One of the biggest challenges with inkjet printing, especially on lower-cost desktop printers, is that prints are vulnerable to water, UV light and general wear over time. Most standard inkjet inks are not fully resistant to moisture or sunlight, so prints can fade, stain or even dissolve when exposed to humidity or handling.
The problem is particularly noticeable with dye-based inks, which are inherently more soluble and less durable than pigments. Even printers advertised as using “pigment inks” often use a mixture of pigment and dye, especially in the black channels. Manufacturers such as HP, Epson and Canon often blend the two to achieve deeper, more vibrant blacks, because pure pigments, being solid particles, tend to reduce colour brilliance through their opacity.
Through extensive testing at Landor, we’ve found that even so-called pigment printers often rely heavily on dyes to enhance their “pigment” colours. This means prints from these systems, especially when unprotected, remain highly susceptible to water damage, surface abrasion and UV fading. Always check your inks and establish whether they are 100% water-resistant. You don’t want to see your art and graphics ruined by water, rain or chemicals.
Beyond the ink formulation, the paper itself plays a major role. Most photo and fine art papers are absorbent and can easily cockle or warp when exposed to water or humidity. This physical distortion ruins the presentation and longevity of the print.
Modern polyester and polypropylene films offer a remarkable alternative. These media not only achieve print quality equal to or better than gloss-coated papers, but also provide total water resistance and tear resistance. A high-grade white polyester film can deliver exceptional depth and clarity without the fragility of traditional papers.
That’s where our Landor range of protective coatings comes in.
ColourShield water-based coatings are easy to apply by hand, while ColourJet solvent-based formulations come in an aerosol for easy spray application.
Both offer a versatile, professional-grade way to protect your inkjet prints on paper, cloth, fabric, film, PVC or board.
Our clear acrylic coatings deliver:
Water and moisture protection – sealing the surface against humidity and spills
UV fade protection – shielding inks from sunlight-induced fading
Abrasion and dirt resistance – safeguarding against scratches, dust and everyday handling
Acrylic coatings naturally have a noticeable odour during application, so they are best applied in a well-ventilated space, but their performance is unmatched for print protection and longevity.
Landor ColourShield coatings are engineered specifically for inkjet prints, using the highest-grade resins and UV inhibitors for true archival quality.
Where you have dye inks, paper or water-sensitive prints, you need our solvent-based ColourJet version. Water-resistant prints, including pigmented water-based, eco-solvent, latex and UV prints, are protected with our ColourShield range.
Across applications as diverse and demanding as bouncy castles, children’s soft play, vehicle graphics, truck curtains and truck sides, digital wallcoverings, indoor and outdoor flex-face signage and heavy-traffic areas (anti-graffiti and antimicrobial options are also available), you can usually at least double the life and resistance of your prints.
Whether you’re an artist, photographer or sign maker, protecting your work keeps your prints as vivid and durable as the day you made them. Environmental exposure, whether from light, dust, grease or pollution, can dramatically shorten the life of your prints. A quick, even coat of Landor ColourShield extends print life significantly, so your images retain their colour depth, contrast and surface integrity.
With Landor ColourShield, you’re not just protecting your prints; you’re preserving your craft.
