Topcoat for laser-printed paper signage? Other tips?

[Hedron]

I have a project where a simple rectangular sign printed on a paper background would be sufficient. It's a local, custom logo, there is no commercial decal. I don't think fussing with making a custom decal is necessary, because it truly is just a mounted sign with a white background. I'll be using a color laser printer. Anyone have suggestions for topcoating this for durability and realism? Would Micro-scale Liquid Decal Film work as a topcoat? Or just a blast of matte acrylic? Any other techniques to make this look "right"?

[MK]

I don't know about making it look "right" but I've done this for decals on some of my home made cheap R/C airplanes.  I just blast it with matte acrylic and they've held up to UV and light moisture quite well.

[C855B]

Agreed on the matte acrylic. Just be easy with the spray - don't get it too wet or you'll curl the paper. A couple of misting coats will do the job.

[peteski]

Is it printed on a laser or ink jet printer?  Ink jet ink is water soluble so if it is unprotected and gets wet (like you spraying the scenery with a water mist at some time in the future), the ink might run.  Acrylic clear spray should work. But if it soaks into the paper, it will make look less white.

Laser toner is not water-soluble, so you could leave the sign unprotected.

Another option would be to laminate it. That will give is a nice protective plastic surface (but also add thickness).

[glakedylan]

i have had good results using mod podge in both the matte and gloss forms
have also had good results using either gloss or matte clear coat paints


sincerely
Gary

[narrowminded]

I have printed on plain copier paper, ink jet, and then sprayed with dullcoat, both sides.  Leave the sheet oversized and cut it out after it has dried.  That gives you plenty to hold on to and probably helps with the curling.  Being "hardened" from the dullcoat helps to keep the cuts crisp and clean, too.

[Hedron]

Thanks, folks. I'll give the matte spray a try, since I have that on hand.