Print protection attracts a fair amount of folklore. Some of it makes people overlook coating when it would genuinely help; some of it leads to promises that a coating cannot keep. Here are the myths we hear most often, and a more accurate way to think about each.
“A coated print will never fade”
Coatings such as Colourjet include UV inhibitors that help guard against premature fading, and liquid lamination adds lightfastness. That is a real benefit, but it is not immunity. How long colours last still depends on the ink, the media, the light the print is exposed to and the environment it lives in. Our guide to preventing fading covers the other factors.
“Pigment inks don’t need protecting”
Pigment inks are generally more stable than dye inks, but the printed surface can still be scuffed, marked by fingerprints or damaged by water and cleaning products. Protection is about more than colour; it is also about physical durability, especially for prints displayed without glass.
“Any clear varnish will do”
General-purpose varnishes are not formulated for inkjet prints. They may react with the ink or media, yellow, or fail to bond. Use a coating designed for the purpose, and test it on the actual ink and media combination.
“One coating suits every print”
Solvent coatings do not suit every ink and substrate. Landor Liquid Lamination suits prints from pigment fine art, latex, UV and eco-solvent printers, but individual media vary. Testing on a sample is the only reliable way to know. Our solvent vs water-based page explains the trade-offs.
“More coats means more protection”
Beyond what the data sheet recommends for the application, extra coats tend to add cost, drying time and the risk of defects such as runs and clouding, without a matching gain. Thin, even coats applied as directed usually perform better than a heavy build.
“If it’s dry to the touch, it’s ready”
Surface dryness and full cure are not the same thing. A coating can feel dry while still being soft enough to mark or stick when stacked or packed. Follow the curing guidance on the technical data sheet before handling heavily.
“Coating makes glass unnecessary everywhere”
Coating makes framing without glass practical for many settings, but glazing still has a place, for example where prints may be touched constantly or need the extra physical barrier. The right choice depends on the location and how the work will be used.
“Coated prints can be cleaned with anything”
Coatings improve resistance to water and chemicals, but harsh or abrasive cleaners can still dull or damage the surface. Gentle methods, tested first on a corner, are the safest approach.
Heard a claim about print protection you are not sure about? Put it to Landor on 01252 624 411 or through our contact page.