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:
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, 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 for StarLam
Best for: Vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, decals, and long-term outdoor signage.
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
Best for: Commercial wallcoverings, retail graphics, and branded interiors.
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:
Best for: Photography, giclée prints, gallery work, and stretched canvas.
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:
Best for: Water-sensitive media, specialty graphics, sensitive ink systems
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:
Best for: Banners, vinyl graphics, everyday signage, promotional graphics
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 substrates such as ACM, plastics, wood, corrugated board, and packaging applications often require coatings designed specifically for hard surfaces.
Recommended products:
MaraShield Corrugated Board Gloss UV-CBG
Best for: Corrugated displays, packaging, wood, ACM, plastics
Printing on glass presents unique adhesion challenges. Specialized primers and coatings can help improve adhesion while enhancing the final appearance.
Recommended products:
Best for: Back-of-glass graphics, decorative glass applications, specialty display graphics
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:
MaraShield Anti-Graffiti UV-AG
Best for: Transit graphics, public-facing installations, high-traffic environments, graffiti-prone locations
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.