Topic: Spraying canvas - bubbles (Read 3026 times)

shewhorn · « **on:** January 02, 2008, 07:09:41 pm »

OK... I downloaded and watched the video and followed it to the T. I'm trying to spray a Canvas (Fredrix 901WR) with ClearJet A2000. I did the light "tack spray" from 2 feet and let it dry. When I do the normal spray from 6 to 9 inches I get TONS of bubbles (when it drys it looks like someone took a bucket full of glitter and dropped it on the print) and it ruins the print. How do I not get bubbles? It seems impossible.

Also... this stuff is NASTY (and that's being conservative). I'm using a vapor respirator with a good seal and it's still freaking nasty. I don't want to use it. Do I have alternatives? Something that won't give me an instant headache?

Cheers, Joe

Doyle Yoder · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2008, 07:22:24 pm »

We had a good tread going about this. Check here.

http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....showtopic=19862

My preferred method is either roller coating or film (heat set or heat assist) laminate. Roll coating takes some practice, and film laminating takes some equipment, but you could send it out for that.

As for roll coating or spraying you can get good water based coatings that aren't that hazardous. Either way though there is a lot of mess, cleanup and time consumption.

Doyle

shewhorn · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2008, 07:47:24 pm »

Thanks,

I did run across that thread but it's all a bit overwhelming at this point for me. I'd like to find an in house solution. Sending out to have something coated would be a bit of a pain.

Hard to tell from the thread but I got the impression that heat laminate wasn't really the best solution for canvas? I think I'll look into the water based stuff but first I have to figure out what is causing the bubbling. The water based stuff might solve the noxious fumes problem but... what is the bubbling a function of? Is it the water resistant nature of the canvas I used? Is the temperature I applied it at (I measure the temp of the can with an IR sensor... the can was at 66°F)? I'll give the manufacturer a call as well tomorrow to see if they have any tips. In the mean time I guess I'm going to print out a few more test strips to play with.

Cheers, Joe

shewhorn · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2008, 08:25:17 pm »

Wow... they responded already. That was quick considering I posted the question a few hours after they closed... anyhow they said....

Quote

You are seeing the effects of the micro porous characteristics of a water resistant ink jet canvas. The canvas is made to absorb the ink far into the surface. These pores are quite deep and the air release of the ink is very different from the laminate. I am surprised you are seeing so much given the tack coat. Most people use our water based ClearShield for this sort of application. It is not as handy as an aerosol but is easier to use. You might explore that and a simple spray gun. For now, you will have to spray another tack coat and maybe build up more prior to the wet coats. You should try that.

So, I guess the answer is to apply more tack coats prior to the wet coats. I'm also glad he suggested ClearShield as that's water based so hopefully that would take care of the other nastiness as well.

Cheers, Joe

Don Libby · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2008, 08:33:37 pm »

Joe

I use PremierArt print shield to protect my canvas. This is a UV water resistant lacquer for inkjet and water soluble images. I’ve used this for the past year on my images printed on Epson canvas and have been very happy with it.

Their website is http://www.premierart.info

Good luck

don

Greg Lockrey · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2008, 01:11:35 am »

I've been using McDonalds spray in various types like gloss, matt, semi etc. This brand has been around as long as I have been in photography, about 40 years. Most trouble free spray to use. I get mine from http://www.DTGweb.com .

Nat Coalson · « **Reply #6 on:** January 08, 2008, 05:25:12 pm »

I've had really great results with Breathing Color Glamour II giclee veneer.

Be sure to check out the video demo. It really works as shown.

Paul2660 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2008, 11:19:45 am »

Another solution is the clearstar product line.

I have used their glossy on both Epson 19mil glossy canvas the Lexjet's Sunset Glossy Canvas. Excellent coating and when totally dry very tough.

I use a Wagner Contol Spray HVLP (High volume Low pressure) sprayer. I thin the clearstar, 3:1. Don't let the initial color of the product fool you. It's milky in color but sprays on clear and dries in about 2 hours. I put 3 coats on my canvases, before stretching. The coating holds up very well and will not tack or pull off when the canvas is stretched.

Paul C

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