Arctic Materials

Technical Data Sheet

Arccan SF 230 Finishing Varnish for Sheet-Fed Lines

The last coat on a sheet-fed metal decorating line, in gloss and matt, setting the appearance and handling behaviour of the decorated sheet through slitting, forming and conveying. Slip and abrasion resistance are specified for the line and the distribution route.

Grade Arccan SF 230  |  Range Metal Packaging Coatings  |  Technology Clear heat-cured polyester or acrylic varnish, solvent-borne or waterborne

Arctic Materials

Technical Data Sheet
Arccan SF 230
Issue 2026.09

1. Product description

The last coat on a sheet-fed metal decorating line, available in gloss and matt, setting the appearance and the handling behaviour of the decorated sheet through slitting, forming and conveying. Slip is specified as a coefficient of friction and matched to the line speed and the case packing method, and abrasion resistance is specified for the distribution route rather than for a laboratory maximum. It carries the higher performance specification of the two Arccan SF grades and must not block in the stack after the final bake.

2. Features

  • Available in gloss and matt
  • Slip specified as a coefficient of friction and matched to line speed and case packing
  • Abrasion resistance set for the distribution route
  • Non-blocking in the stack after the final bake
  • Formability checked on the full coating stack

3. Recommended uses

Finishing varnish over stoved inks on decorated tinplate, tin-free steel and aluminium sheet from sheet-fed lines, ahead of slitting, forming and conveying.

Substrates. Decorated tinplate, tin-free steel and aluminium sheet.

4. Typical properties

PropertyTypical valueMethod
TechnologyClear heat-cured polyester or acrylic varnish, solvent-borne or waterborneFormulation
AppearanceClear film, gloss or mattVisual inspection
Dry film weight3 to 6 g/m2Gravimetric weight difference on sampled panels, film thickness to ISO 2808
Specular gloss at 60 degrees80 to 95 GU gloss, 15 to 40 GU mattISO 2813
Slip, static coefficient of friction0.10 to 0.25, matched to line speed and case packingSled method to ISO 8295, run on coated panels
Stoving schedule, sheet in a wicket oven10 to 12 min at 190 to 200 degrees C peak metal temperaturePeak metal temperature by thermocouple traced through the oven on a sample panel, customer or supplier protocol
Cure state, solvent rub50 or more MEK double rubs with no breakthrough to metalASTM D5402
Blocking resistance of stacked sheetNo picking, transfer or pressure marking after the declared dwell under the stack load and temperature the line runsStacked coated panels under defined load and temperature, customer or supplier protocol
Flexibility, cupping and bending6 to 9 mm cupping indentation with no cracking or loss of adhesion, assessed on the full coating stackISO 1520 cupping, ISO 1519 cylindrical mandrel bend
Abrasion and scuff resistanceSpecified for the distribution routeCustomer or supplier protocol

Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.

5. Application

ParameterGuidance
Application methodRoller coater over the stoved ink.
Surface preparationDecorated sheet with the inks fully stoved, clean and cool.
DilutionSupplied at application viscosity for the route agreed. Adjust only with the diluent and within the limit stated by Arctic for the grade supplied, and recheck viscosity after any addition.
Applied film weightTypically 3 to 6 g/m2 dry film.
Stoving schedule10 to 12 min at 190 to 200 degrees C peak metal temperature in a wicket oven.
Next stepStack only when cool and non-blocking, then slit and form. On stock that will be formed, check flexibility on the full coating stack, since the varnish is only as formable as the size coat and ink beneath it.

Process. Roller coated over the stoved ink, typically 3 to 6 g/m2 dry film, stoved 10 to 12 min at 190 to 200 degrees C peak metal temperature. On stock that will be formed, flexibility is checked on the full coating stack, not on the varnish alone, because the varnish is only as formable as the size coat and ink beneath it.

6. Storage and handling

Store in the original closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area away from heat sources and direct sunlight, protect waterborne grades from frost, and mix to a uniform condition before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and the Certificate of Analysis, and handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. 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.