Arcdip CA 350 Exterior Durable Cathodic Acrylic Electrocoat Finish
Arcdip CA 350 is a cathodic acrylic electrocoat finish formulated for longer gloss and colour retention under sunlight and a higher build on the open surface than CA 230. Exterior performance is agreed as a named exposure test and duration, and the gloss level is fixed by grade and bath pigmentation before the tank is charged.
Grade Arcdip CA 350 | Range Electrocoat | Technology Waterborne cathodic acrylic electrocoat, exterior durable grade, acid-solubilised
Technical Data Sheet
Arcdip CA 350
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
The higher performing acrylic in the subfamily, formulated for longer gloss and colour retention under sunlight and for a higher film build on the open surface than CA 230. It is specified where the single dipped coat has to stay presentable outdoors for the service life of the component rather than only through storage and installation. Exterior performance is agreed as a named exposure test and duration, for example accelerated exposure to ISO 16474-3 with gloss measured to ISO 2813, and the gloss level itself is set by the grade and by the pigmentation of the bath, so it is fixed before the tank is charged.
2. Features
- Longer gloss and colour retention under sunlight than CA 230
- Higher build on the open surface from a single dipped coat
- Gloss level fixed by grade and bath pigmentation before the tank is charged
- Runs mixed-metal loads where the pretreatment is proved on each alloy
3. Recommended uses
Single-coat exterior finish for steel, zinc-coated steel and aluminium components that have to stay presentable outdoors for the service life of the part rather than only through storage and installation.
Substrates. Zinc phosphated or zirconium pretreated steel and zinc-coated steel, aluminium extrusion and castings, and mixed-metal loads where the pretreatment has been proved on each alloy in the load.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Waterborne cathodic acrylic electrocoat, exterior durable grade, acid-solubilised | Formulation |
| Supply form | Resin and pigment feeds for a single colour bath; gloss level and shade fixed before the tank is charged | Visual inspection |
| Bath non-volatile content | 18 to 22 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Bath pH | 5.5 to 6.3 | ISO 19396-1 |
| Bath conductivity | 1200 to 1900 µS/cm, referred to 25 °C | Calibrated conductivity cell, technique as in ISO 7888 for water, no coating specific standard method |
| Dry film thickness, open surface | 25 to 35 µm, high build | ISO 2178 on uncoated steel, ISO 2360 on aluminium; on zinc-coated steel the magnetic reading includes the zinc layer, so the film is measured by difference against the same part before coating, or by eddy current to ISO 2360 where the zinc layer is thick enough for the probe |
| Specular gloss at 60 degrees | 30 to 85 units, set by grade and bath pigmentation | ISO 2813, with 20 degree geometry used as well where the 60 degree reading exceeds 70 units |
| Accelerated weathering | Gloss and colour retention agreed as a named exposure duration for the end use | ISO 16474-3 exposure, gloss to ISO 2813, colour measured to ISO 18314-1 and colour difference expressed as CIELAB ΔE*ab to ISO/CIE 11664-4 |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Classification 0 to 1, 1 mm cut spacing | ISO 2409 |
| Cure confirmation | Passes the solvent rub count agreed for the line after the stated bake | ASTM D5402, with oven profile by attached thermocouple |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Cathodic electrodeposition by immersion in a circulating bath, with the part as cathode and anolyte cells removing the acid released at the counter electrode so bath pH stays in control |
| Surface preparation | Zinc phosphate or zirconium conversion coating proved on each alloy in the load; pretreatment rinse quality controlled closely, as exterior grades are the least tolerant of dragged-in oils and bath contamination |
| Bath make-up and filtration | Feeds added to the circulating bath with demineralised water as bath analysis requires; bath filtration held tighter than on a primer line because the film is the visible surface |
| Bath temperature and deposition | 28 to 32 °C; 180 to 280 V DC applied over 150 to 180 s, below the rupture voltage of the bath |
| Rinse | Ultrafiltrate rinse followed by a demineralised water rinse, with dragout returned to the tank |
| Cure schedule | 170 to 190 °C metal temperature for 20 to 25 min at temperature, confirmed by attached thermocouple oven profile |
| Next step or overcoat | None required; the electrocoat film is the finish |
Process. Immersion in a circulating cathodic bath at 28 °C to 32 °C, 180 V to 280 V DC applied over 150 s to 180 s, ultrafiltrate and demineralised water rinses, then bake at 170 °C to 190 °C metal temperature for 20 min to 25 min at temperature. Exterior grades are the least tolerant of dragged-in oils and bath contamination, so pretreatment rinse quality governs the result as much as the coating does.
6. Storage and handling
Store the resin and pigment feeds in closed original containers in a cool, dry place, protected from frost and direct sunlight; the operating bath is kept circulating and is not left standing. 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.