Arclear HG
A single-component high-gloss overprint varnish applied in line over print to lift the finish and protect the ink from rub during converting, filling and transport. With no hardener there is no pot life to manage, and it is used wherever the pack does not face solvents or aggressive contents.
Grade Arclear HG | Range Speciality Coatings for Packaging | Technology Single-component physically drying overprint varnish, solvent-borne or water-based to suit the ink system
Technical Data Sheet
Arclear HG
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A single-component high-gloss overprint varnish applied in line over print to lift the finish and protect the ink from rub during converting, filling and transport. With no hardener there is no pot life to manage, and it is used wherever the pack does not face solvents or aggressive contents.
2. Features
- Ready to use, with no mixing, pot life or post-cure period
- Gloss finish with rub protection for the printed surface
- Runs at a flexo or gravure coating station on printed paper, board and selected films
- Gloss follows the absorbency of the stock and is assessed on the intended substrate
- Kept clear of carton glue laps so the adhesive keys to the board
3. Recommended uses
Gloss finishing of printed folding cartons, labels, wraps and film packs for dry goods and general retail products. Packs that meet solvents or aggressive contents take Arclear 2G instead.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Single-component physically drying overprint varnish, solvent-borne or water-based to suit the ink system | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, drying to a clear high-gloss film | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend or water, stated for the grade supplied and matched to the ink system | formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 25 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity, ISO flow cup 4 mm at 23 degrees Celsius | 30 to 50 s as supplied | ISO 2431 |
| Density at 23 degrees Celsius | 0.90 to 1.10 g/cm3, depending on carrier | ISO 2811-1 |
| Specular gloss at 60 degrees, on smooth coated board | 75 to 90 gloss units; lower on uncoated board from the same product | ISO 2813 |
| Rub resistance | Stroke count and load agreed per pack; tested on the intended substrate after drying and conditioning | ASTM D5264 |
| Adhesion over ink on film | No coating or ink removed in the tape test on the printed film | ASTM F2252 |
| Drying | Tack-free in the press tunnel at running speed, with no post-cure period | 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 | Flexo coating station with anilox roll and chambered doctor blade, or gravure coating cylinder; inline with the print |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1.0 to 2.5 g/m2; an even film matters more than a heavy one for gloss |
| Drying | 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 |
| Next step | Cutting, creasing and gluing once the web or sheet is cool; glue laps left uncoated |
6. Storage and handling
Store in the 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, 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.