Archives, record offices, heritage sites and local history societies often hold material that is too fragile or valuable to put on open display. High-quality reproductions let the public see a parish map, a Victorian photograph or a hand-drawn estate plan while the original stays in controlled storage. Those reproductions then face all the wear the original is being protected from.
An important distinction
This page is about protecting reproductions for display and handling, not about treating original archive material. Coatings should never be applied to originals. We do not make archival or conservation-grade claims for our coatings, so if a reproduction will be displayed alongside or near original objects, check with your conservator first.
Where reproductions are used
- Handling copies in reading rooms and education sessions
- Large-format photographic enlargements on interpretation walls
- Historic maps and plans in visitor centres and village halls
- Outdoor panels at heritage trails and historic sites
- Touring and community exhibitions
Protecting the copies
Colourjet is a solvent coating that helps protect prints from water, chemicals and abrasion. Its integrated UV inhibitors help guard against premature fading, which matters when a reproduction of a faded original is already printed with subtle tones. For handling copies, the abrasion resistance is particularly useful: pages and sheets can be passed around a group and wiped clean afterwards.
Landor Liquid Lamination is used with prints from pigment fine art, latex, UV and eco-solvent printers, indoors and outdoors.
Keeping the character of the original
Archive reproductions are often printed on matte or textured stocks to echo the look of old paper. A coating will change the surface to some degree, so compare a coated proof with an uncoated one before committing. Solvent coatings also do not suit every substrate or ink, and some heritage-style papers may not be compatible. Test first and ask us if you are unsure; the compatibility page is a good starting point.
Temporary heritage displays
Many historic buildings cannot have anything fixed permanently to their walls. Phototex printable self-adhesive fabric can be applied to suitable sound, smooth surfaces and removed in one piece without surface damage, then reused elsewhere. Always seek approval and test on an inconspicuous area first, particularly on historic finishes.
Planning an exhibition of archive material or a set of heritage panels? Email info@landoruk.com or phone 01252 624 411 and we will help you choose a sensible approach.