Arcmetal DT 380 High-Build Exterior Direct-to-Metal Finish
An acrylic modified, high-build single coat finish applied at 60 to 80 microns dry, direct to prepared steel, weathered or abraded galvanising and aluminium. It is specified where the process allows one pass but the part leaves the shop for exterior service.
Grade Arcmetal DT 380 | Range General Metal Finishing | Technology Solvent-borne, single-pack acrylic modified direct-to-metal finish
Technical Data Sheet
Arcmetal DT 380
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
An acrylic modified single coat finish applied at 60 to 80 microns dry, holding colour and gloss outdoors better than a conventional alkyd of the same build, and saponification resistant enough to be taken direct onto galvanising. It is specified where the process constraint is one pass but the part still leaves the shop for exterior service, such as gates, frames, agricultural fittings and outdoor furniture. Where the exposure is coastal or chemically loaded, the two-coat route with PR 340 and an Arcmetal 2K finish gives the greater total build and a dedicated anti-corrosive layer.
2. Features
- Single coat at 60 to 80 microns dry
- Holds colour and gloss outdoors better than a conventional alkyd of the same build
- Saponification resistant, suitable direct onto hot-dip galvanised steel
- Airless application for build; conventional and HVLP for smaller parts
- Force dries in 40 minutes at 70 degrees C after flash-off
3. Recommended uses
Gates, frames, agricultural fittings and outdoor furniture finished in one pass for exterior service. Where the exposure is coastal or chemically loaded, the two-coat route of Arcmetal PR 340 and an Arcmetal 2K finish is specified instead.
Substrates. Bare mild steel prepared to ISO 8501-1 St 3 or Sa 2 and a half, hot-dip galvanised steel after weathering or abrading, aluminium after degreasing and abrading.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne, single-pack acrylic modified direct-to-metal finish | Formulation |
| Appearance and colour | Smooth, even film; colour to the reference ordered (RAL, BS 381C, BS 4800, an IS reference or a customer panel) | Visual, against the colour reference named |
| Volume solids | 45 to 60 per cent | ISO 3233-1 |
| Dry film thickness per coat | 60 to 80 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Through drying, air dry at 30 degrees C | Hard dry overnight, 12 to 24 hours | ISO 9117-1 |
| Specular gloss | For the sheen ordered: below 10 units matt, 20 to 45 units satin, 80 to 95 units full gloss | ISO 2813, 60 degree geometry; 85 degree geometry for matt films reading below 10 units at 60 degrees |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on correctly prepared substrate | ISO 2409 cross-cut |
| Impact resistance, falling weight | 1 kg weight, no cracking or detachment from 500 to 1000 mm, depending on film build | ISO 6272-1, large-area indenter |
| VOC content, ready for use | 380 to 550 g/l | ISO 11890-1, difference method |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Airless or air-assisted airless spray for full build; conventional and HVLP spray for smaller parts. |
| Surface preparation | Degrease, then clean mild steel to ISO 8501-1 St 3 or blast clean to Sa 2 and a half. Hot-dip galvanised steel is used after weathering or abrading, degreased and washed free of white zinc corrosion products before coating; aluminium is degreased and abraded. Apply with the substrate at least 3 degrees C above the dew point. |
| Thinning | Thin with the thinner recommended by Arctic for the grade to 20 to 25 s in a 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C (ISO 2431) for conventional and HVLP spray. For airless and air-assisted airless, add only the thinner needed for atomisation. |
| Film build | 60 to 80 microns dry in one coat; check wet film with a comb gauge to ISO 2808 during application. |
| Drying schedule | Air dry: hard dry overnight at 30 degrees C. Force dry: flash-off at shop temperature until the film has lost its wet solvent sheen, then 40 minutes at 70 degrees C; at 60 to 80 microns, entering warm air too early traps solvent and causes popping and pinholes. |
| Next step | Single coat finish for exterior service. For coastal or chemically loaded exposure, specify Arcmetal PR 340 with an Arcmetal 2K finish. |
Process. Airless or air-assisted airless spray for build, conventional and HVLP for smaller parts; air dry, hard dry overnight at 30 degrees C, or force dry 40 minutes at 70 degrees C after flash-off.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original containers, tightly closed, in a cool, dry, covered store away from heat and direct sun, and stir thoroughly before use to redisperse any settlement. 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.