Arcdeco FX 220 Matt and Gloss Contrast Ink
A clear or lightly tinted dry-offset effect ink printed at one decorator station in register with the design, so that the gloss overprint varnish applied over it dries matt. Matt and gloss areas sit on the same can without a separate matt varnish.
Grade Arcdeco FX 220 | Range Metal Decorating Inks | Technology Clear or lightly tinted dry-offset paste ink, cured with the paired wet gloss overprint varnish
Technical Data Sheet
Arcdeco FX 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A clear or lightly tinted dry-offset effect ink printed at one decorator station in register with the design. Where it is printed, the gloss overprint varnish applied over it dries matt, so matt and gloss areas sit on the same can without a separate matt varnish. The effect comes from the interaction of the ink with the wet varnish, so the ink and Arccan EX 260 are qualified as a pair, and a change of varnish or film weight changes the contrast. If the balance is wrong the varnish crawls or loses slip over the matt areas, which then scuff on the conveyor.
2. Features
- Matt and gloss contrast on one can from a single decorator station
- No separate matt varnish needed
- Qualified as a pair with Arccan EX 260; a change of varnish or film weight changes the contrast
- Contrast strongest on dark or metallic grounds
- Slip and scratch over the matt areas checked after pasteurisation
3. Recommended uses
Matt and gloss contrast decoration on two-piece aluminium and steel cans, over a white basecoat or bare metal.
Substrates. Aluminium and steel two-piece bodies, over a white basecoat or bare metal, with the contrast strongest on dark or metallic grounds.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Clear or lightly tinted dry-offset paste ink, cured with the paired wet gloss overprint varnish | Formulation |
| Form | Clear or lightly tinted paste ink | Visual |
| Composition | Dry-offset vehicle formulated to interact with the wet overprint varnish; formulated without PTFE wax | Supplier formulation record, declared not tested |
| Tack | Stated per colour on a named instrument, speed and roller temperature, set against the customer's decorator or printer | ISO 12634, rotary tackmeter; readings compared only on the same instrument type, roller temperature and speed |
| Viscosity at 25 degrees C | 20 to 120 Pa.s, with yield value reported; stated per colour on the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 12644, falling rod viscometer |
| Fineness of grind | 5 micrometres or finer, or as set by the effect component and stated per grade | ISO 1524 |
| Matt and gloss contrast | Matt and gloss levels agreed against a signed standard for the ink and varnish pair at the agreed film weights | ISO 2813 on flat panels as a comparative check, at 60 degree geometry, moving to 85 degree for matt areas below 10 gloss units and 20 degree for gloss areas above 70 gloss units at 60 degree, with the geometry stated; visual against the signed standard on cans |
| Rub, scratch and mobility of the finished surface | No breakthrough to the basecoat at the stroke count and weight, 0.9 or 1.8 kg, agreed by grade; mobility held within the overprint varnish window | ASTM D5264 Sutherland rub as a comparative bench check; the can-maker's scratch and mobility protocol decides acceptance |
| Pasteurisation resistance | No blush, softening, colour change or loss of adhesion after the declared cycle, commonly 20 to 60 min in water at 60 to 85 degrees C | Customer or can-maker protocol on processed cans or panels, followed by tape adhesion to ISO 2409 |
| Adhesion on the full coating stack | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 | ISO 2409 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Dry offset at a free decorator station, in register with the design. |
| Surface preparation | Aluminium and steel two-piece bodies, over a white basecoat or bare metal. |
| Dry ink film weight | About 0.5 to 2.0 g/m2 dry, set together with the varnish film weight at trial, since both change the contrast. |
| Overcoat | The paired gloss overprint varnish, Arccan EX 260, applied wet over the ink. |
| Cure schedule | Pin-oven set at about 185 to 200 degrees C peak metal temperature to the schedule of the overprint varnish, with the cure completed in the internal bake oven. |
| Qualification | Contrast, slip and scratch are checked on cans after pasteurisation, and a line trial is required. |
Process. Printed at a free decorator station, overvarnished wet with the paired gloss varnish and cured through the pin oven and internal bake oven. Contrast, slip and scratch are checked on cans after pasteurisation, and a line trial is required.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and sources of heat, and keep lids closed between uses to limit skinning. 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.