Arcwood SL 120 Nitrocellulose Sanding Sealer
A fast-drying single-pack nitrocellulose sanding sealer that locks down raised fibre on closed and medium-pore timber, veneer and MDF, and sands to a dry powder within 30 to 45 minutes at shop temperature. It is the light-build member of the Arcwood SL family, chosen where the priority is a quick sand-and-recoat cycle.
Grade Arcwood SL 120 | Range Wood and Furniture Coatings | Technology Single-pack solvent-borne nitrocellulose, drying by solvent release
Technical Data Sheet
Arcwood SL 120
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A fast-drying single-pack nitrocellulose sealer that dries to a dry, powdery sand within about thirty to forty-five minutes at shop temperature. It is used on closed and medium-pore species, on veneer and on MDF faces and edges to lock down raised fibre before the topcoat. It is the light-build member of the SL family, chosen where the priority is a quick sand-and-recoat cycle. Because a nitrocellulose sealer stays the softest and most solvent-sensitive layer in the build, it is specified under nitrocellulose topcoats and under polyurethane only on interior dry work.
2. Features
- Sandable in 30 to 45 minutes at 30 degrees C
- Light build of 15 to 25 microns dry per coat
- Sands to a dry powder with 320 to 400 grit
- Locks down raised fibre on veneer and on MDF faces and edges
- Base for Arcwood NC topcoats, and for Arcwood PU topcoats on interior dry work only
3. Recommended uses
Sealing coat on interior furniture, veneered panel, MDF and fine-surfaced particle board finished with nitrocellulose lacquer. Where the finished surface will meet water, alcohol or cleaning agents, Arcwood SL 260 is specified instead, because a nitrocellulose sealer limits the resistance of the system above it.
Substrates. Solid timber of closed and medium pore, sliced and rotary veneer, MDF faces and machined edges, particle board with a fine surface.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Single-pack solvent-borne nitrocellulose, drying by solvent release | Formulation |
| Appearance | Liquid sealer, drying to a low-build film that powders under abrasive | Visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend | Not applicable |
| Non-volatile content by mass | 20 to 30 per cent | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity, 4 mm flow cup at 30 degrees C | 14 to 25 s | 4 mm flow cup, customer or supplier protocol |
| Density at 30 degrees C | 0.90 to 1.10 g/cm3 | ISO 2811-1 |
| Dry film thickness per coat | 15 to 25 microns | ISO 2808 |
| Time to sand at 30 degrees C | 30 to 45 minutes | customer or supplier protocol |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Classification 0 to 1 on correctly prepared substrate | ISO 2409 |
| Timber moisture content at application | 8 to 12 per cent | EN 13183-2, electrical resistance method |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Spray or wipe |
| Surface preparation | Sand raw timber and veneer to 180 to 240 grit with the grain and remove dust with clean compressed air or a tack cloth. Seal machined MDF edges more heavily than faces, because an edge absorbs several times what a face absorbs. |
| Dilution | Supplied for use as delivered. Any adjustment is made only with the thinner specified for the grade, keeping the viscosity inside the supply window. |
| Film build | 1 to 2 coats at 15 to 25 microns dry per coat |
| Drying and sanding | Air dry 30 to 45 minutes at 30 degrees C, then sand with 320 to 400 grit and remove the dust |
| Shop conditions | Work between 15 and 35 degrees C. Avoid spraying in humid conditions, where moisture condensing into the drying film causes blushing. |
| Overcoat | Arcwood NC topcoats, or Arcwood PU topcoats on interior dry work. Use Arcwood SL 260 where the surface will meet water, alcohol or cleaning agents. |
Process. Spray or wipe 1 to 2 coats at 15 to 25 microns dry per coat. Air dry 30 to 45 minutes at 30 degrees C, then sand with 320 to 400 grit. Recoat with Arcwood NC topcoats, or with Arcwood PU topcoats on interior dry work. Where the finished surface will meet water, alcohol or cleaning agents, seal with Arcwood SL 260 instead, because a nitrocellulose sealer limits the resistance of the system above it.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry, covered area out of direct sunlight and away from heat. 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.