Which Marabu Coating Is Right for Your Application?

Not every graphic requires the same level of protection.

Whether you're producing outdoor signage, wallcoverings, canvas prints, packaging, or specialty applications, the right coating depends on how and where the graphic will be used.

From ClearShield® water-based systems to ClearJet® solvent options and Mara® Shield UV-curable solutions, Marabu coatings help protect prints from:

• UV exposure
• Abrasion and marring
• Graffiti
• Chemicals
• Moisture

Whether applied by hand or used with laminators like StarLam, these coatings help simplify finishing while supporting longer-lasting graphics.

This guide breaks down common print applications and the Marabu coatings designed to help protect them.

Vehicle Graphics & Outdoor Signage

Vehicle graphics, fleet wraps, and outdoor signage are exposed to sunlight, weather, abrasion, and regular handling. These applications often require coatings designed to help extend graphic life and maintain appearance over time.

Recommended products:

ClearShield Select

ClearShield Select for StarLam

ClearShield Anti-Graffiti

ClearShield Transit

ClearShield Ultra

Best for: Vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, decals, and long-term outdoor signage.

Wallcoverings & Interior Graphics

Interior wall graphics and wallcoverings may not face the same environmental conditions as outdoor graphics, but they still benefit from added durability and cleanability, especially in high-traffic spaces.

Recommended products:

ClearShield Professional Wall Armor

ClearShield Select

Best for: Commercial wallcoverings, retail graphics, and branded interiors.

Canvas & Fine Art Applications

Fine art reproductions, photography, and canvas prints require protection while preserving image quality and, in some cases, maintaining the flexibility needed for stretching after coating.

Recommended products:

ClearShield Canvas Guard

ClearShield Type C LL

ClearJet Fine Art Type S

Best for: Photography, giclée prints, gallery work, and stretched canvas.

Water-Sensitive Inks & Substrates

Some inks and substrates may not be compatible with water-based coatings. In these situations, solvent-based alternatives can provide protection without affecting image quality.

Recommended product:

ClearJet A2000

Best for: Water-sensitive media, specialty graphics, sensitive ink systems

Banners, Vinyl & Everyday Graphics

Many everyday graphics benefit from a protective coating to improve durability and appearance. Hand-applied coatings can be an effective option for smaller production environments or specialty applications.

Recommended products:

ClearShield Classic

ClearShield Classic Lite

ClearShield Ultra

Best for: Banners, vinyl graphics, everyday signage, promotional graphics

Flexible Media Applications

Flexible materials require coatings that can move with the substrate without cracking or compromising performance.

Recommended products:

MaraShield Flexible Gloss UV-FXG

MaraShield Flexible Matte UV-FXM

Best for: Self-adhesive vinyl, tarpaulins, flexible graphics

Rigid Materials & Packaging

Rigid substrates such as ACM, plastics, wood, corrugated board, and packaging applications often require coatings designed specifically for hard surfaces.

Recommended products:

MaraShield Rigid Gloss UV-RG

MaraShield Rigid Matte UV-RM

MaraShield Corrugated Board Gloss UV-CBG

Best for: Corrugated displays, packaging, wood, ACM, plastics

Glass Applications

Printing on glass presents unique adhesion challenges. Specialized primers and coatings can help improve adhesion while enhancing the final appearance.

Recommended products:

MaraShield Primer UV-PGL

MaraShield UV-CGL

Best for: Back-of-glass graphics, decorative glass applications, specialty display graphics

Anti-Graffiti & High-Durability Applications

Some graphics face repeated cleaning, vandalism, or harsh environmental conditions. These applications often benefit from coatings specifically engineered for maximum durability and cleanability.

Recommended products:

ClearShield Anti-Graffiti

MaraShield Anti-Graffiti UV-AG

Best for: Transit graphics, public-facing installations, high-traffic environments, graffiti-prone locations

Start with the Application

The easiest way to choose a coating is by understanding what the graphic needs to withstand.

For help selecting the right coating for your next project, contact a LexJet Customer Specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.