Mutoh printers turn up in many UK sign and print businesses, often running for years on vinyl, banner and display media. Most of the Mutoh output we are asked about is eco-solvent, with UV-curable work making up much of the rest. The principles for protecting it are much the same as for other printers using those inks, but a few points come up often enough to be worth setting out.
This is Landor’s own guidance, not information from Mutoh, and it does not imply any approval of our products by them.
Common questions from Mutoh users
“My prints feel dry. Can I coat them now?”
Feeling dry is not the same as being ready. Eco-solvent ink continues to release solvent after the surface is touch-dry. Coating too early can trap it, leading to a soft finish, haze or poor adhesion. Allow prints to dry and outgas fully, ideally loose or hanging rather than tightly rolled, and use the same waiting period you would before film lamination as a minimum guide.
“Is liquid lamination better than film?”
It depends on the job. Liquid lamination suits textured media, wallcoverings, canvas and large panels where film can trap air, silver or lift at the edges. Film may still be the better choice for some floor graphics or where a specific laminate rating is required. Many shops use both. Our equipment range includes liquid lamination machines and the Kala Applikator flatbed laminator.
“Will a coating help my vehicle graphics?”
Colourjet resists water, chemicals and abrasion and contains UV inhibitors, all of which are relevant on vehicles. However, wrap films need to stretch and conform, so you must test that the coated print still performs on curves and recesses. Follow your film manufacturer’s guidance on what overlaminate or protection it requires for its warranty.
“What about my UV prints?”
Cured UV ink needs no drying time, but adhesion can vary. Make sure the cure is complete, clean the surface, and tape test a coated sample on the same substrate.
A quick testing routine
- Print a test strip with your heaviest colour areas on the production media.
- Allow it to dry fully, then coat half of it.
- Once dry, compare colour, sheen and surface feel against the uncoated half.
- Check adhesion and, where relevant, flexibility and cutting.
For removable wall graphics, Phototex also works on eco-solvent and UV printers and comes off the wall in one piece.
Have a Mutoh job you are unsure about? Email info@landoruk.com or call 01252 624 411, and if it helps, send us a print to test.