By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Liquid coatings are applied to a variety of digitally printed applications including banners, vehicle wraps, and vinyl. Coatings provide added durability as well as value-added features like specialty finishes such as gloss, matte, or satin.
Liquid coatings are applied with rollers, sprayers, brushes, and liquid laminators. Here, we provide a selection of protective liquid coatings compatible with liquid laminators.
Available Liquid Coatings
Alliance Technology Corporation (ATC) Nature Shield is a high-gloss, high-clarity benzophenone-free UV coating designed for outdoor use. It is compatible with vinyl wrap material and other outdoor applications. “It offers excellent scuff and abrasion resistance with good flex,” shares Bob Leidlein, VP, sales and marketing, ATC. ATC Nature Shield is also flexible, washable, and ideal for fleet graphics.
Gluefast offers CV2200UV, a water-based acrylic matte coating for liquid lamination on canvas prints. It is also available as a glossy coating—CV2300UV. Designed for use with canvas prints, the coating includes UV inhibitors that protect the image and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. “It works very well with mayer rod laminators without clogging and features easy cleanup,” shares Lester Mallet, president, Gluefast. CV2200UV can also be applied with manual paint rollers. It is available in one-, five-, and 55-gallon drums and at as little as $0.06 per square foot.
IJ Technologies, Inc.’s liquid laminate Black Diamond Eclipse adds protection to canvas, textile, and vinyl prints. The liquid laminate formulation is self leveling, which eliminates bubbles and dries clear. Black Diamond Eclipse contains a high amount of UV blockers to ensure colorfastness. It is available in a gloss finish for use in laminating machines as well as formulas for spray and roller application. Satin and matte finishes are also available. “Black Diamond Eclipse is a non-hazardous, water-based laminate that does not cause color bleed,” offers Liz Gould, president, IJ Technologies. It is available in quarts and gallons.
Marabu North America ClearShield Select is intended for use with the StarLam 1600R laminator. ClearShield Select is available in several finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. It provides UV protection, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and high flexibility. “There are formulations developed to ensure maximum protection for a variety of ink and applications,” suggests Sarah Stafford, sales and marketing, Marabu.
Polymeric Group’s Fortifi line of functional coatings offer several advantages such as flame resistance, anti-graffiti, anti-microbial protection, and extreme deep draw. These coatings work for a vast array of applications, including banners, wraps, and plastics.
Protect Carefully
Liquid coatings applied with a liquid laminator offer several advantages for digital printing including a smoother surface, added durability, and specialty finishes. Currently, a great selection of coatings for a variety of applications are available.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Laminating Liquid Coatings.
May2020, Digital Output
