Guide
Quoting a coated job means knowing how much coating it will use and what the finishing step really costs. There is no single figure per square metre: coverage depends on the product, the substrate, the method and the coat weight. This guide shows how to build an estimate from those parts, and where to get the numbers you should not guess.
A realistic cost per square metre combines:
The coating price itself is only part of the picture. A slow hand job on a large area can cost more in labour than in material.
Machine coating weights are usually quoted as wet film thickness in microns. Landor’s water-based coaters work at roughly 61–100 microns wet, giving about 25–35 microns of dry protection. A useful rule of geometry is that a wet film 1 micron thick over 1m² holds 1ml of liquid. So, as an illustration only, a 75 micron wet coat is about 75ml per m², or roughly 13m² per litre, before any losses.
Treat that as a starting point for your own sums, not a product coverage figure. Substrate absorbency, texture and the application method all change real-world results. Textured canvas and porous media take more coating than smooth vinyl. Always check the coverage stated on the product data sheet, or ask Landor, and confirm it on a test piece.
For a step-by-step look at spraying, see how to spray-coat inkjet prints.
For occasional jobs there is no need for capital equipment. Coatings can be applied by hand roller, spray or paint pad, bought by the litre, in 5 litre containers or as aerosols. The Landor starter kit costs £25.00 plus postage, packing and VAT, and includes 100ml of coating, a roller tray and a roller or foam brush, which is enough to test media before quoting.
As volumes grow, a machine cuts labour per square metre. Landor quotes an average of around 90m² per hour on its 1.6m water-based coater at full width. Landor’s 3.3m liquid laminators can be rented, leased or bought, with rental from £25 per day. Its comparison guide gives indicative equipment costs of around £25,000 for a 3.3m water-based coater and around £150,000 for a 2m UV-curable coater, alongside lower running costs for water-based systems. See UV-curable vs water-based coatings for the full comparison.
A simple method for a quote:
Record actual usage on real jobs and compare it with the estimate. After a few jobs your allowances will be far more accurate than any general figure. To order coatings and check current prices, see buy liquid laminates.
Landor gives a working estimate of 1–2m² per 463ml can, allowing for two coats and some loss to the atmosphere.
Landor estimates about 30% of the spray is lost into the air, so build that into material estimates.
It depends on the job. Landor describes liquid coatings as lower in production cost than equivalent UV-protective films in many cases, but labour, volume and equipment all affect the comparison.
On the product data sheet. If it is not stated, ask Landor and confirm it with a test on your own media.
Call +44 1252 624411 or email info@liquid-lamination.co.uk for advice, samples and pricing.
