Arcweb PS 220 UV Gloss Overprint Varnish
A UV-curing gloss overprint varnish for pressure-sensitive labels that need higher gloss and immediate handling strength than a water-based film gives. The cured label is ready for conversion as it leaves the lamp.
Grade Arcweb PS 220 | Range Label and Shrink Sleeve Coatings | Technology UV-curing acrylate, free-radical cure, no water carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcweb PS 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A UV-curing gloss overprint varnish for pressure-sensitive work that needs higher gloss and immediate handling strength than a water-based film gives. It cures to a hard, glossy surface that resists marking on the rewind and in the dispenser, and the cure response is set so that the film is neither tacky enough to re-bond across the cut nor brittle enough to chip at the die edge. It differs from PS 110 in that the finished label is ready for conversion the moment it leaves the lamp.
2. Features
- Cures to a hard gloss surface that resists marking on the rewind and in the dispenser
- Cure response set so the film neither re-bonds across the cut nor chips at the die edge
- Ready for die-cutting and rewinding immediately after the lamp
- Supplied for mercury or UV LED curing, matched to the lamp specified
- Runs on paper and filmic face stock, including PP, PE and PET
3. Recommended uses
Gloss protection for pressure-sensitive labels on paper and filmic face stock where the press runs UV curing and a higher gloss than a water-based varnish is wanted, for example household, personal care and beverage labels.
Substrates. Paper and filmic self-adhesive face stock, including PP, PE and PET
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | UV-curing acrylate, free-radical cure, no water carrier | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid curing to a clear gloss film | Visual |
| Non-volatile content | 98 to 100 per cent by weight | ASTM D5403, Test Method A (volatile content of radiation-curable material, cured film) |
| Supply viscosity at 25 °C | 200 to 500 mPa.s, rotational | ISO 2884-1 |
| Gloss at 60°, on coated label paper or filmic face stock | 82 to 92 GU | ISO 2813 |
| Rub and scuff resistance | 300 to 500 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 |
| Cure state at the die | Tack-free, with no softening or film removal at the solvent rub count agreed with the customer | ASTM D5402 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | UV flexo, chambered doctor blade with anilox, narrow-web |
| 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 |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for use; do not dilute |
| Applied dry coat weight | 1.5 to 2.0 g/m² |
| Curing | Mercury or UV LED lamps; set lamp output and line speed so the film is fully cured but not over-cured, since an under-cured film re-bonds across the cut and blocks in the rewind, and an over-cured film chips at the die edge. State the lamp type, and for UV LED the peak wavelength, when ordering, because the photoinitiator package is matched to the lamp; confirm surface cure at the die on the lamp in use. |
| Next step | Die-cut, matrix-strip and rewind directly after curing |
Process. UV flexo, narrow-web; mercury or UV LED curing
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed, opaque container at 5 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and UV light sources, with the lid kept closed between uses. 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.