“Can I coat prints from my Epson SureColor?” is a fair question, but it does not have a single answer. Epson uses the SureColor name across printers that run quite different inks: water-based pigment machines aimed at photography and fine art, eco-solvent machines for signage and display, and dye-sublimation machines for textiles, among others. The coating advice depends on which of those you have.
This page is independent guidance from Landor. It is not a recommendation or approval from Epson, and you should always follow your printer and media manufacturers’ own instructions alongside it.
Step one: identify your ink
Your printer’s documentation or ink cartridges will tell you which ink system it uses. Once you know, the relevant guidance is broadly:
Water-based pigment SureColor printers
These are common in photo labs, galleries and fine art studios. Pigment prints are a good base for Colourjet, which adds resistance to water, abrasion and chemicals plus integrated UV inhibitors. The main variable is the paper or canvas. Gloss, lustre and coated canvas media usually behave well, while some uncoated or swellable papers can react to solvent, so test first. Our compatibility hub has more detail on pigment inks and media.
Eco-solvent SureColor printers
For sign and display work on vinyl, banner and wallcovering, the key is drying time. Allow prints to dry and outgas fully before coating or laminating, particularly in heavy ink areas. Phototex is also an option for removable wall graphics from these machines.
Dye-sublimation and other systems
Dye-sublimation transfers colour into polyester fabrics and coated hard surfaces, which is a different process altogether. Please call us before applying any coating to sublimated work, as we would want to understand the material and end use first.
Practical tips for SureColor users
- On photo papers, let prints dry thoroughly before coating. Dense shadows on gloss media hold ink longest.
- If you switch between photo black and matte black, remember that the paper type, not just the ink, determines how a coating behaves.
- A coating can change the appearance of the print. If you print to a tight colour target, check whether your profile needs adjusting.
- For editions, coat one test print first and approve it before coating the rest.
For larger volumes, a liquid lamination machine gives more consistent results than hand application. Have a look at our equipment if you are coating regularly.
Tell us which SureColor model and media you are using and we can point you in the right direction. Call 01252 624 411 or send a test print via the contact page.