Which Marabu Liquid Laminate Coating Is Right for Your Print 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 liquid laminate coating starts with how 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, marring, graffiti, harsh chemicals, and moisture. Whether applied by hand or used with laminators like Marabu StarLam Liquid Laminator, 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.

What Marabu Coating Should I Use for Vehicle Graphics & Outdoor Signage?

Vehicle graphics, fleet wraps, and outdoor signage are exposed to sunlight, weather, abrasion, road debris, and frequent washing. Because these graphics are exposed to constant weather, washing, and handling, they typically benefit from coatings designed for long-term durability.

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearShield Select- Designed for vehicle graphics and outdoor signage where UV exposure, weather, and chemicals are common concerns.

ClearShield Select for StarLam- Formulated specifically for smooth, automated application using the StarLam liquid laminator.

ClearShield Anti-Graffiti- Provides a high-durability barrier allowing graffiti to be removed without damaging the underlying graphics.

ClearShield Transit- Developed to withstand the heavy abrasion, cleaning chemicals, and wear experienced by public transit and fleet vehicles.

ClearShield Ultra- Offers maximum UV fade protection and weather resistance for long-term outdoor rigid signage.

What Is the Best Coating for Interior Wallcoverings & Retail Graphics?

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

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearShield Professional Wall Armor- Formulated specifically for digital wallcoverings to provide scrubbability and meet strict commercial interior durability standards.

ClearShield Select- Excellent for retail POP displays, step-and-repeat graphics, and branded interior signage.

How Do I Protect Fine Art Canvas Prints and Photography?

Fine art reproductions, giclée prints, and photographic canvas prints require protection while preserving image quality and, in some cases, maintaining the flexibility needed for stretching after coating without cracking.

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearShield Canvas Guard-Specially engineered to offer flexibility and water resistance for digitally printed canvases before they are stretched.

ClearShield Type C LL- A premium liquid laminate designed to enhance color saturation on canvas prints while providing UV protection.

ClearJet Fine Art Type S- A solvent-based liquid laminate for water-sensitive ink/media combinations that preserves depth and detail.

What Coating Works Best on Water-Sensitive Inks & Substrates?

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

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearJet A2000- A solvent-based coating for water-sensitive inks and media that require protection without using a water-based formulation.

Which Marabu Liquid Laminates Are Used for Everyday Banners & Vinyl Signage?

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

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearShield Classic- The industry standard for hand-applying a reliable, protective clear coat over general vinyl graphics and outdoor banners.

ClearShield Classic Lite- A lighter viscosity formulation designed for effortless hand application on short-term promotional signs.

ClearShield Ultra- Used when everyday signage requires additional long-term UV protection.

What Are the Best UV-Curable Coatings for Flexible Substrates?

Flexible materials like self-adhesive vinyl require UV-curable coatings that can move with the substrate without cracking or compromising performance.

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

MaraShield Flexible Gloss UV-FXG- An instant-curing UV liquid laminate that delivers a high-gloss finish without cracking when the substrate is flexed.

MaraShield Flexible Matte UV-FXM - delivers the exact same high-flexibility performance with a non-glare, matte finish.

Which UV Coatings Are Formulated for Rigid Materials and Packaging?

Rigid substrates such as aluminum composite material (ACM), plastics, wood, corrugated board, and packaging applications often require coatings designed specifically for hard, non-porous surfaces.

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

MaraShield Rigid Gloss UV-RG- Creates a durable, scratch-resistant gloss finish on hard plastic, wood, and ACM sheets.

MaraShield Rigid Matte UV-RM- Provides a scuff-resistant matte protective layer for industrial rigid boards.

MaraShield Corrugated Board Gloss UV-CBG- Tailored specifically for corrugated packaging and retail point-of-purchase (POP) displays to enhance graphics and durability.

How Do You Improve Ink Adhesion and Protection on Printing Glass?

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

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

MaraShield Primer UV-PGL- An advanced UV-curable primer applied to glass substrates to ensure maximum ink adhesion before printing.

MaraShield UV-CGL- A protective coating designed specifically for decorative architectural glass and back-of-glass display graphics.

What Marabu Coating Provides Maximum Anti-Graffiti Protection?

Some public-facing graphics are repeatedly cleaned, vandalized, or subjected to harsh environmental conditions. These applications often benefit from coatings specifically engineered for maximum durability and cleanability, allowing ink to be wiped away.

Recommended Marabu Coatings:

ClearShield Anti-Graffiti- A water-based clear coat that creates a non-sacrificial barrier against spray paint and permanent markers.

MaraShield Anti-Graffiti UV-AG- An instant-curing UV coating for liquid laminating machines. Provides heavy-duty protection against scratches, spray paint, and permanent markers.

Start with the Application

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

Whether you're protecting vehicle wraps, wallcoverings, canvas prints, packaging, or outdoor signage, Marabu offers coating solutions designed for a wide range of applications.

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