Graphics in the firing line
Signs, panels and printed graphics in public places are an easy target for graffiti. Bus shelters, underpasses, shopfronts, park signage and transport hubs all see their share. Replacing a defaced graphic costs time and money, and a vandalised sign reflects badly on whoever owns it. A protective coating gives the graphic a barrier between the print and whatever ends up on top of it.
What ClearShield Anti-Graffiti is
ClearShield Anti-Graffiti is a two-component, water-based coating in the ClearShield range. Being two-component, it is mixed before use; being water-based, it avoids the strong solvent smell of some traditional coatings. Like the rest of the ClearShield family it is designed around UV inhibitors, non-yellowing performance, exterior durability and flexibility.
Pluss is the exclusive UK and mainland Europe distributor of the Marabu liquid laminate range (ClearStar). The product’s own instructions and the liquid lamination handbook above set out mixing, application and cleaning in detail, and we are happy to talk you through them.
Why a liquid laminate?
- Apply by hand or roller; a machine is only needed for heavy use.
- Flexible, so it will not crack on vinyl and other flexible substrates.
- Resistant to abrasion, water and chemicals.
- Less waste than film lamination.
- Can be used on large or awkwardly shaped graphics that would not fit through a laminator.
Where it is used
- Public signage for local authorities: wayfinding, notice boards, park and street signs.
- Shopfront and retail graphics. See retail and PoS.
- Vehicle graphics on buses, vans and trucks, alongside the products on our vehicle wraps and banners page.
- Hoardings and site boards produced by sign makers.
- Schools and public buildings, including schools and colleges.
Getting the most from it
As general good practice with any two-component coating:
- Make sure the print is fully dry before you start.
- Mix only as much as you can use within the working time stated on the product instructions.
- Work in a clean area, as dust trapped in the coating will show.
- Apply even coats with a suitable roller and allow full curing before the graphic goes into service.
- Test on an offcut of the same media and ink first.
Our guide to applying liquid laminate covers the basics, and protecting prints compares the different ways to finish a graphic.
Not sure whether you need Anti-Graffiti or a standard ClearShield coating? Tell us where the graphic will be installed and what it is printed on, and we will advise.
Related pages
See all liquid lamination applications, the ClearJet range for water-based inks, or return to the liquid lamination overview.
Ask the team
For current pricing, pack sizes and availability, call 01252 624411 or email sales@landoruk.com.