Not every poster needs protecting. A flyer pinned up for a weekend gig will come down long before fading or scuffing matters. But plenty of short-run work is expected to last: event posters that become keepsakes, gallery merchandise, film and music prints sold to collectors, campaign posters displayed in sunny windows, or menus and notices pinned up for months. For those, a protective finish is a small addition that makes a visible difference.
When a coating is worth it
- The poster will be displayed in or near a window.
- It will hang without a frame or glazing.
- It will be handled, for example in a shop browser or at a market stall.
- It is being sold as a product, so buyers expect it to last.
- It will be used in a kitchen, bar or other splash-prone area.
Choosing a method for small batches
Aerosol
ClearJet aerosol coatings, in gloss or semi-gloss, are the most convenient choice for a few posters at a time. There is no equipment to clean, and you can coat as and when orders come in. Lay prints flat in a dust-free, well-ventilated space and apply in light, even passes.
Roller-applied liquid coating
For larger posters or bigger batches, Colourjet liquid coating applied by roller gives a more uniform finish across the sheet. It protects against water, chemicals and abrasion, with integrated UV inhibitors against premature fading.
Machine coating
Print shops turning out posters every day may find a liquid lamination machine pays its way through speed and consistency. It also means coated posters from different days match each other.
Paper matters
Poster papers range from thin satin stocks to heavyweight photo papers. Lightweight papers can cockle if coating is applied too heavily, and some stocks simply do not suit a solvent coating. Run a test on the exact paper with the same ink before committing a batch. Prints from pigment, latex, UV and eco-solvent printers are all used with Landor Liquid Lamination.
Finish and look
Gloss tends to intensify colour and black density, which suits bold graphic posters. Semi-gloss keeps reflections down when posters are viewed under bright lights or near windows.
For advice on the best route for your poster runs, pick up the phone and call 01252 624 411. We are happy to help.