Liquid Laminate

[Crazyaods]

I printed a banner with my hp z3200. It was on scrim material and decided to put liquid laminate (aerosol can) on the banner. I put two coats and let it dry for about 24hrs. Went to touch the banner where the ink is laid down and it was tackie. Did I put to much? Should I just use one coat? Any info is greatly appropriated.

 

[MikePro]

how old is your can of liquid laminate?
are you using solvent laminate with water-based prints? water based laminate with solvent-based prints?
is it really humid in your shop?
have you ever liquid laminated with success before this?
where do babies come from?

 

[Bly]

why do birds suddenly appear?

 

[MikePro]

ok, so you have an aqueous printer so you'll want solvent-based laminate... which I'd bet you do, if it comes out of a can. feel free to verify.
money's on an old can of laminate and/or you're not allowing the print to fully dry prior to lamination, which may come as a result of high humidity in your shop.
and babies come from a perfect combination of martinis + mommy's + 9 months & 30sec.

 

[Crazyaods]

The humidity is probably the biggest factor. Right now in New Orleans its BAD. I have a can of Clear Jet on its way. I am giving that a try. I let the prints dry about 2 hrs before applying. We have a pressure lamination machine also. We have tried that but it leaves little air pockets between the print and laminate. This is because of the scrim being rough. If I leave that in the sun for a day they go away. Dont really have time to let every print get baked outside. I thought babies came from storks that drop them off.

 

[MikePro]

yeah, sheet lamination sucks for banners.
you've most likely got water evaporation from your print still sweating through your liquid lamination.
maybe give the print a little extra love with a heat gun prior to spraying? or maybe after spraying?
idk, either way... that humidity's gotta be killin' ya.

 

[Crazyaods]

We talked about hitting it with the heat gun but didn't know if it would make a difference. Thanks for the Tips.

 

[Baz]

If you must laminate a banner. Waterbased Cleashield is the best IMO.

Use a decent quality paint roller. Before dipping it in the liquid, roll it over a couple of pieces of scrap vinyl (adhesive side!). Then lay down some laminate evenly over your banner.

 

[Crazyaods]

Thanks I will give that a try also.

 

[ddarlak]

Waterbased Cleashield is the best IMO.

+1000

 

[Crazyaods]

With the roll on water based clear shield is it the same about putting it on in low humidity?

 

[jokingscroll]

I am just curious why do you use liquid lam instead of laminte of a roll?

 

[Crazyaods]

The laminate on a roll leaves a haze on the print. Since the scrim is rough on the print side it doesn't go on clean. I have a pressure laminator. I put the print in the sun for a few hours and the haze cleared up. I don't have a few hour for each print. Do you have a suggestion on the roll lam?

 

[jokingscroll]

Does your laminator have heat capablities? if so get a hot melt or low melt 10 mil a 2/8. That should have enough glue to cover the rough surface.

 

[Crazyaods]

I will have to check. What if we heat it with a heat gun?

 

[jokingscroll]

I have no idea I have never used the stuff only roll laminate.

 

[Crazyaods]

What if I heat the roll laminate with the heat gun? Will it adhere better?

 

[jokingscroll]

Only way to use hot melt or low melt laminate is with a laminator no way in the world are you going to be able to use a heat gun and your hand.

 

[Crazyaods]

Ok

 

[Crazyaods]

So you would use liquid lam?

 

[jokingscroll]

Why wouldn't you use pressure sensitive on a banner? yeah I didn't read the part about him printing on a banner.