Arcfibre OM 240 Dull-Matt Overprint Varnish
A water-based dull-matt overprint varnish for sheet-fed offset work that has to read as flat and uncoated while resisting rub and marking in the pile and in transit. It carries more matting structure and a higher film build than OM 210 and is the grade used behind spot-gloss contrast work.
Grade Arcfibre OM 240 | Range Paper, Board and Corrugated Coatings | Technology Water-based acrylic dispersion with matting agent, dull-matt
Technical Data Sheet
Arcfibre OM 240
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A dull-matt overprint varnish for work that has to read as flat and uncoated while still resisting rub and marking in the pile and in transit. It carries more matting structure than OM 210 and therefore a higher film build, and it is the grade used behind spot-gloss contrast work. Matting structure raises the surface roughness, so scuff and marking behaviour should be checked to ASTM D5264 on the actual stock before the run is committed.
2. Features
- Flat, dull-matt finish at the low end of the gloss scale
- Higher film build than OM 210 for rub and marking resistance
- Matt field for spot-gloss contrast work
- Runs on textured and speciality papers as well as offset board
3. Recommended uses
Dull-matt finishing of commercial print, folding cartons and textured or speciality papers, and the matt field in matt and spot-gloss contrast designs. Scuff and marking behaviour is confirmed on the actual stock before the run is committed.
Substrates. Coated and uncoated offset paper and board, folding boxboard, textured and speciality papers
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based acrylic dispersion with matting agent, dull-matt | Formulation |
| Appearance | White liquid drying to a clear dull-matt film | Visual assessment, supplier protocol |
| Carrier | Water | By formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 35 to 44 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Flow time, 4 mm flow cup at 20 degrees C | 30 to 55 seconds | ISO 2431 |
| pH at 20 degrees C | 8.0 to 9.0 | ISO 976 |
| Gloss at 60 degrees | 5 to 12 gloss units | ISO 2813 |
| Dry rub resistance, Sutherland, 2 lb weight | 100 to 250 cycles without visible transfer, confirmed on the actual stock because matting raises surface roughness | ASTM D5264 |
| Delivery-pile blocking and set-off | No blocking or set-off at the agreed pile temperature and stack height | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Chambered doctor blade coating unit inline on a sheet-fed offset press at higher anilox volume |
| Surface preparation | Inline, the varnish goes on wet over freshly printed offset ink; heavy solids and unset ink films slow it and can shift sheen and rub, so hold ink film weight constant and confirm rub and marking on the actual stock by trial. |
| Dilution | Stir before use to keep the matting agent evenly dispersed; adjust viscosity at the coater with 0 to 5 per cent water by weight |
| Applied dry coat weight | 3 to 5 g per square metre, by grammage difference to ISO 536; hold coat weight constant through the run, as sheen changes with film build |
| Drying | IR and hot air sized for the higher film build; control delivery-pile temperature and stack height |
| Next step | Spot-gloss varnish where specified, then cutting, creasing and folding; confirm spot-gloss adhesion and contrast on a trial sheet |
| Handling and safety | Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued by Arctic on request. |
Process. Chambered doctor blade coater inline on a sheet-fed offset press, higher anilox volume, IR and hot air drying
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container at 5 to 30 degrees C, protected from frost and direct heat, and stir before use to redisperse the matting agent. 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.