Printcolor Inks - Durable Marine Graphic Coatings for Sail Cloth

Sailcloth is subjected to intense environmental stress—UV rays, saltwater spray, wind pressure, and constant flexing. In competitive sailing, even the smallest advantage matters. That’s why top sailmakers and marine brands choose Printcolor’s high-performance coatings and sail inks, engineered in Switzerland for extreme durability and flexibility.

Our advanced coating systems are formulated to bond seamlessly to modern sail materials—composite laminates like 3Di™, carbon fiber, polyester fabrics like Dacron® and Vectran®, and other high-tension substrates—without cracking, fading, or delaminating. Each ink system offers outstanding adhesion, UV resistance, and lightweight coverage, helping maintain sail shape, color integrity, and overall performance.

To meet branding, technical, and weight-sensitive requirements, we provide:

• Water-based protective coatings designed to endure harsh marine environments while maintaining vivid color and finish
• Solvent-based flexible inks for stretchable and soft sail materials
• Glossy and matte clear varnishes to enhance durability and UV protection

You can choose from pre-mixed standard colors, custom PANTONE® shades, or use our Printcolor Mixing System (MS) with pigment concentrates to mix custom colors directly on-site—saving time, cost, and ink waste. Our technical team is also available to provide training, support, and ink selection guidance tailored to your sail production needs.

For more details on performance and application, see the technical data sheets for:

• Printcolor Series 482 – Water-based coating for marine textiles
• Printcolor Series 660 – Solvent-based flexible ink for rubberized and stretchable substrates

Advanced Inks & Coatings for Sailcloth Applications

Printcolor’s water-based and solvent-based ink systems are custom-built for use on advanced sail materials such as:

• Composite sail laminates (e.g., 3Di™ sails, carbon fiber)

• Polyester sailcloth like Dacron®, Vectran®, and PET fabrics

• Reinforced, stretchable, or coated marine textiles

These coatings deliver superior resistance to UV exposure, saltwater, and abrasion, while maintaining color brilliance and elasticity in high-stress conditions. Whether you’re printing bold branding on racing sails or protecting sail structure with clear UV varnishes, Printcolor coatings are built for the job.

Water-Based Protective Coating for Sailcloth

For maximum sustainability and performance, Printcolor’s water-based protective coating enhances color retention, environmental durability, and compatibility with modern performance sail materials. Available in both gloss and matte finishes, this coating minimizes added weight while increasing resistance to UV light and abrasion.

• Marine-Grade UV Resistance – Blocks harmful sunlight to protect prints and fabrics
• Extreme Flexibility – Coatings move with the material without cracking or delaminating
• Durable Weatherproofing – Resists wind, salt spray, water, and mechanical abrasion
• Lightweight Formulation – Minimal added weight ensures maximum sail performance
• Custom PANTONE® Matching – Available in pre-mixed colors or on-site mixing with our Mixing System (MS)
• Versatile Application Methods – Suitable for brushing, rolling, spraying, or screen printing

Printcolor Series 482 – Water-based protective coating engineered for marine fabrics

• Perfect for Dacron®, Vectran®, laminated polyester sails
• Available in matte or gloss finishes
• Eco-friendly and weather-resistant
• Maintains vivid color and textile softness

Printcolor Series 660 – Solvent-based flexible ink for stretchable sail materials

• Ideal for soft sails, nylon spinnakers, and coated rubbers
• Offers excellent chemical resistance and abrasion durability
• Compatible with soft-touch materials and UV exposure
• Can be used as a 1C or 2C ink system, depending on performance needs

Racing & Performance Sails
Perfect for high-speed racing yachts and catamarans. Printcolor inks are used to apply logos, numbers, trim markings, and branding on 3Di™, carbon fiber, and other composite sailcloth.

Cruising & Offshore Sails
Ideal for branding and identification on Dacron®, Vectran®, and PET-based polyester sails used in long-distance cruising or regatta applications. Coatings provide UV resistance, vibrant color, and durability.

Tents, Marine Covers & Outdoor Textiles
Protective coatings for canopies, awnings, and outdoor fabrics exposed to sunlight, salt air, and weathering. Designed for maximum adhesion and environmental stability.

Coated Composites & Specialty Substrates
Compatible with modern sail and textile composites including North Sails 3Di™, carbon laminates, soft-touch panels, and technical coated fabrics. Maintains adhesion, flexibility, and color brilliance on even the most advanced materials.

Composite Materials
Ideal for cutting-edge sails made with 3Di™ laminates, carbon fiber, and high-performance synthetics. Printcolor inks and coatings flex with these materials, preserving design integrity and material strength.

Polyester Sailcloth
Tailored solutions for woven fabrics like Dacron®, Vectran®, and PET-based textiles, providing reliable adhesion and resistance to wear, creasing, and sun damage.

Clear Sunlight Protection Varnishes
Available in glossy or matte finishes, these UV-stable varnishes enhance the lifespan of sail graphics and help retain color brilliance and edge sharpness under continuous exposure.

Unmatched Flexibility for Dynamic Marine Fabrics

Printcolor’s sail coatings are engineered to move with high-tension textiles like Dacron®, Vectran®, and composite laminates—maintaining flexibility without cracking, flaking, or delaminating. These coatings preserve the structural performance of sails in even the most punishing wind and weather.

Maximum Durability and Adhesion

Whether you’re printing on racing sails or protective marine fabrics, Printcolor coatings bond flawlessly to polyester, composites, and carbon fiber substrates—ensuring long-term adhesion in saltwater, UV, and extreme motion environments.

UV & Weather Resistance for Harsh Marine Exposure

Printcolor sail inks are built to withstand prolonged sunlight, saltwater spray, and harsh outdoor elements. Designs and logos remain crisp, legible, and vibrant, even after extensive offshore use.

Lightweight, High-Performance Coatings

Our low-weight, high-coverage formulations add minimal bulk to the sail—supporting speed, shape retention, and structural integrity in racing and performance applications.

Custom Color Matching with Printcolor Mixing System

Printcolor offers complete PANTONE® color customization. Choose from:

• Pre-mixed standard colors
• Special PANTONE® shades
• On-site mixing with our MS (Mixing System) + pigment concentrates

This flexibility helps reduce ink waste, shorten lead times, and maintain consistent branding across sail production.

Ready to enhance your sails with marine-grade durability and vibrant, long-lasting graphics? Contact Deco Tech today for expert guidance, free ink testing, or a sample consultation.
📞 Call us at 714-639-DECO or email sales@decotechgroup.com to discuss your sail coating requirements.

What types of sailcloth materials are compatible with Printcolor coatings?
Printcolor coatings are compatible with a wide range of sail materials including 3Di™ composite laminates, carbon fiber fabrics, and polyester sailcloth such as Dacron®, Vectran®, and PET. These coatings adhere seamlessly without cracking or peeling, even under high tension and flex.

Are Printcolor coatings suitable for both racing and cruising sails?
Yes. Whether you're preparing high-performance racing sails or long-distance cruising and offshore sails, Printcolor coatings are engineered for durability, flexibility, and UV protection across all marine environments.

Can Printcolor inks be custom color matched to my brand?
Absolutely. Using the Printcolor Mixing System (MS) and pigment concentrates, you can mix custom PANTONE® colors on-site for logos, graphics, and trim. Pre-mixed standard and custom shades are also available to match your sail branding needs.

What’s the difference between the 482 and 660 Series inks?

• Series 482 is a water-based protective coating designed for sail fabrics and marine-grade textiles. It offers lightweight, weather-resistant performance ideal for most marine applications.
• Series 660 is a solvent-based, flexible ink suited for rubberized, stretchable, and soft-touch surfaces, including certain sail panels, leather components, and coated fabrics.

Do the coatings add significant weight to the sail?
No. All Printcolor marine coatings are formulated to be lightweight, ensuring they do not compromise sail shape or performance. Even with multiple layers, the coatings are designed for minimal weight impact.

Can these coatings withstand saltwater, UV rays, and wind exposure?
Yes. Printcolor marine coatings are engineered for long-term resistance to UV radiation, salt spray, wind abrasion, and outdoor elements. They help protect and preserve the appearance of sail graphics and markings.

Do you offer clear protective varnishes?
Yes. We offer glossy and matte clear UV-protection varnishes that further enhance durability, longevity, and surface finish without affecting sail performance or flexibility.

Can Deco Tech help with selecting the right ink system?
Definitely. Our team provides expert consulting, application training, and technical support to ensure you select and use the right Printcolor ink or coating for your sail manufacturing project.