Storage rarely gets much thought until something goes wrong: a tin of coating that has thickened, a box of media that prints poorly because it has absorbed moisture, or aerosols left on a sunny windowsill. Good storage protects your materials, your results and your premises. Here is a practical approach for a typical print workshop.
Liquid coatings
Solvent coatings are typically flammable, so store products such as Colourjet with that in mind. The coating’s safety data sheet (SDS) sets out the specific storage requirements and should always be your first reference.
- Keep containers tightly closed when not in use, to prevent evaporation, thickening and vapour build-up.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, direct sunlight and ignition sources.
- Use a suitable storage cabinet for flammable materials where appropriate.
- Keep coatings in their original, clearly labelled containers.
- Protect from frost and from large temperature swings.
- Rotate stock so older containers are used first, and check any shelf-life information on the label or data sheet.
Aerosols
Aerosol cans, including ClearJet, are pressurised and must not be exposed to heat. Do not leave them in vehicles, near radiators or in direct sun. Store upright in a cool, dry place, and never pierce or burn cans, even when empty. Dispose of used cans in line with local waste guidance.
Decanted and part-used coating
Pour out only what you need for the job. Coating left in an open tray or roller tin can skin over and pick up dust, and returning it to the main container risks contaminating the rest. If you must keep part-used material, use a sealed, labelled, compatible container and follow the SDS.
Print media
- Keep rolls in their original packaging until needed. It protects against dust, light and moisture.
- Store rolls horizontally, suspended by their cores or in their end supports, so the weight does not flatten one side.
- Keep media off the floor and away from outside walls, where damp and cold can affect it.
- Allow media brought in from a cold van or store to acclimatise before printing.
- Handle by the edges or core, wearing clean gloves for fine art and photo papers.
Self-adhesive materials
Self-adhesive products such as Phototex should be stored flat or on the roll as supplied, in clean, dry conditions away from heat. Keep the liner in place until installation. If you are storing printed panels for reuse, see our repositioning and reuse guide.
Finished prints
Coated prints waiting for collection should be fully dry, then stored flat or loosely rolled with interleaving. Avoid stacking freshly coated prints face to face, which can cause blocking, where surfaces stick together.
Our product ranges are on the coatings page. For a copy of a technical or safety data sheet, or a question about storing a particular product, call 01252 624 411, email info@landoruk.com or use our contact page.