Inkjet Paper Coatings
Why coat your inkjet prints? Well, there are many advantages - coatings provide protection from fingerprints, atmospheric pollutants, UV light, moisture, and help provide resistance to scuff marks on prints made with pigment inks. Further, Wilhelm Imaging, the only real authorities on the issue, indicate that coatings can seriously increase the longevity of your prints (especially a concern with dye based inkjet printers).
Another reason to coat prints is to reduce bronzing and gloss differential - in most cases, coating your prints will eliminate all but the most severe problems.
We have two products to choose from, both of which are the only products endorsed by Epson and HP for coating inkjet prints:
- Premier Art PrintShield - independently tested by Wilhelm Imaging and universally held in the highest regard, this is the classic inkjet print coating, suitable for all papers/canvases, except super high gloss papers.
- Premier Art Eco Printshield - this is a new, water-based version of print shield. At the moment only available in liquid form, meaning you need to use your own sprayer or use a brush/roller to apply, this is an excellent new print coating option, and is especially well suited to canvas prints.
PremierArt PrintShield
Premier Art PrintShield is the only coating to have been extensively and independently tested. PrintShield is a lacquer based spray suitable for inkjet prints and water-soluble images. It's easy to apply and a single tin goes a pretty long way. It's invisible once dry on all papers other than very high gloss papers.
(Available only for pick up or courier delivery in Melbourne, or by road courier to other destinations - Australia Post will not accept aerosols).
Results with Common Papers and Inks
Of course only an actual test can determine what exact affect a particular coating will have on a print made with a particular paper and ink combination. However we've used this coating here on most popular paper/ink combinations with no problems. With the myriad of benefits and low cost, it seems a very sensible investment in the protection of your art.
Coverage and Application
To apply the product, spray in a zigzag direction across the print from about 25-30cm away. A light coating is all that is required. You may see a mottling on your print for a few seconds before the coating dries, after which it should be perfectly clear. Repeat twice more, each time alternating the direction of the zigzag for best results.
One tin will coat quite a few prints, perhaps up to 40 A3 prints (2-3 coats each), but of course 'your mileage may vary' depending on your spray technique. Please use the spray only in a well ventilated area (outdoors is perfect!), and follow all the safety directions on the can (specifically, only apply in a well ventilated area!).
A single can costs: $36.90 (including GST)
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You can also buy 6 cans for $221.40 [Add to cart]
Or you can buy 12 cans for $422.20
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You can buy online using the links above, or contact us to make your order.
ECO PrintShield
This is a new, water based version of PrintShield - which means we can easily ship it anywhere in the country, at last! It's also much less smelly and toxic, which is great and means you don't need to worry so much about ventilation when using it. Brushes/rollers wash out in water.
All in all, a very much appreciated improvement to a great product. This product is especially well suited to canvas.
This product comes, for the first time, in three different finishes - Gloss, Matte and Satin. Even better, you can mix your own, to make exactly the sort of finish you're looking for. Of course, if you come up with a mix that's perfect for you, remember to write down the proportions so you can mix it again later!
There's a sample pack available, with a decent sized bottle of each of the three finishes to try, plus a roller and a tray for easy application.The roller has curved edges so as not to leave corner trail banding marks on the edge of your prints as it is rolled.
Application:
All these products can also be diluted up to 20% by adding water if so desired.
You can use a brush if you don't mind (or specifically want) brush marks, but generally high density foam rollers are a better option for a smooth finish. Curved edges on your roller and a little practise should make it easy to get quality results. I have found having a spare second roller available to remove any excess product after the initial application works very well, giving a nice smooth finish.
As ever the best wy to apply a product like this is with a spray gun rather than apply with brushes/rollers, that is of course possible. Spray guns are available from most hardware or paint supply stores. We've been told the 'Wagner W550 Airless sprayer' from Bunnings works well.
There are extensive notes abotu proper application etc. on the ecoPrintShield website [opens in a new window].
| Size | Product Code | Price | Add to cart |
| Satin 0.95 Ltr bottle (one Quart) | PrintshieldSQ | $90.70 | |
| Satin 3.79 Ltr bottle (one Gallon) | PrintshieldSG | $331.50 | |
| Matte 0.95 Ltr bottle (one Quart) | PrintshieldMQ | $90.70 | |
| Matte 3.79 Ltr bottle (one Gallon) | PrintshieldMG | $331.50 | |
| Gloss 0.95 Ltr bottle (one Quart) | PrintshieldGQ | $90.70 | |
| Gloss 3.79 Ltr bottle (one Gallon) | PrintshieldGG | $331.50 | |
| Sample pack containing: Satin, Matte & Gloss (3 x 236ml bottles) Roller and roller tray |
printshieldSAM | $144.40 | |
You can buy online using the links above, or contact us to make your order.