Arclear 2G
A two-component gloss overprint varnish that cross-links once the hardener is mixed in, for printed packs that meet solvents, cleaning agents, fragrances or aggressive fillings. It is a finishing layer for paper, board and film on flexo or gravure lines and is not intended as a lamination surface.
Grade Arclear 2G | Range Speciality Coatings for Packaging | Technology Two-component cross-linking gloss varnish, solvent-borne or water-based
Technical Data Sheet
Arclear 2G
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A two-component gloss overprint varnish that cross-links once the hardener is mixed in, for printed packs that meet solvents, cleaning agents, fragrances or aggressive fillings. It is a finishing layer for paper, board and film on flexo or gravure lines and is not intended as a lamination surface.
2. Features
- Cross-linked gloss film resisting solvents, cleaning agents, fragrances and aggressive fillings
- Supplied as a resin base and a separate hardener, mixed to the stated ratio before use
- Runs on flexo and gravure coating stations with adequate drying capacity
- Resistance continues to build for several days after the film is touch dry
- Finishing layer only; the cured film gives a laminating adhesive little to key to
3. Recommended uses
Gloss outer finish on printed cartons, labels and film packs for household cleaners, personal care, fragrance and similar products that can wet or spill onto the printed face. Where resistance to a named product formulation is the starting point rather than the finish, Arcresist CR is the grade to begin from.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Two-component cross-linking gloss varnish, solvent-borne or water-based | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, drying to a clear gloss film | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend or water, stated for the grade supplied and matched to the ink system | formulation |
| Non-volatile content, mixed varnish | 30 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Viscosity of the mixed varnish, ISO flow cup 4 mm at 23 degrees Celsius | 30 to 60 s at application | ISO 2431 |
| Pot life of the mixed varnish at 23 degrees Celsius | 4 to 8 hours; shorter in a warm press hall | ISO 9514 |
| Specular gloss at 60 degrees, on smooth coated board | 70 to 90 gloss units; lower on absorbent or uncoated stock | ISO 2813 |
| Solvent resistance of the cured film | No break-through with the agreed solvent at the agreed number of double rubs, tested after full cure | ASTM D5402 |
| Development of full resistance | 3 to 7 days at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius after coating | customer or supplier protocol, solvent rub on conditioned samples |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flexo coating station with anilox roll and chambered doctor blade, or gravure coating cylinder; full web or spot |
| Surface preparation | Ink fully dried before coating. On polyolefin film, check wetting tension on the reel to be coated with the test solutions of ASTM D2578. Trial over the printed areas, not on the unprinted edge of the web. Keep carton glue laps and any area to be laminated uncoated |
| Mixing | Add the hardener to the base at the ratio stated on the label, stir thoroughly and use within the pot life; do not return mixed varnish to the base container |
| Dilution | Supplied at or near application strength; reduce only with the diluent specified by Arctic for the grade, check flow time to ISO 2431 at fixed intervals recorded against temperature, and confirm any correction against a measured coat weight |
| Applied dry coat weight | 1.5 to 3.0 g/m2, raised over heavy ink coverage |
| Drying and cure | Dryer air typically 50 to 80 degrees Celsius, limited by the heat tolerance of the substrate, set so the web leaves dry, free of retained solvent and cool at the rewind; water-based grades need more drying energy and dwell than solvent-borne grades at the same coat weight. Allow 3 to 7 days at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius before tight stacking, filling or resistance testing |
| Clean-up | Clean anilox rolls, chambers and pans before mixed varnish sets in them, using the cleaning solvent specified for the grade |
6. Storage and handling
Store the base and the hardener in their original containers, kept closed, in a cool, dry, covered area away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, within the temperature range given on the label; keep the hardener sealed against moisture and protect water-based grades from frost. Shelf life is stated on the label and on the 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.