Arcmetal DT 220 Direct-to-Metal Enamel
A single coat air-drying enamel on a saponification resistant modified binder, applied direct to prepared steel, zinc coated steel or aluminium at 40 to 60 microns dry. It primes and finishes in one pass for interior and sheltered fabrication.
Grade Arcmetal DT 220 | Range General Metal Finishing | Technology Solvent-borne, single-pack air-drying enamel on a saponification resistant modified binder
Technical Data Sheet
Arcmetal DT 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A single coat air-drying enamel on a saponification resistant modified binder, applied straight onto prepared metal at 40 to 60 microns dry, for interior and sheltered fabrication painted in one pass. The binder is the reason it goes direct onto zinc coated work where a conventional alkyd would not. It suits tube frames, shelving, brackets, light enclosures and hand tools, where the second coat would buy handling time rather than protection, and it is not a substitute for a primer and topcoat system on parts that will be wetted or washed down.
2. Features
- Direct to metal, with no separate primer coat
- Saponification resistant binder, suitable direct onto zinc coated steel
- 40 to 60 microns dry in one pass
- Touch dry in 30 to 45 minutes and handling strength in 4 to 6 hours at 30 degrees C
- Force dries in 30 minutes at 60 degrees C after a 10 minute flash-off
3. Recommended uses
Tube frames, shelving, brackets, light enclosures and hand tools for interior and sheltered service, painted in a single pass. It is not a substitute for a primer and topcoat system on parts that will be wetted or washed down.
Substrates. Bare mild steel prepared to ISO 8501-1 St 2 or better, zinc coated steel and aluminium after degreasing and abrading.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne, single-pack air-drying enamel on a saponification resistant modified binder | Formulation |
| Appearance and colour | Smooth, even film; colour to the reference ordered (RAL, BS 381C, BS 4800, an IS reference or a customer panel) | Visual, against the colour reference named |
| Volume solids | 45 to 60 per cent | ISO 3233-1 |
| Viscosity as supplied | 60 to 100 s in a 6 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C | ISO 2431, cup orifice stated with every result |
| Dry film thickness per coat | 40 to 60 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Surface drying, air dry at 30 degrees C | Touch dry in 30 to 45 minutes | ISO 9117-3 |
| Specular gloss | For the sheen ordered: below 10 units matt, 20 to 45 units satin, 80 to 95 units full gloss | ISO 2813, 60 degree geometry; 85 degree geometry for matt films reading below 10 units at 60 degrees |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on correctly prepared substrate | ISO 2409 cross-cut |
| Impact resistance, falling weight | 1 kg weight, no cracking or detachment from 500 to 1000 mm, depending on film build | ISO 6272-1, large-area indenter |
| VOC content, ready for use | 380 to 550 g/l | ISO 11890-1, difference method |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Conventional, HVLP or airless spray; brush and roller for small work. |
| Surface preparation | Degrease, then clean mild steel to ISO 8501-1 St 2 or better; degrease and abrade zinc coated steel and aluminium. Apply with the substrate at least 3 degrees C above the dew point. |
| Thinning | Thin with the thinner recommended by Arctic for the grade to 20 to 25 s in a 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C (ISO 2431) for conventional and HVLP spray. For airless, brush and roller, add only the thinner needed for atomisation or flow. |
| Film build | 40 to 60 microns dry in one coat; check wet film with a comb gauge to ISO 2808 during application. |
| Drying schedule | Air dry at 30 degrees C: touch dry in 30 to 45 minutes, handling strength in 4 to 6 hours. Force dry: 10 minute flash-off at shop temperature, then 30 minutes at 60 degrees C. |
| Next step | Single coat finish for interior and sheltered service. For parts that will be wetted or washed down, specify Arcmetal PR 340 with an Arcmetal 2K finish instead. |
Process. Conventional, HVLP or airless spray, brush and roller for small work; air dry, touch dry in 30 to 45 minutes, handling strength in 4 to 6 hours at 30 degrees C, or force dry 30 minutes at 60 degrees C after a 10 minute flash-off.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original containers, tightly closed, in a cool, dry, covered store away from heat and direct sun, and stir thoroughly before use to redisperse any settlement. Shelf life is stated on the label and 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.