Liquid Laminates : Clear Shield

Fine Art :: Anti Graffiti :: Vehicle / Fleet Graphics :: Low Gloss Applications

Application Techniques Technical Info FAQ's

ClearShield® Application Techniques

ClearShield Original Formula (no version noted)

With ClearShield^®, we do not recommend bristle brushes. Use conventional or foam rollers and foam applicators. Applying clears is an acquired skill. Here are our recommendations:

1. Load the roller by rolling it in the clear coating until it is saturated.

2. Then fully submerge the roller in the coating.

3. Using a back and forth motion, start in one corner of the print and roll to opposite corner, drawing from the puddle you created when first placing the roller on the print. The roller should push out excess coating in the direction of the uncoated substrate.

4. Continue until you have completely covered the print or run out of liquid laminate. If you run out, load and submerge the roller again ad begin in the last wet area to be coated. Do not start in an uncoated area and roll back. This technique mimics the wet edge associated with spray application.

To allow the material to flow out, try to work wet (thicker, full coats). If the finish does not appear smooth enough while still wet, you can re-roll the print with the same roller you used. Do not saturate the roller again.

If you want a second coat, wait for the first coat to fully dry (usually about 1 hour) and then apply the second coat at a 90-degree angle to the first.

Important note: With water-based products it is very important to always work with full, wet coats. Water-based products dry very quickly and will not level well if applied dry.

• Work wet with a well-saturated 3/16" to 1/4" roller.
• Do not overwork the clear with your roller or foam applicator.
• Resist going back and forth many times over the same area, particularly with a dry applicator. (A dry applicator either is not sufficiently loaded with coating or the bulk of the clear coating has already been transferred from the applicator to the surface).

Sometimes, the finish does not seem to be fully even during application. If you have worked wet enough, the clear will flow out very smoothly and appear glass-like.

If this doesn't happen, you may be able to rework the ClearShield^® while the material is still wet. If it is wet enough, re-roll with a moderately loaded applicator. You need to do this very quickly after the initial application.

ClearShield Type LL and Type VG

Our previously described brush and roll recommendations for ClearShield^® apply to these versions, too. You can achieve excellent results with a mop applicator - a common window-washing mop head made of material like lamb's wool fastened to a dowel rod. Typically, you want the applicator to be fully saturated. Most people simply pour the coating in puddles or lines on the material to be coated. They then use the applicator to spread the coating. Try to apply the coating evenly and consistently.

ClearShield Type C

Our previously described brush and roll recommendations for ClearShield^® apply to this version as well with one exception: As the clear dries, it will take on the texture of the fabric. Don't be alarmed and don't rework it. Once dry, the material will be smooth. You can recoat in 24 hours.

Spray Application
Clearshield (all versions) and ClearJet Type S

For Spray we recommend a Harbor Freight HVLP gravity feed spray gun, item # 43430, with a 1.4 mm tip size. This will work with any ClearShield^® version. If you intend to spray water-based ClearShield, use a Teflon-coated gun. For solvent or water based applications keep the pressure between 45-50 pounds.

1. Always begin the spray off the surface to be coated.

2. Keep the gun about 6-9 inches from the surface. Drier and warmer temperatures will require closer application.

3. Never turn your wrist! turning your wrist will change the amount of fluid volume delivered to the surface. To ensure an even coating, always keep your wrist the same distance from the surface, and move your arm.

4. Always continue the spray past the edge of the print that you are coating.

5. To ensure a uniform coating, while off the print move the spray gun about halfway down the coated area from the last pass and continue applying the clear in the reverse direction. This yields a 50% overlap (a 2-pass application).

6. Throughout the coating process, make this a continuous motion. Try not to stop, particularly when it's hot or dry.

For best results, don't use the same equipment for water and solvent. But if you switch from solvent to water-based applications, be sure to eliminate all solvent from the system.

*For solvent-based applications, always spray solvent through the gun to purge any residue or contaminants including previously applied water based products.

*For water-based applications, always clean the gun with water before use and quickly after use. (ClearShield^® dries vigorously and can be difficult to clean once dry).

Cleaning Application Equipment
ClearShield^® Water-based Clears

Use warm, soapy water followed by a clear water rinse. Always clean spray equipment quickly.