Arcweb PS 110 Water-Based Gloss Overprint Varnish
A water-based gloss overprint varnish for self-adhesive label stock, applied in line by flexo over water-based or UV inks. It gives rub and scuff protection for handling and dispensing at a film build light enough to sever cleanly at the kiss cut.
Grade Arcweb PS 110 | Range Label and Shrink Sleeve Coatings | Technology Water-based acrylic dispersion
Technical Data Sheet
Arcweb PS 110
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A water-based gloss overprint varnish for self-adhesive label stock, applied in line by flexo over water-based or UV inks. It is the general-purpose protective layer of the range, giving rub and scuff resistance for handling and dispensing at a film build low enough to sever cleanly at the kiss cut. It is the lowest film build and the fastest drying grade in the subfamily, chosen where the label sees ordinary retail handling rather than chemical exposure.
2. Features
- Light film build that severs cleanly at the kiss cut, so the matrix strips in one piece
- Rub and scuff protection for ordinary retail handling and dispensing
- Quick drying with hot air and IR between flexo stations
- Runs over water-based and UV flexo inks
- Rewinds without blocking when dried at the recommended coat weight
3. Recommended uses
General-purpose gloss protection for pressure-sensitive labels on retail, household and consumer goods that see ordinary handling rather than chemical exposure. Where water, abrasion or cleaning chemical resistance is needed, Arcweb PS 330 is the grade to consider.
Substrates. Coated and uncoated paper face stock, cast-coated label paper, PP and PE film face stock with suitable surface energy
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based acrylic dispersion | Formulation |
| Appearance | Milky liquid drying to a clear gloss film | Visual |
| Carrier | Water | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 35 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity at 23 °C | 25 to 40 s, 4 mm flow cup | ISO 2431, 4 mm orifice |
| pH | 8.0 to 9.0 | ASTM E70 |
| Gloss at 60°, on cast-coated label paper or filmic face stock | 75 to 85 GU; on uncoated paper gloss is limited by the substrate | ISO 2813 |
| Rub and scuff resistance | 200 to 350 cycles under a 2 lb, 0.91 kg, weight without pick or print removal | ASTM D5264 |
| Block resistance, rewound reel and stacked sheet | No picking or transfer after 16 h at 40 °C under 10 kPa | ISO 4622 |
| Adhesion over the printed ink, tape test | No removal of coating or ink on filmic face stock; on paper face stock any failure is fibre tear in the paper, not separation at the ink or varnish | ASTM F2252 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flexo in line after the last print station, chambered doctor blade with anilox, narrow-web |
| Anilox | 4 to 8 cm³/m² for a protective gloss film |
| Surface preparation | Corona treat filmic face stock in line at the time of coating rather than relying on treatment from film manufacture; confirm wetting tension on PP and PE to ASTM D2578 against the converter's standard. Over cured UV inks, confirm before the run that the varnish wets out and anchors on the cured ink film, since slip and wax additives in UV inks can lower its surface energy. |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for use; if viscosity adjustment is needed, add water in small steps and recheck with the flow cup |
| Applied dry coat weight | 0.8 to 1.5 g/m² |
| Drying | Hot air and IR between stations; the film must be fully dry before the die and the rewind |
| Next step | Die-cut, matrix-strip and rewind in line; if the matrix breaks, check cut depth and strip tension before changing the varnish |
Process. Flexo, chambered doctor blade with anilox, narrow-web; hot air and IR drying
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container at 5 to 30 °C, protected from frost and direct sunlight, and stir gently before use. 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.