Liquid Laminate Application Methods: Choosing the Right Technique for Your Workflow

Choosing the right liquid laminate is only part of the finishing process. How you apply that coating can have just as much impact on your results, production efficiency, and workflow.

Whether you prefer the control of hand application, the speed of spray equipment, or the consistency of automated finishing, selecting an application method that fits the way your shop works can help improve efficiency and produce more consistent results.

Marabu offers liquid laminate coatings designed for a variety of application methods, making it easier to choose a solution that fits both your project and your production environment.

What Liquid Laminate Application Methods Are Available?

Different application methods are designed for different types of graphics, production volumes, and shop workflows. Understanding when each method makes sense can help you choose the right coating process for your business.

When Should You Use a Roll-On Liquid Laminate?

Roll-on application is often the easiest way to begin using liquid laminate coatings. Because it requires minimal equipment, it works well for lower production volumes, specialty graphics, and shops that prefer hands-on control.

Ideal Applications for Roll-On Coating

• Canvas prints and fine art reproductions
• Textured wallcoverings
• Short-run retail graphics
• Specialty graphics
• Small production environments

When Is Spray Application the Better Choice?

Spray application is often selected when coating large graphics, textured surfaces, or objects that are difficult to cover evenly with a roller. It offers flexibility for a wide range of projects and can help improve efficiency on larger applications.

Ideal Applications for Spray Coating

• Uneven surfaces and three-dimensional objects
• Corrugated packaging
• Deeply textured rigid materials, such as rustic wood or embossed plastics
• Large-format rigid signs
• Outdoor architectural graphics

When Should You Use Aerosol Coatings?

Aerosol coatings offer a convenient, portable solution for smaller projects that don't require dedicated spray equipment.

Ideal Applications for Aerosol Coating

• Graphic touch-ups and on-site repairs
• Product mockups, prototypes, and material testing
• Small graphics, decals, and personalized items

When Does Machine Application Make Sense?

As production volume increases, manually applying coatings can become more time-consuming. Automated liquid laminators, such as the Marabu StarLam Liquid Laminator, are designed to help shops apply coatings more consistently across longer production runs.

Ideal Applications for Machine Application

• High-volume fleet wraps and vehicle graphics
• Long runs of vinyl banners and flexible signage
• Commercial wallcoverings and transit graphics
• Large production runs requiring consistent coating

How Do You Choose the Right Application Method?

There isn't a single "best" application method. The right choice depends on your workflow, production volume, equipment, and the types of graphics you produce.

When evaluating your options, consider questions such as:

• What is your typical production volume?
• Are most of your jobs short runs or long production runs?
• What types of graphics do you produce most often?
• Do you prefer hand application or automated finishing?
• Are you looking to improve production efficiency as your business grows?

Answering these questions can help narrow down the application method that best fits your shop.

Match the Application Method to the Job

Whether you prefer the hands-on control of roll-on application, the flexibility of spray systems, the convenience of aerosols, or the consistency of automated liquid laminators, selecting the right application method helps you get the most from your liquid laminate coating.

If you're unsure which Marabu coating or application method best fits your workflow, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.