Arcova MET Metallic and Effect Inks
Solvent-based silver, gold and pearlescent gravure inks for decorative effect on flexible packaging and labels. They are supplied at the leafing balance intended to give full brilliance at the recommended engraving.
Grade Arcova MET | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based gravure ink with aluminium and pearlescent effect pigments
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova MET
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based silver, gold and pearlescent gravure inks for decorative effect on flexible packaging and labels. They are supplied at the leafing balance intended to give full brilliance at the recommended engraving.
2. Features
- Silver, rich and pale gold, and pearlescent shades
- Supplied at the leafing balance for full brilliance at the recommended engraving
- Formulated to resist platelet settling in the duct
- Overprintable with compatible colours and varnishes
- Surface print and, with the correct grade, reverse print
3. Recommended uses
Decorative metallic and pearlescent effects on flexible packaging, wrappers and labels where shelf standout is the aim; a press trial is recommended before committing a design. Not for direct food contact or for uses that need high alkali or chemical resistance.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based gravure ink with aluminium and pearlescent effect pigments | Formulation |
| Appearance | Silver, gold and pearlescent effect inks | Visual |
| Pigment type | Aluminium and pearlescent effect platelets | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; the ink dries by solvent evaporation | Formulation |
| Printing viscosity | 17 to 21 s, Ford cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C | Ford cup B4, 4 mm orifice, at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Effect brilliance | Depends on platelets lying flat; sensitive to engraving, viscosity and press speed, and lost by over-reduction | Visual comparison against the agreed reference on the production substrate |
| Settling | Effect pigments settle at rest; keep the duct circulating | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Chemical resistance | Not intended for uses needing high alkali or chemical resistance | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Special effect shades | Custom shades matched against a reference sample | Visual comparison against the agreed reference sample |
| Non-volatile content and density | Shade dependent; confirmed values for the shade supplied are issued with the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 3251 and ISO 2811-1 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Printing method | Rotogravure, surface print. Reverse print only with the grade specified for lamination, as an effect-pigment layer can weaken the laminate bond; confirm bond to ASTM F904 on the finished structure |
| Substrate and surface preparation | Corona-treated BOPP at 38 dynes/cm or above, checked to ISO 8296, is the principal substrate. Treated or coated PET is printed on the treated side; confirm the grade for reverse-print constructions. Coated paper and board suit the effect; brilliance is poor on absorbent stock |
| Cylinder engraving | Effect specific; confirm the engraving with our laboratory before cylinder making |
| Dilution | Stir until homogeneous and reduce in small steps within the printing window of 17 to 21 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, re-checking viscosity after each addition; do not reduce below 17 s, as diluting beyond the range destroys the effect |
| Duct management | Keep the ink circulating throughout the run, as effect pigments settle at rest |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation. Set dryer air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin film, and check the printed reel for retained solvent before release for conversion |
| Next step | Overprint with compatible colours and varnishes after confirming overprint adhesion by tape test to ASTM F2252, as a leafing aluminium layer can reduce intercoat adhesion; run a press trial to confirm the effect before committing a design |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers at 5 to 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat, and stir thoroughly before use because effect pigments settle at rest. Shelf life is stated on the label and 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 ink ranges
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.