The right fine art paper adds a old-world touch of elegance to your best photos, art reproductions, or digitally created art. But if you plan to use the aqueous-ink printer in your studio to make a few prints at a time, consider using an inkjet protective spray to seal the print surface.

Unlike a laminating film, an aerosol protective spray allows you to preserve the luxurious look and feel of your art print without any additional equipment. Protective sprays formulated for short runs of fine-art prints are completely transparent and won’t alter the color or underlying structure of the art paper.

Why Use an Inkjet Protective Spray?

Without an inkjet protective spray, your art prints can be easily damaged by fingerprints, dirt, moisture, abrasion, and exposure to UV light.

Plus, the protective spray can prevent aqueous pigment inks from transferring from one print to another when the prints are displayed in books, albums, or portfolios.

Prints made with the water-based inks on in-studio printers such as the Canon imagePROGRAF, Epson SureColor P series and HP DesignJetZ series typically require a solvent-based lacquer spray so the water-based inks don’t run.

Protective sprays for aqueous inks on fine-art papers include: Moab Desert Varnish, Finestra Art Inkjet Spray Protectant, PremierArt PrintShield, Hahnemuhle Protective Spray, and Marabu ClearJet Fine Art.

Below are a few tips general tips for applying the spray coating. These instructions may vary, depending on the company that manufacturers the aerosol lacquer coating.

• Try out the spray on a few smaller test prints first.
• Lay the print to be spray-coated on a flat, even surface.
• Work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames, sparks, or high heat.
• Wear safety goggles or glasses.
• Wait at least 15 minutes after the print comes off the printer to apply the first light coat.
• Hold the can about 6 to 8 inches from the surface of the print.
• Cover the entire print by spraying the first coat in a horizontal path.
• Apply a second light coat, using a vertical spray path.
• To ensure the print is fully protected, consider applying a third light coat. Spray diagonally from corner to corner
• If the print won’t be mounted or framed behind glass, apply the coating to both the front and back of the print.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for the coating to dry. Drying may take longer if you are working in a humid environment.

Freedom Paper offers a selection of inkjet-printable fine-art papers from Innova, Kodak, and Canon. Available formats from 8 x 10 in. cut sheets up to 60 in. wide rolls.