Arcwire VA 180 Insulating Finishing Varnish
Class 180 H finishing varnish that seals the surface of an impregnated winding against moisture, dust, oil and coolant. It is supplied in air-drying and baking versions for brush, dip or spray application and for touch-up after a rewind.
Grade Arcwire VA 180 | Range Electrical Insulation and Wire Enamels | Technology Solvent-borne insulating varnish, air-drying or baking
Technical Data Sheet
Arcwire VA 180
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A class 180 H finishing varnish for sealing the surface of an impregnated winding against moisture, dust, oil and coolant, applied by brush, dip or spray, and used for touch-up of end windings, terminal boxes and connection leads after a rewind. It is a surface seal and not a substitute for impregnation, since it does not fill the slot or bond the conductors. Air-drying and baking versions are supplied so that the varnish can be applied to a machine that cannot go back into an oven.
2. Features
- Surface seal over impregnated windings, not a substitute for impregnation
- Air-drying version for machines that cannot return to an oven
- Brush, dip or spray in one or two coats
- Class 180 H, matched to the enamel and impregnating resin below it
3. Recommended uses
Surface sealing of impregnated windings and end turns, and touch-up of end windings, terminal boxes and connection leads after a rewind.
Substrates. Impregnated windings and end turns, laminated cores, connection leads, sleeving, tapes and flexible laminates, and bare steel frames and terminal boxes.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne insulating varnish, air-drying or baking | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, amber to brown | Visual inspection |
| Carrier | Organic solvent | Formulation |
| Non-volatile matter | 40 to 60 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Density | 0.90 to 1.05 g/cm³ at 23 °C | ISO 2811-1 |
| Thermal class of the material | 180 H | IEC 60085 for the designation; thermal endurance to IEC 60216-1 |
| Drying, air-drying version | Dries at ambient temperature; time depends on temperature, humidity and film thickness and is stated for the grade | ISO 9117-1 |
| Cure, baking version | Oven cured on the schedule stated for the grade | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Resistance to moisture, oil and coolant | Film intact, without softening or loss of adhesion, after the agreed exposure | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Brush, dip or spray, in one or two coats |
| Surface preparation | Impregnated winding cured, clean, dry and free of oil and dust; bare steel clean and free of rust |
| Thinning | Thinner specified for the grade, to suit brush, dip or spray |
| Film thickness | Dry film per coat set for the application method, measured to ISO 2808 |
| Drying or cure | Air-drying version at ambient temperature; baking version oven cured |
| Next step | Second coat once the first is dry; applied over impregnation, not in place of it |
Process. Brush, dip or spray in one or two coats. Air-dry version cures at ambient temperature, baking version oven cured. Thermal class 180 H, matched to the enamel and the impregnating resin below it.
6. Storage and handling
Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct 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.