HP DesignJet is a long-running family of water-based large format printers. Over the years it has included models for CAD and technical drawings, general-purpose poster and presentation printing, and photographic and fine art output. Many are still in daily use in architects’ offices, schools, copy shops and photo studios.
Because the family is so broad, the right coating approach depends very much on the model in front of you. These are Landor’s independent notes, not HP guidance.
Dye or pigment?
DesignJet printers have used dye-based inks, pigment inks, or a mix of the two depending on the model and its intended work. Technical and general-purpose machines have often used dye for colour, while photographic models have tended towards pigment. Check the printer specification or cartridge labels before you decide anything else, because this is the biggest factor in how a coating will behave.
If your DesignJet uses pigment inks
Pigment prints on suitable photo, canvas or coated media are generally a good base for Colourjet. You gain resistance to moisture, handling marks and chemicals, plus integrated UV inhibitors. Test on your chosen media, as some uncoated or swellable papers can react to solvent.
If your DesignJet uses dye inks
Be more cautious. Dye prints fade more readily in light and are more sensitive to water, and some dye inks can bleed or shift under a solvent coating. A coating may still help a dye print survive handling and occasional moisture, but it will not give it the longevity of a pigment print. For anything intended for long display, outdoor use or sale as artwork, we would suggest printing it on a pigment, latex, UV or eco-solvent printer instead. The dye-ink page in our compatibility section explains more.
Common DesignJet jobs
- Presentation boards and site plans that get handled in meetings or on site benefit from a protective layer against fingerprints and spills.
- Posters and event graphics for short-term use may not need coating unless they will be outdoors or touched often.
- Photographic and canvas prints from pigment models are the strongest candidates for Colourjet.
For small batches, ClearJet aerosols in gloss or semi-gloss are an easy way to start. Compare them with brush and machine-applied coatings on our products page.
Before you coat
- Make sure the print is completely dry.
- Test a strip that includes text, fine lines and saturated colour.
- Apply a light coat first and inspect before adding more.
Not sure which inks your DesignJet runs? Give us the model name on 01252 624 411, or email a photo of the cartridge labels to info@landoruk.com, and we will help you work out the safest approach.