Arclear MT
A single-component matt overprint varnish that reduces surface sheen and gives print a flat finish with light rub protection. It is chosen for appearance and handling rather than resistance; packs meeting solvents or aggressive fillings take Arclear 2M instead.
Grade Arclear MT | Range Speciality Coatings for Packaging | Technology Single-component matt overprint varnish, solvent-borne or water-based
Technical Data Sheet
Arclear MT
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A single-component matt overprint varnish that reduces surface sheen and gives print a flat finish with light rub protection. It is chosen for appearance and handling rather than resistance; packs meeting solvents or aggressive fillings take Arclear 2M instead.
2. Features
- Ready to use, with no mixing or pot life
- Flat, low-sheen finish with light rub protection
- Stirred before the run and circulated during it so the matting agent stays dispersed
- Where handling is heavy, a matt grade with anti-scuff additives is specified rather than a gloss-raising topcoat
3. Recommended uses
Matt finishing of printed cartons, labels, wraps and film packs where appearance and feel are the purpose and the contents are not aggressive to the printed face.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Single-component matt overprint varnish, solvent-borne or water-based | Formulation |
| Appearance | Translucent to milky liquid, drying to a clear matt film | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend or water, stated for the grade supplied and matched to the ink system | formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 25 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity, ISO flow cup 4 mm at 23 degrees Celsius | 30 to 50 s as supplied | ISO 2431 |
| Density at 23 degrees Celsius | 0.90 to 1.10 g/cm3, depending on carrier | ISO 2811-1 |
| Specular gloss at 85 degrees, on smooth coated board | 10 to 30 gloss units, set against the agreed reference | ISO 2813 |
| Rub resistance | Light rub protection; stroke count and load agreed per pack and tested on the intended substrate | ASTM D5264 |
| Drying | Tack-free in the press tunnel at running speed, with no post-cure period | customer or supplier protocol |
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 printed and unprinted areas most readily |
| Stirring | Stir before the run and keep circulating during it; matting agents settle and sheen drifts if they do |
| 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 | 1.0 to 2.5 g/m2, raised over heavy ink coverage |
| Drying | 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 |
6. Storage and handling
Store in the 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, 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.