and, with the right product, helps resist UV and outdoor exposure. There are two main routes: laminating film and liquid laminate.
Film lamination
A clear film with adhesive is pressed onto the print. Cold film systems such as Xyron do this without heat or electricity and can laminate one side, encapsulate both sides or add laminate and adhesive in a single pass. Film is quick, clean and needs no drying time, which makes it ideal for flat items up to the width of your machine.
- Instant result, no drying
- Can encapsulate for full, two-sided protection
- Ideal for posters, menus, notices, signs, stickers and labels
Liquid laminate
A liquid coating is applied over the print by hand or roller and dries to a protective layer. Pluss is the exclusive UK and mainland Europe distributor of the Marabu liquid laminate range. Liquid laminate is flexible and will not crack, resists abrasion, water and chemicals, and produces less waste than film because there are no offcuts. A machine is only needed for heavy use.
- Flexible: suits canvas that will be stretched, and vinyl that will be applied to curves
- Coats large or irregular items with no seams
- Choice of finishes from matt to gloss
- Exterior-durable options with UV inhibitors
Side by side
| Film (e.g. Xyron) | Liquid laminate (Marabu) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Fed through a machine | By hand or roller; machine for heavy use |
| Drying time | None | Needs time to dry |
| Flexibility | Good for flat items | Flexible, won’t crack |
| Size limit | Machine width | Not limited by machine width when applied by hand or roller |
| Waste | Film offcuts | Less waste |
| Best for | Posters, menus, signs, labels, PoS | Canvas, fine art, wallpaper, vinyl, banners, vehicle wraps |
Choosing a liquid laminate
- For outdoor and long-term work, look at ClearShield: UV inhibitors, non-yellowing, exterior durable and flexible, in matt, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Variants include Type C for canvas, VG for vehicle graphics and 20° Satin LL for wallpaper.
- For water-based or water-sensitive inks, choose ClearJet or ClearJet Fine Art, for canvas, vinyl, banners and many rigid surfaces.
- For areas at risk of vandalism, consider ClearShield Anti-Graffiti.
Tip: Always test your chosen laminate on an offcut printed with the same ink and media before coating the finished piece. Ink and media combinations vary, and a test is the surest way to check compatibility and finish.
See more on liquid laminate applications, canvas, wallpaper and vehicles and banners, or read how to apply liquid laminate.
Get advice
Call 01252 624411 or email sales@landoruk.com and tell us what you are protecting.