Water-based Laminates

GMS manufactures all its water based laminates in Australia. These products are made to Australian specifications in order to cater for our much harsher UV and heat levels.

The water based laminates are designed primarily for true turbine based HVLP spray guns so they will give a perfectly level finish. They do not require any dilution of the product with distilled water before use. They are ready to go out of the bottle and do not clog up the spray gun at room temperatures.

In addition to spray usage rollers can be used with InkjetPro Gicleeshield HF and Aquathane-UV Gloss only. All canvas products, aqueous or solvent should be top coated with a liquid laminate unless framed under glass or sealed with a heat laminate. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Why Aquathane-UV a Urethane Based Product - is Vital for Archival Life.  

Application of a laminate to a substance not suited to inkjet canvas can be more damaging than no application at all. If archival life is important then only a urethane based substance like Aquathane-UV is acceptable for Australian presentation. Urethane is time proven to provide the unique combination of strength, complete water proofing and anti “blocking”. Blocking means the ability of the laminate to repel itself when heated and put together. Urethane is a highly resistant to yellowing in its native state and very clear. That's why Aquathane-UV carries an archival rating well in excess of 100 years - a rating that cannot be emulated by less expensive acrylic based products.

Many imported products are in fact closely related to concentrated PVA glues. They do not carry an independent light fastness rating and are aimed at brightening color rather than the preservation of the underlying media. Many are optimistically named “Museum” grade with no further justification.

GMS provides InkjetPro GicleeShield-HF for non archival and roller based usage, it is far less expensive and similar in construction to acrylics but still contains both UV blockers and anti fungal agents.

When comparing Aquathane-UV to any imported US made products ask a few simple questions of the importer to illustrate the difference a higher specification Australian product makes.

A few simple questions to ask of your laminate maker:

• Where is your independent testing of the laminates light-fast characteristics?
• Can I access the complete light-fastness report for review?
• Will the canvas prints be ruined by sticking together in the heat?
• Does the laminate have UV blockers and what type?
• Does the laminate have anti fungal agents for Australian heat?
• Do I have to add tap water to make up the solution, why isn't it “gun ready”
• Do I have to use other tools like a microwave oven?
• Will my spray gun block in the Australian heat?
• Why do I have to buy in imperial sizes and get 10% less product?
• What can't I buy a Satin finish, ready to go?
• Why is your imported product so expensive when compared to GicleeShield?