Arcterra CM 540 Chemical Resistant Component Enamel
A two-pack component finish at higher crosslink density for machine parts that meet diesel, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, fertiliser, slurry and cleaning chemicals. It is also intended for assemblies washed regularly at high pressure.
Grade Arcterra CM 540 | Range Agriculture, Construction and Earthmoving | Technology Solvent-borne two-pack crosslinked component enamel, with an aliphatic hardener where the assembly is on show outdoors
Technical Data Sheet
Arcterra CM 540
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A two-pack component finish at higher crosslink density for the parts of a machine that meet diesel, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, fertiliser, slurry and cleaning chemicals, including engine bays, hydraulic and fuel tanks, sprayer booms and spreader bodies. It is also intended for assemblies washed regularly at high pressure, where the cleaning itself loads the film and its edges. CM 510 is the grade chosen where appearance and schedule govern, and CM 540 is specified where chemical or wash exposure is continuous; an aliphatic hardener is used where the assembly is also on show outdoors.
2. Features
- Higher crosslink density for continuous fluid and chemical exposure
- Resistance to diesel and hydraulic fluid once cured to full properties
- Intended for regular high-pressure washing
- Aliphatic hardener used where the assembly is also on show outdoors
3. Recommended uses
Engine bays, hydraulic and fuel tanks, sprayer booms, spreader bodies and bought-in hydraulic and engine components where chemical or wash exposure is continuous. Arcterra CM 510 is the alternative where appearance and schedule govern.
Substrates. Arcterra EP 210 primed steel, and degreased and abraded steel or sound existing coatings on bought-in hydraulic and engine components.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne two-pack crosslinked component enamel, with an aliphatic hardener where the assembly is on show outdoors | Formulation |
| Colour | Matched to the machine colour or component standard | ISO 3668 visual comparison |
| Dry film thickness | 50 to 80 µm | ISO 2808 |
| Pot life of mixed material at 25 °C | Typically 2 to 6 h, shortening sharply as temperature rises | ISO 9514 |
| Drying and cure | Through-dry in 16 to 24 h at 20 to 25 °C; full hardness and chemical resistance develop over 5 to 7 days, shortened by a force dry at 60 to 80 °C for 20 to 40 min. Through-dry alone is not sufficient before fuelling, fluid fill or washing | ISO 9117-1 for through-dry; full properties and force-dry schedule to customer or supplier protocol |
| Resistance to diesel and hydraulic fluid | No blistering, softening or loss of adhesion after 24 to 72 h exposure on a film cured to full properties, 5 to 7 days at 20 to 25 °C | ISO 2812-1 for immersion, ISO 2812-3 for spot exposure with an absorbent medium |
| Resistance to other fluids and cleaning chemicals | Assessed against the customer's own fertilisers, slurry, oils and cleaning chemicals on a film cured to full properties | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Class 0 to 1 on prepared steel and between coats within the recoat interval | ISO 2409 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Conventional air, HVLP or airless spray; substrate held at least 3 °C above dew point through application and flash-off |
| Substrate | Arcterra EP 210 primed steel, and degreased and abraded steel or sound existing coatings on bought-in hydraulic and engine components |
| Mixing and thinning | Base and hardener mixed in the ratio stated on the label and stirred mechanically before use. Thin only where needed and only with the thinner specified by Arctic for the grade. |
| Applied film | 50 to 80 µm dry |
| Cure | Ambient at 20 to 25 °C, through-dry in 16 to 24 h and full chemical resistance over 5 to 7 days; or force dry at 60 to 80 °C for 20 to 40 min after an ambient flash-off, with the time counted once the part is at temperature; heavy plate sections take longer to reach it than the bay air. No fuel, fluid or pressure washing before full cure |
| Washing in service | Wash pressure, lance distance and water temperature agreed with the operator as part of the specification |
| Safety | Handling and personal protection as set out in the Safety Data Sheet, issued by Arctic on request. |
Process. Conventional air, HVLP or airless spray at 50 to 80 µm dry. Ambient cure or force dry at 60 to 80 °C, with full chemical resistance reached only after through-cure. Wash pressure, lance distance and water temperature are agreed with the operator as part of the specification.
6. Storage and handling
Store base and hardener in their original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, covered store away from direct heat and sunlight, within the temperature range on the label, and keep hardener containers sealed against moisture. Shelf life is stated on the label and the Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.