Arcrefin BC 480 Waterborne Basecoat Mixing System
A water-thinned basecoat tinter set and binder for bodyshops working to reduced solvent emissions. Flake and pearl orientation is set as water evaporates, so flash-off needs directed air movement and some control of booth humidity.
Grade Arcrefin BC 480 | Range Automotive Refinish | Technology Waterborne basecoat tinter set and binder
Technical Data Sheet
Arcrefin BC 480
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A water-thinned tinter set and binder for shops working to reduced solvent emissions. Flake and pearl orientation is set as water evaporates rather than by solvent release, so the booth needs directed air movement and some control of humidity, and the flash-off step is longer and more condition-dependent than the solventborne equivalent. Application technique, gun setup and drying are different enough from Arcrefin BC 210 that sprayer training is part of the changeover.
2. Features
- Water-thinned tinters and binder, mixed to formula by weight
- One closed coat plus a lighter effect or control coat
- Each coat flashed fully matt under directed air movement
- Stainless or plastic-lined mixing and spray equipment
- Sprayer training forms part of the changeover from Arcrefin BC 210
3. Recommended uses
Colour coat for solid and effect repairs in bodyshops moving to waterborne basecoat, over Arcrefin PS 220 sealer or sanded Arcrefin PS 450 surfacer, cleared with Arcrefin CC 220 or CC 450.
Substrates. Arcrefin PS 220 sealer in the ground shade called for by the formula, or sanded Arcrefin PS 450 surfacer. Stainless or plastic-lined mixing and gun equipment is required.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Waterborne basecoat tinter set and binder | Formulation |
| Carrier | Water; reduced with the specified water-based reducer | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Supply form | Tinter set and binder; shades weighed to formula | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Dry film thickness | 15 to 25 µm | ISO 2808 |
| Flash-off | Each coat to a full matt under directed air movement; time depends on booth air flow, temperature and humidity | Visual |
| Colour difference against the target panel at the face angle | Delta E*ab below 1.0 for an accepted blended repair | ASTM D2244 |
| Multi-angle colour of metallic shades (flop) | Agreed tolerance held at 15, 45 and 110 degrees aspecular | ASTM E2194 |
| Multi-angle colour of pearl shades | Agreed tolerance held across the full geometry set, including the near-specular and negative angles | ASTM E2539 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Stainless or plastic-lined mixing and gun equipment, 1.3 mm waterborne fluid tip |
| Substrate | Arcrefin PS 220 sealer in the formula's ground shade, or sanded Arcrefin PS 450 |
| Mixing | Weigh the formula and reduce with the specified water-based reducer |
| Coats | One closed coat plus a lighter effect or control coat, each flashed fully matt before the next |
| Applied film | 15 to 25 µm dry |
| Booth conditions | Directed air movement and some control of humidity, so that flash-off is repeatable |
| Next coat | Confirm the film is completely flashed, then clear inside the stated window |
Process. Weigh the formula and reduce with the specified water-based reducer. Apply a closed coat plus a lighter effect or control coat with a 1.3 mm waterborne tip, allowing each coat to go fully matt under directed air movement before the next. Confirm the film is completely flashed, then clear inside the stated window.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool place, protected from frost, out of direct sunlight and away from heat. 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 grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.