liquid laminate and liquid laminator

[bigben]

We have used Phototex material for several years now. I've got this job that require to use liquid laminate. But I would also learn more about this products. Some of my competitor use liquid laminate for car wrap and 've always been interested in this products. I've found clearshield products, but I don't even know where to start. I've checked several website and video to learn more on application technique and drying time. I've found a liquid laminator made by daige, but I would like to learn more on machines also for this.

I'm sorry, my questions is very vague for the moment, but maybe I did not found the right post or website to learn more on the subject.

Thanks for your help.

Ben

 

[J Hill Designs]

the "liquid laminator" I always used with clearshield was a $1 throw-away 3" foam brush (or the tiz foam roller if size was large)

 

[bigben]

the "liquid laminator" I always used with clearshield was a $1 throw-away 3" foam brush (or the tiz foam roller if size was large)

How would you manage 3 murals 8ftx30ft that require liquid laminate?

 

[J Hill Designs]

would be a PITA thats for sure but i doubt its worth buying a liquid lam machine.

 

[Andy D]

We have a liquid laminator and to tell you the truth, there's nothing to them....
It's just a heater, and take up motor that pulls the material under two PVC rods.
I know I could build one for less than $200

Anyways, I have had to laminate 10' x 40' flex faces by hand a couple of times
and the way I do it is to pour the liquid laminate into a hand held pump sprayer
( I always strain mine using a paint strainer in a funnel)
Put the sprayer nozzle on the finest mist setting and make sure you keep it pumped up
and don't let the liquid laminate level too low or it will spurt and sputter and you will get runs.

Spray lightly and evenly a couple feet, roll it real lightly with a paint roller, spray more, roll, etc.

I like a high quality medium nap roller over a foam roller, with the foam roller
you have to press down harder to get the lam to spread out and that leaves lines.
With the nap roller you put almost no pressure.
You will be temped to go back over a area that doesn't look right, don't,
chances are it will blend in.
Worst case, if you have a bad spot after it dries, scuff it lightly and go back over it.

 

[Turnergraphics]

How would you manage 3 murals 8ftx30ft that require liquid laminate?

The last time that I did it, I used one of those wool applicator for staining floors and it put down a nice smooth and thin coat I like it better than rollers. The sprayer idea is a good one.

 

[MagnetStew]

Marabu makes a liquid laminator called the StarLam 1600. We bought one a few months back and it works great. The worst thing about it is the cleanup.

http://www.lexjet.com/i-15865-ClearStar-StarLam-1600R-Liquid-Laminator-STARLAM1600.aspx

 

[Andy D]

The last time that I did it, I used one of those wool applicator for staining floors and it put down a nice smooth and thin coat I like it better than rollers. The sprayer idea is a good one.

Thanks, I will have to try the wool.