Applications
A stand graphic is rarely used once. It is printed, packed, driven across the country, built, handled by visitors, dismantled and stored, then does it all again a few weeks later. Protecting it for that whole cycle, rather than for opening morning, is where a liquid coating earns its keep.
Exhibition graphics usually take more damage between events than during them. Landor’s guidance on reusable display assets notes that aluminium composite, foamex, acrylic and printed board panels pick up edge damage and surface scuffs in transport and storage before they ever reach the venue.
When quoting, ask how many shows the graphics need to survive, how they travel, who builds the stand and how they are stored in between. A set that will be reused across a season justifies a tougher specification than a single-event backdrop.
For printed rigid panels, Landor offers both water-based and UV-curable routes. Its water-based liquid laminates can be used on rigid substrates such as Dibond and Foamex, while its UV-curable coatings include UV-RG (gloss) and UV-RM (matt) for plastics, wood, aluminium composite and board, and UV-CBG for corrugated displays that need to be folded or cut after coating.
Decide early whether panels are coated before or after cutting and routing, as this affects how well edges are protected. Confirm the coating suits the ink, substrate and any flexing the panel will see during build.
Exhibition halls are usually lit from above with strong, even light, which is why matt finishes are often chosen for exhibition panels: they keep reflections down so text stays readable from the aisle. Gloss gives more colour depth for product imagery but reflects more. If your team does not coat in-house, Landor’s coating service applies water-based and UV-curable coatings by hand or by machine, and Landor also offers coating system rental for larger projects.
Landor’s Phototex self-adhesive fabric is designed to peel and stick to most smooth surfaces without leaving residue, which makes it well suited to stand walls, floors and show furniture. It can be removed and reused multiple times, and it is recyclable at the end of its life. See graphics for exhibitions and conferences for examples.
Reuse works best with a little care. In one gallery project, Landor described rolling the removed Phototex on to a non-porous roll so the adhesive could be stored and reapplied later in a new location. Coating the print with Wallpaper Matt, which Landor designed for inkjet wallcoverings and especially Phototex, adds abrasion and water resistance for repeated handling.
Not everything is planned weeks ahead. For a late headline panel, a product card or a small sign, an aerosol is often quicker than setting up a roller. ClearJet spray is compatible with canvas, vinyl, banners, wood, metal, plastic and paper, and needs no clean-up. Landor’s guide figures for a 463ml can are about 1 to 2 square metres, allowing for two coats and some loss to the air.
Aerosols are solvent-based, so spray in a well-ventilated area away from the stand build, consider a mask for larger batches, and let the coating dry fully before packing.
Most coating damage on exhibition work is avoidable. Allow full cure before packing, because a coating can feel dry before it has reached its intended resistance. Interleave coated panels so faces do not rub, protect edges and corners, and store graphics flat or rolled print-side out as the media requires. Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent before storage so dirt is not left to work into the surface.
Yes. Phototex is designed to be removed and reapplied multiple times without residue. Storing it on a non-porous roll helps keep the adhesive in good condition between uses.
An aerosol such as ClearJet gives a fast, no-clean-up coat on small items. Spray in a ventilated space and let it dry fully before handling.
It depends on the coating and substrate. Some, such as Landor’s UV-CBG for corrugated board, are designed for cutting and folding after coating. Trial your own material and finishing process first.
Call +44 1252 624411 or email info@liquid-lamination.co.uk for advice, samples and pricing.
