These are the questions that come up most often from print shops, photographers, sign makers and installers. If yours is not here, we are always happy to help directly.
Coatings and liquid lamination
What is Colourjet?
Colourjet is an independently owned Landor trademark. It is a solvent coating that protects artwork from water, chemicals and abrasion, with integrated UV inhibitors to help protect against premature fading.
Which prints can Landor Liquid Lamination be used on?
It is designed for prints from pigment fine art, latex, UV and eco-solvent printers. Typical uses include artworks, photography, promotions, retail displays, wallpapers, signage and branding, indoors or outdoors.
Will it work with my ink and media?
It is intended for the printer types listed above, but solvent coatings do not suit every ink and substrate, and some combinations can show colour shift or surface change. Always test on a sample of your own print before a production job. Our compatibility page is a good starting point.
How long does the coating take to dry?
Drying and curing depend on the product, how thickly it is applied, ventilation and room conditions. Please refer to the technical data sheet for the coating you are using, or ask us for a copy.
How should I apply it?
By roller, spray or coating machine. Rollers and aerosols suit smaller volumes; a coating machine gives the most consistent results for regular production. Whichever you use, make sure the print is fully dry first and work in a well-ventilated area.
Do I need to wait before coating a fresh print?
Yes. Prints, especially eco-solvent prints, release solvent for some time after printing. Coating too early can cause hazing, bubbles or poor adhesion. Follow the ink and media manufacturers’ guidance and test a strip if unsure.
Is liquid lamination better than film?
Neither is better for everything. Liquid coatings keep the texture of canvas and fine art media and suit large or irregular pieces. Film gives a thicker physical barrier, useful for heavily handled graphics. Many businesses use both.
Will coating stop my prints fading completely?
No coating can stop fading entirely. UV inhibitors help slow it, and the coating protects the surface from damage, but ink, media and display conditions all play a part. Keeping prints out of direct sunlight makes a real difference.
Is it safe to use?
Used in line with its safety data sheet, yes. As with any solvent product, work in a well-ventilated area, keep away from ignition sources, wear the PPE the SDS specifies and keep containers closed when not in use.
ClearJet aerosols
What finishes does ClearJet come in?
ClearJet aerosol coatings are available in gloss and semi-gloss.
When should I use an aerosol instead of a roller?
Aerosols are ideal for small pieces, textured surfaces, stretched canvas and touch-ups, where setting up a roller or spray gun would not be worthwhile. For large prints, other methods are usually more practical.
Phototex
What is Phototex?
Phototex is a printable self-adhesive woven fabric. It removes in one piece without surface damage and can be repositioned and reused, without edge curl, weakened adhesive or peeling.
Do I need a professional installer?
No. Phototex is designed to be easy to install, so specialist installers are not needed. Good surface preparation is the key to a neat finish.
Can I use it in rented property?
Because it removes without surface damage, Phototex is well suited to rented homes and offices. Results depend on the wall, so if paintwork is fresh or poorly bonded, test a small area first.
Equipment
What does the Kala Applikator offer?
The Kala Applikator is a flatbed film laminator that needs no compressor. It has three pressure settings, a roller safety sensor, under-table storage, a media wind shaft and a modular, extendable table, with an optional light box.
Do you supply printers as well as finishing equipment?
Yes. Landor has more than 20 years’ experience supplying and installing large format printing systems and RIPs, alongside liquid lamination machines and film laminators. See our equipment range.
Where can I get technical and safety data sheets?
Contact us and we will send the current data sheets for any product we supply.
Have a question we have not answered? Call 01252 624 411, email info@landoruk.com or send us a message, and a member of the team will get back to you.