Arclear 2M
A two-component matt overprint varnish that combines cross-linked resistance to solvents, cleaning agents and aggressive contents with a low-sheen surface. At the same film build it gives lower rub and chemical resistance than the gloss grade, so matting level and film build are set against the handling the pack will see.
Grade Arclear 2M | Range Speciality Coatings for Packaging | Technology Two-component cross-linking matt varnish, solvent-borne or water-based
Technical Data Sheet
Arclear 2M
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A two-component matt overprint varnish that combines cross-linked resistance to solvents, cleaning agents and aggressive contents with a low-sheen surface. At the same film build it gives lower rub and chemical resistance than the gloss grade, so matting level and film build are set against the handling the pack will see.
2. Features
- Cross-linked matt film resisting solvents, cleaning agents and aggressive contents
- Matting package in the film scatters light for a low, even sheen
- Mix ratio, pot life and cure controlled as on the gloss grade
- Stirred after mixing and circulated through the run to hold sheen even
- Rub resistance confirmed on the intended substrate before a full run
3. Recommended uses
Matt outer finish on printed cartons, labels and film packs for household, personal care and fragrance products, where a low-sheen appearance is specified together with resistance to the contents.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Two-component cross-linking matt varnish, solvent-borne or water-based | Formulation |
| Appearance | Translucent to milky liquid, drying to a clear low-sheen film | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend or water, stated for the grade supplied and matched to the ink system | formulation |
| Non-volatile content, mixed varnish | 30 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Viscosity of the mixed varnish, ISO flow cup 4 mm at 23 degrees Celsius | 30 to 60 s at application | ISO 2431 |
| Pot life of the mixed varnish at 23 degrees Celsius | 4 to 8 hours; shorter in a warm press hall | ISO 9514 |
| Specular gloss at 85 degrees, on smooth coated board | 15 to 35 gloss units, set against the agreed reference | ISO 2813 |
| Rub resistance | Stroke count and load agreed per pack; tested on the intended substrate after drying and conditioning | ASTM D5264 |
| Solvent resistance of the cured film | No break-through with the agreed solvent at the agreed number of double rubs after full cure; lower than the gloss grade at the same film build | ASTM D5402 |
| Development of full resistance | 3 to 7 days at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius after coating | customer or supplier protocol, solvent rub on conditioned samples |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flexo coating station with anilox roll and chambered doctor blade, or gravure coating cylinder |
| Surface preparation | Ink fully dried before coating. On polyolefin film, check wetting tension on the reel to be coated with the test solutions of ASTM D2578. Trial over the printed areas, not on the unprinted edge of the web. Matt finishes show differences between heavy ink, light ink and bare film most readily |
| Mixing | Add the hardener to the base at the ratio stated on the label, stir thoroughly and use within the pot life; do not return mixed varnish to the base container; keep the mixed varnish stirred and circulating through the run so the matting agent stays dispersed |
| Dilution | Supplied at or near application strength; reduce only with the diluent specified by Arctic for the grade, check flow time to ISO 2431 at fixed intervals recorded against temperature, and confirm any correction against a measured coat weight |
| Applied dry coat weight | 1.5 to 3.0 g/m2, set against the handling the pack will see |
| Drying and cure | Dryer air typically 50 to 80 degrees Celsius, limited by the heat tolerance of the substrate, set so the web leaves dry, free of retained solvent and cool at the rewind; water-based grades need more drying energy and dwell than solvent-borne grades at the same coat weight. Matting depends on the film drying undisturbed; allow 3 to 7 days at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius before resistance testing or filling |
| Clean-up | Clean anilox rolls, chambers and pans before mixed varnish sets in them, using the cleaning solvent specified for the grade |
6. Storage and handling
Store the base and the hardener in their original containers, kept closed, in a cool, dry, covered area away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, within the temperature range given on the label; keep the hardener sealed against moisture and protect water-based grades from frost. Shelf life is stated on the label and on the 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.