Arctube TL 260 High-Resistance Two-Coat Tube Lacquer
Arctube TL 260 is a two-coat epoxy-phenolic internal system for aluminium tubes whose fill attacks both the film and the aluminium beneath it. The second coat closes the pores a single coat leaves at the shoulder and nozzle, where alkaline fills start to corrode the metal.
Grade Arctube TL 260 | Range Tube, Aerosol and Aluminium Bottle Coatings | Technology Solvent-borne epoxy-phenolic, two-coat system
Technical Data Sheet
Arctube TL 260
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A two-coat epoxy-phenolic internal system for tubes whose fill attacks both the film and the aluminium beneath it: alkaline oxidative hair colourants carrying ammonia or ethanolamine, depilatory creams, solvent-rich adhesives, and pharmaceutical preparations whose actives or excipients react with aluminium. The second coat closes the pores a single coat leaves at the shoulder and nozzle, which is where alkaline fills start to corrode the metal and generate hydrogen. Resistance to ammonia is checked to EN 15653. Because the total film is heavier, flexibility at the crimp is the limiting property. A single-coat lacquer on these fills typically shows as blistering, gassing or a swollen tube in the pack test.
2. Features
- Two spray passes for film continuity at shoulder and nozzle
- Ammonia resistance checked to EN 15653
- Directed at alkaline, oxidative and solvent-rich fills
- Flexibility at the crimp is the limiting property, so total film weight is held within the window
3. Recommended uses
Internal protection of tubes for alkaline oxidative hair colourants carrying ammonia or ethanolamine, depilatory creams, solvent-rich adhesives, and pharmaceutical preparations whose actives or excipients react with aluminium.
Substrates. Annealed impact-extruded aluminium tubes for hair colourant, depilatory, adhesive, technical and pharmaceutical fills.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne epoxy-phenolic, two-coat system | Formulation |
| Porosity of the internal film | Current reading within the acceptance limit agreed for the tube size at qualification, read on the finished two-coat film; limits are not transferable between tube sizes, electrolytes or test voltages | EN 15384-1 (sodium chloride) or EN 15384-2 (copper sulphate) |
| Non-volatile content | 25 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity | 30 to 60 s, 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C, or the 3 mm cup for thinner grades | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film, total of two coats | 10 to 16 micrometres total over two coats | EN 13048 on finished tubes |
| Cure state | Pass in the acetone polymerisation test | EN 15766 on finished tubes |
| Ammonia resistance | No blistering, softening or loss of adhesion under the conditions of the standard | EN 15653 |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on flat aluminium panels; no lacquer removal by tape on the finished tube | ISO 2409 on panels; EN 15421 on finished tubes |
| Flexibility | Porosity after flattening, rolling up and folding within the customer's limit | EN 15384-1 or EN 15384-2, with the flexing to the customer's protocol |
| Pack test with the actual fill | No blistering, delamination, corrosion or change in the product after storage, commonly at 40 to 50 degrees C for 1 to 6 months | Customer protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Two lance spray passes into the rotating tube |
| Surface preparation | Annealed, clean impact-extruded tube; first coat applied after the anneal |
| Viscosity adjustment | Adjusted at the line within 30 to 60 s (ISO 2431 flow cup, 23 degrees C) to suit the spray equipment, using only the thinner Arctic specifies for the grade |
| Dry film | 10 to 16 micrometres total over two coats |
| Cure schedule | Flash or intermediate cure between coats, then a final cure of typically 3 to 10 min at about 220 to 280 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer's oven with a traced temperature logger |
| Next step | External basecoat such as Arctube BC 120; the latex band or heat-seal lacquer at the open end must be compatible with the cured lacquer |
| Qualification | Pack tests with the actual fill at elevated temperature and a trial on the customer's line |
Process. Two spray passes by lance, typically 10 to 16 micrometres total dry film, with a flash or intermediate cure between coats and a final cure of typically 3 to 10 min at about 220 to 280 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer’s oven. Pack tests with the actual fill at elevated temperature and a trial on the customer’s line are required.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area, protected from frost, direct sunlight and heat, and keep containers closed between uses to limit solvent loss. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. 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.