BullDog Ultra Coating Product Line


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BullDog Ultra Coating Highlights

Overview

BullDog's vinyl coating is a digital print protectant that provides the greatest durability and longevity available in giclee coating. BullDog Ultra™ is a solvent-based vinyl coating, which allows for incredible flexibility, bullet proof protection for water sensitive prints, and blocks 99% of ultraviolet light. They were specifically formulated for use on BullDog canvas as a giclee coating but also work well on other media's like: inkjet prints, proofs, fine art, signs, and banners. The BullDog coatings can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on and are available in two different sheens: gloss & semi-gloss. The recommended method of application is the use of a liquid laminator because of the efficiency and uniformity with which the coating is applied.

NOTE: If using Epson UltraChrome™ K3 inks spraying is the suggested method of application rather than brushing or rolling.

UV Protection

Bulldog Ultra™ contains both ultraviolet absorbers (UVA's) and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) for the maximum in UV light protection. UVA's absorb harmful UV radiation to protect the coating and substrate. HAL's inhibit the breakdown in a coatings binder by means other than absorption. Life expectancy of any inkjet print is dependant on many factors. When Bulldog Ultra is applied at the recommended thickness, 1 mil DFT, you can expect at least a doubling of display life outdoors. When used with ink systems that are formulated for outdoor use, display life may be up to five times extended.
NOTE: No amount of UV protection found within this product will prevent dyes from fading.

Print Durability

Bulldog Ultra™ protects digitally reproduced fine art, namely giclées, as well as digitally produced art on some papers, from abrasion, water, peeling, cracking, and premature fading while maintaining the flexibility of the media. Bulldog Ultra™ is a fast dry, very elastic coating that will not turn yellow, oxidize, check, crack or peel.

Print Preparation

When printing with aqueous (water based) inks the proper ink dry time per media must be allowed before coating. It is possible to successfully coat on the same day of printing although, users should be aware that their canvas prints will be more susceptible to scratching until the ink has completely dried. The longer one waits to coat the more durable the image will be. BullDog recommends that customers allow for a 24-hr dry time before coating.
NOTE: The surface of prints should also be free of dirt, dust, and lint before coating.

Application

Application of Bulldog Ultra™ varies depending on your company's needs. Apply one or more coats to yield 1 mil DFT for full UV and water protection. Use on some papers will only stabilize the image. For absorbent paper try LiquiLam, D409. BullDog coatings have a coverage of 298 sq. ft./gal. [theoretical at 1 mil DFT] and a dry time of 30 min's. [60°F at 50% RH and 1 mil DFT]. Dry times will vary when exposed to differing atmospheric conditions.
NOTE: Surfaces must be thoroughly dried prior to application.

Application Methods:

Liquid Laminator
While a liquid laminator requires large volumes to justify its cost, it is by far the superior method of coating application. It is more efficient, faster, and applies and dries the coating more uniformly than any of the other application methods.

Brushing
On smaller projects with fewer prints, brushing the Bulldog Ultra on with a disposable 4" foam brush or foam paint pad is the best method. Apply slowly with light pressure to avoid bubbling.
NOTE: Solvents in the coating may cause the foam to break down over time.

Rolling
Use a ¼" close foam roller for the best performance on medium to large surfaces. Always load the applicator with the maximum amount of coating as possible and apply with light pressure to obtain a smooth coat without air bubbles. Vigorous rolling and high pressure may produce trapped bubbles on the surface.

Spraying
Using conventional air atomization equipment or HVLP spray equipment is a good method for application on outdoor murals, statues, other three dimensional objects, and is a lower cost alternative when coating large quantities of art prints. Fluid tip size should be .045"- .060" at 30 pound atomizing pressure at 9- 12 cfm. If spraying a low quantity of fine art prints application by aerosol is recommended. Spraying is the recommended method of application if printing with Epson UltraChrome™ K3 inks.