Arcbar UV
A clear coating carrying ultraviolet absorbers, used on transparent film and clear window areas to slow fading of printed inks and dyes and ultraviolet-initiated degradation of light-sensitive contents. It remains clear to visible light so the pack still shows what is inside.
Grade Arcbar UV | Range Speciality Coatings for Packaging | Technology Clear coating carrying ultraviolet absorbers, dried in line, solvent-borne or water-based
Technical Data Sheet
Arcbar UV
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A clear coating carrying ultraviolet absorbers, used on transparent film and clear window areas to slow fading of printed inks and dyes and ultraviolet-initiated degradation of light-sensitive contents. It remains clear to visible light so the pack still shows what is inside.
2. Features
- Ultraviolet absorbers in a clear film that stays transparent to visible light
- Delays photodegradation rather than stopping it, as absorbers are consumed with cumulative exposure
- Absorbance depends on coat weight, so uniformity across the web is controlled
- Screens only what lies beneath it, so placement in the structure is agreed with Arctic
- A UV-curable ink or varnish applied over it cures normally; it is not a layer to cure through
3. Recommended uses
Transparent film packs and clear window areas where printed colour or light-sensitive contents need protection from ultraviolet light on shelf.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Clear coating carrying ultraviolet absorbers, dried in line, solvent-borne or water-based | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, drying to a clear film | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend or water, stated for the grade supplied and matched to the ink system | formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 20 to 40 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 |
| Ultraviolet transmission of the coated film | Reduced in proportion to coat weight; transmission curve issued for the agreed film and coat weight | customer or supplier protocol, UV-visible spectrophotometry |
| Haze of the coated clear film | Agreed against the uncoated film so the contents remain visible | ASTM D1003 |
| Adhesion over ink on film | No coating or ink removed in the tape test on the printed film | ASTM F2252 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Gravure or flexo coating station, or a separate coater, for full-web or window coating |
| 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 | 2.0 to 5.0 g/m2, held even across the web, since absorbance follows coat weight |
| 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 |
| Layer sequence | Placed between the light source and what it has to protect; a UV-curable layer is not cured through this coating, and absorbers are not added to a UV-curable formulation; Arctic advises on placement for the film and print sequence |
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.