Arcplast VM 440 Metallising Protective Top Coat
A clear or transparent tinted top coat applied over deposited aluminium to protect a metal film only tens of nanometres thick from handling, moisture and finger salts. It is offered in UV-curable and two-component polyurethane versions, and the tinted variants give chrome, gold, smoke and coloured chrome effects from one aluminium deposit.
Grade Arcplast VM 440 | Range Plastic and Decorative Coatings | Technology Clear or transparent tinted top coat, UV-curable acrylate or two-component polyurethane, in organic solvent
Technical Data Sheet
Arcplast VM 440
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A clear or transparent tinted top coat applied over the deposited aluminium to protect a film only tens of nanometres thick from handling, moisture and finger salts. Left bare, the metallised layer dulls, spots and lifts within weeks. VM 440 is offered in UV-curable and two-component polyurethane versions, and the tinted variants give chrome, gold, smoke and coloured chrome effects from one aluminium deposit.
2. Features
- Protects the aluminium deposit against dulling, spotting and lifting
- UV-curable and two-component polyurethane versions
- Clear, or tinted for chrome, gold, smoke and coloured chrome effects from one deposit
- 10 to 20 microns dry by spray
- Two-component bake held below the heat distortion temperature of the moulding
3. Recommended uses
Protective and effect top coat on vacuum metallised cosmetic packaging components, closures and decorative trim, completing the Arcplast VM 410 and aluminium deposition sequence.
Substrates. Freshly vacuum metallised aluminium over Arcplast VM 410 on ABS, ABS/PC, polycarbonate and primed polyolefin.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Clear or transparent tinted top coat, UV-curable acrylate or two-component polyurethane, in organic solvent | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear or transparent tinted liquid | Visual |
| Non-volatile content | 20 to 40 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 for the two-component version; ASTM D5403, Test Method B for the UV version, non-volatile content by difference |
| Flow time at 23 degrees C, ready for spray | 30 to 50 s, ISO 4 mm cup | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film thickness | 10 to 20 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Cure | UV version at the UV dose and peak irradiance issued by Arctic for the grade and the source in use, mercury or LED; two-component version 30 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C part temperature | Radiometer for the UV version; part temperature logged through the rack for the two-component version |
| Appearance of the metallised and top coated part | Bright, mirror-like reflection free of haze, bloom, iridescence and orange peel, matched to the agreed limit sample | Visual against the agreed limit sample; customer or supplier protocol |
| Colour, tinted versions | Matched to the agreed chrome, gold, smoke or coloured chrome standard | Visual against the agreed standard; customer or supplier protocol for instrumental colour |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Class 0 to class 1, before and after humidity exposure | ISO 2409, 2 mm cut spacing on plastic substrates |
| Condensation water resistance | 240 to 500 h with no blistering and no adhesion loss | 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 |
| Timing | Applied as soon as practical after the parts leave the chamber, since a bare aluminium deposit oxidises |
| Applied film thickness | 10 to 20 microns dry |
| Cure, UV version | Flash 3 to 5 minutes, 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 |
| Cure, two-component version | Mix at the ratio stated on the label and use inside the pot life; flash 10 minutes, then bake 30 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C, held below the heat distortion temperature of the moulding |
| Next step | Final coat of the metallising sequence |
Process. Spray applied at 10 to 20 microns as soon as practical after the chamber, since a bare deposit oxidises. The UV version flashes 3 to 5 minutes then cures under UV. The two-component version flashes 10 minutes then bakes 30 minutes at 70 to 80 degrees C, held below the heat distortion temperature of the moulding.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, sunlight and frost; keep the UV version in opaque containers away from UV sources and keep the two-component hardener tightly sealed, since it reacts with atmospheric moisture. 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.