Guide
Spraying is the quickest way to protect a small inkjet print, and for paper and water-sensitive inks it is often the only practical route. There are two quite different approaches: ready-to-use solvent aerosols, and water-based coatings applied through spray equipment. This guide covers when to use each and how to get an even, clear finish.
Landor’s ClearJet and ColourJet aerosols are solvent-based. That chemistry is what lets them work on paper, dye-based inks and other water-sensitive prints, which water-based coatings cannot safely coat. They need no clean-up and suit small prints, short runs and studio work.
For films, canvas, banners and other water-resistant prints, a water-based coating such as ClearShield sprayed through HVLP equipment is the lower-odour option and more economical on larger areas. If you are unsure which applies to your ink and media, test on an offcut or ask Landor.
For bigger jobs, ClearJet is also supplied in 0.94L or 3.78L containers, including a Type S ready-to-spray version for spray systems and a Type BR brush-and-roll formula.
Landor gives drying times of roughly 10 to 15 minutes in ambient indoor conditions for ClearJet A2000 and AFA, and up to 15 to 25 minutes for its inkjet sprays generally. Allow longer in cool or humid conditions.
Practise on an offcut first. It shows you how quickly the coat builds, whether you are getting runs at the edges and how the finish looks once dry, before you commit a finished print.
Each ClearJet can holds 463ml. Allowing for two coats and some loss to the atmosphere, Landor’s estimate is around 1 to 2 square metres per can. Spraying always loses some material into the air; Landor puts the loss from a hand air sprayer at about 30%. Once a job regularly needs several cans, a tin of coating with a roller or spray gun is usually more economical.
For ClearShield Type C through an HVLP gun, Landor recommends a pressure of 30 PSI at the gun and a 1.3mm tip, though up to 1.6mm can be used. The coating can be thinned with water by an absolute maximum of 10%, testing in increments of 2 to 3% at a time. The more it is thinned, the lower the gloss and the protection compared with the original formulation.
As with aerosols, spray a very light first coat followed by a second coat, and keep speed and distance constant. Heavy passes cause runs and uneven gloss; passes made too far away can leave a dry, rough surface.
Solvent sprays and tins have a strong smell and should be kept away from anyone with respiratory or other sensitivities. ColourJet and ClearJet tins contain powerful solvents and must be used in a very well-ventilated area. Water-based coatings clean up with soap and water, so clean spray guns promptly after use. Always follow the safety data sheet; Landor can supply material safety data sheets on request.
Generally not. Paper and water-sensitive inks need a solvent-based product such as ClearJet or ColourJet. Water-based coatings suit water-resistant, non-paper prints.
Landor estimates around 1 to 2 square metres per 463ml can, allowing for two coats and some loss to the atmosphere.
Landor recommends 30 PSI at the gun with a 1.3mm tip, or up to 1.6mm. Thin by no more than 10%, testing 2 to 3% at a time.
ClearJet AFA (fine art) is designed for canvas and fine art papers and to help protect canvas against cracking when stretched.
Call +44 1252 624411 or email info@liquid-lamination.co.uk for advice, samples and pricing.
