Arcplast VM 410 Vacuum Metallising Base Coat
A base coat that seals and levels the moulded surface before aluminium deposition, so the metallised layer reads as a mirror rather than as the texture of the plastic underneath. It is formulated for low outgassing and is supplied in thermal cure and UV cure versions for the same chamber process.
Grade Arcplast VM 410 | Range Plastic and Decorative Coatings | Technology Solvent-borne low outgassing base coat, thermally cured or UV-curable
Technical Data Sheet
Arcplast VM 410
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A base coat that seals and levels the moulded surface before aluminium deposition, so the metallised layer reads as a mirror rather than as the texture of the plastic underneath. It is formulated for low outgassing, because residual solvent and monomer lengthen chamber pump-down and cloud the deposit. VM 410 is supplied in thermal cure and UV cure versions for the same chamber process.
2. Features
- Seals and levels the moulding so the aluminium deposit reads as a mirror
- Low outgassing formulation to protect chamber pump-down time and deposit brightness
- Thermal cure and UV cure versions for the same chamber process
- 15 to 25 microns dry by spray or dip
- Paired with Arcplast VM 440 protective top coat
3. Recommended uses
Base coat for aluminium vacuum metallised decorative mouldings in ABS, ABS/PC, polycarbonate, primed PBT and primed polyolefin, such as cosmetic packaging components and decorative trim, finished with Arcplast VM 440.
Substrates. ABS, ABS/PC, polycarbonate, primed PBT and primed polyolefin mouldings destined for aluminium vacuum metallising.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne low outgassing base coat, thermally cured or UV-curable | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid | Visual |
| Non-volatile content | 30 to 50 per cent by weight, thermal version; UV version supplied at higher solids | ISO 3251 |
| Flow time at 23 degrees C, spray | 30 to 55 s, ISO 4 mm cup; dip viscosity agreed for the line | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film thickness | 15 to 25 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Cure | Thermal version 30 to 45 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C part temperature; UV version at the UV dose and peak irradiance issued by Arctic for the grade and the source in use, mercury or LED | Part temperature logged through the rack; radiometer for the UV version |
| Specular gloss at 20 degrees, cured base coat before metallising | 85 GU and above, screened at 60 degrees | ISO 2813 |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Class 0 to class 1, before and after humidity exposure, on the metallised and top coated system | ISO 2409, 2 mm cut spacing on plastic substrates |
| Condensation water resistance | 240 to 500 h with no blistering and no adhesion loss, on the complete system with Arcplast VM 440 | ISO 6270-2 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Spray or dip |
| Surface preparation | Mouldings clean and free of release agents; PBT and polyolefin primed before the base coat |
| Applied film thickness | 15 to 25 microns dry |
| Cure, thermal version | Bake 30 to 45 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C, held below the heat distortion temperature of the moulding |
| Cure, UV version | Flash, then cure under UV at the UV dose and peak irradiance issued by Arctic for the grade and the source in use, mercury or LED |
| Hold before the chamber | Parts held long enough to drive off retained solvent before loading, since retained solvent raises pump-down time and reduces deposit brightness |
| Next step | Aluminium vacuum deposition, followed as soon as practical by Arcplast VM 440 |
Process. Spray or dip applied at 15 to 25 microns dry. The thermal version bakes 30 to 45 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C, the UV version flashes and cures under UV. In both cases the part is held long enough to drive off retained solvent before it enters the chamber, or pump-down time rises and the deposit loses brightness.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, sunlight and frost, with the UV version kept in opaque containers away from UV sources. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request, for handling. 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.