Arcplast SF 240 Hydrolysis-Resistant Soft-Feel Topcoat
A two-component soft-feel topcoat on aliphatic polycarbonate polyol chemistry for parts in hot and humid service, where polyester polyurethane soft-feel becomes tacky and sloughs. The carbonate backbone carries no readily hydrolysed ester link, and a higher crosslink density adds resistance to sun cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
Grade Arcplast SF 240 | Range Plastic and Decorative Coatings | Technology Two-component aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane, polycarbonate polyol with aliphatic isocyanate hardener, in organic solvent
Technical Data Sheet
Arcplast SF 240
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A two-component soft-feel topcoat built on aliphatic polycarbonate polyol chemistry for parts that go into hot and humid service, where polyester polyurethane soft-feel becomes tacky and eventually sloughs. The carbonate backbone carries no readily hydrolysed ester link, so the film keeps its tactile character through extended damp heat exposure. SF 240 also runs a higher crosslink density for sun cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser contact.
2. Features
- Aliphatic polycarbonate polyol backbone with no readily hydrolysed ester link
- Keeps its tactile character through damp heat at 40 degrees C and 93 per cent RH for 21 days
- Higher crosslink density for sun cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser contact
- Low gloss velvet finish of 2 to 8 GU at 85 degrees
- Built to 30 to 40 microns in two passes without sagging
3. Recommended uses
Soft-touch finish on handled parts that meet heat, humidity and personal care products in service, such as goods used or stored in tropical climates and fittings in bathroom or gym environments, where polyester soft-feel would turn tacky.
Substrates. ABS, ABS/PC, polycarbonate, PMMA, primed polyolefin and glass fibre reinforced engineering plastics in humid or tropical service.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Two-component aliphatic polycarbonate polyurethane, polycarbonate polyol with aliphatic isocyanate hardener, in organic solvent | Formulation |
| Appearance | Two-component liquid; shade to specification, curing to a low gloss velvet finish | Visual |
| Non-volatile content, mixed | 30 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Flow time at 23 degrees C, mixed and ready for spray | 35 to 60 s, ISO 4 mm cup | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film thickness | 30 to 40 microns, in two passes | ISO 2808 |
| Specular gloss at 85 degrees | 2 to 8 GU, screened at 60 degrees and measured at 85 degrees as the method directs | ISO 2813 |
| Pencil hardness | 2B to HB | ASTM D3363 |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Class 0 to class 1, before and after humidity exposure | ISO 2409, 2 mm cut spacing on plastic substrates |
| Damp heat, steady state | 40 degrees C at 93 per cent RH, 21 days (504 h), with no tack, blush or loss of tactile character | IEC 60068-2-78, test Cab |
| Resistance to liquids, spot test, sun cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser | 24 h at 23 degrees C or 1 h at 50 degrees C, rated 0 to 1 after recovery | ISO 2812-4 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Two-component spray in two passes, with a 5 to 8 minute intercoat flash to build without sagging |
| Substrate and preparation | ABS, ABS/PC, polycarbonate, PMMA and glass fibre reinforced engineering plastics clean and free of release agents; polyolefin primed with Arcplast PR 110 or PR 140 |
| Mixing and pot life | Base and hardener mixed at the ratio stated on the label and used inside the stated pot life; mixed material is timed and discarded at the end of pot life, not thinned and reused |
| Applied film thickness | 30 to 40 microns dry |
| Flash and bake | Flash 10 minutes, then bake 30 minutes at 80 degrees C, or 20 minutes at 90 degrees C where the substrate allows, as part temperature |
| Handling after cure | Not stacked or packed until the bake has been followed by a 24 hour ambient hold |
| Next coat | Final coat, not overcoated |
Process. Two-component spray at 30 to 40 microns dry in two passes with a 5 to 8 minute intercoat flash to build without sagging. Flash 10 minutes, then bake 30 minutes at 80 degrees C, or 20 minutes at 90 degrees C where the substrate allows. Do not stack or pack before the bake plus a 24 hour ambient hold.
6. Storage and handling
Store base and hardener in the original closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct heat, sunlight and frost, and keep the hardener tightly sealed between uses, since it reacts with atmospheric moisture. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request, for handling. 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.