Ink Resins for High-Solids & High-Performance Ink Systems Polyurethane & polyurea resins for demanding print applications
US Polymers-Accurez formulates thermoplastic polyurethane and polyurea resins to meet the performance demands of commercial and industrial printing inks. Our ink resin technologies include core film-forming polymers, plasticizers for flexibility and flow, and resins engineered for excellent adhesion and abrasion resistance. With compatibility across water- and solvent-based systems, USPA ink resins help formulators meet quality, durability and regulatory targets in packaging, labeling and specialty graphics. Contact us today to get started.
Resins Engineered for Specialty Ink Applications
Our ink resins are optimized for use in flexographic, gravure and screen printing. High-solids polyurethanes and polyureas support clear, vibrant prints on films, foils, papers and other complex substrates. Film-forming resins deliver strong mechanical performance and finish control, while plasticizer resins improve clarity, flow and substrate adaptability. Common uses include:
- Overprint varnishes (OPVs) for enhanced gloss, protection and scuff resistance
- Inks requiring flexible films and strong interlayer adhesion
- Applications demanding superior resistance to heat, water and chemicals
Whether you’re developing inks for high-speed presses, flexible packaging or specialty industrial applications, our materials offer the performance advantages needed to produce consistent, high-quality results.
Key Benefits of USPA Ink Resins
- Strong abrasion, scratch and chemical resistance
- Helps maintain print clarity across a range of substrates
- Supports use in waterborne and solventborne ink systems
Solvent Aromatic Plasticizers
Soft, plasticizing and non-migrating Polyurethane resins. Fully soluble in alcohol and exhibit excellent heat, oil, fat, grease and moisture resistance while promoting solvent release in nitrocellulose-based surface print applications.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 3%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Lastic 2155 | Plasticizer for nitrocellulose | N/A | 1,000 - 2,000 | 75 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol | Suggested for gravure but can be used in flexo, softer |
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| Reze-Lastic 2166 | Plasticizer for nitrocellulose | N/A | 2,000 - 3,0000 | 75 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol | Suggested for gravure but can be used for flexo, slightly harder than Reze-Lastic 2140 |
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Solvent Aliphatic Plasticizers
This is a Polyurethane Resin and works as a soft plasticizer that is completely soluble in ethanol.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Lastic-A1-10161-24-75 | Plasticizer for nitrocellulose to improve flow and print. (Designed to replace Reze-Lastic 8707) |
N/A | 100-300 | 75 | Ethyl Acetate | Aliphatic, low viscosity, excellent nitrocellulose compatibility |
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Solvent Aromatic Semi-Film Formers
These are Polyurethane Resins and have a high isocyanate content, which imparts increased resistance properties similar to Reze-Lastic 2146 through 2166 with the addition of chemical resistance. All of these resins can be used to plasticize nitrocellulose for surface print applications. They may also be utilized to plasticize acrylics intended for use with surface print or ink jet applications.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Lastic 2133 | Plasticizer for nitrocellulose | N/A | 500 - 900 | 70 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | The softest of this category, a semi-film-forming nitrocellulose plasticizer and adhesion promoter for lamination applications |
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| Reze-Lastic 2140 | Plasticizer for Nitrocellulose. Serves as an adhesion promoter and gives good bond strength for adhesive lamination | N/A | 600-1,200 | 70 (± 3%) |
Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol• Isopropanol (SDA) | High molecular weight, high Tg, 100% aromatic, superior moisture-resistant semi-film-forming plasticizer for nitrocellulose |
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| Reze-Lastic 9084 | Plasticizer for nitrocellulose and adhesion promoter. Gives good bond strength for adhesive lamination | N/A | 1,500-2,500 | 70 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol | Used in nitrocellulose-based flexo/gravure inks for flexible packaging |
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Acrylic and Polyester Resin Modified Solvent Aliphatic Film Formers
This is a Polyurethane/Polyurea Resin which is modified with functional acrylics and functional polyesters to improve hardness and gloss. This resin is nitrocellulose compatible.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Meric 4496 | Gloss enhancement in nitrocellulose inks | N/A | <200 | 43 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | Low viscosity with excellent nitrocellulose compatibility and gloss |
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Solvent - Aliphatic - Film Formers - NC Compatible
These are Polyurethane/Polyurea Resins, which are 100% aliphatic unless noted otherwise and prepared by the chain extension of a pre-polymer and a diamine in solution. These resins are TIN FREE, nitrocellulose compatible.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Meric 3181 | For use with nitrocellulose inks to improve print properties | N/A | <100 | 28 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | Low viscosity, superior gloss and printability |
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| Reze-Meric 3184 | For use in lamination inks with nitrocellulose | N/A | 2,000-3,000 | 28 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | Tin-free version of Reze-Meric 3183 |
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| Reze-Meric 3197 | For use in lamination inks with nitrocellulose | N/A | 2,000-3,000 | 50 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | High solids, NC compatible, excellent lamination properties |
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| Reze-Meric 8842 | For use in lamination inks with nitrocellulose | N/A | 600-1,100 | 41 | Propanol • n-Propyl Acetate | Excellent extrusion lamination performance |
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Solvent - Semi-Aliphatic - Film Formers
These are Polyurethane/Polyurea Resins, which are semi-aliphatic unless noted otherwise and prepared by the chain extension of a pre-polymer and a diamine in solution. These resins are TIN FREE, nitrocellulose compatible.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Meric 9772 | For use in nitrocellulose lamination or surface inks | N/A | 1,500-2,500 | 45 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | NC compatible or standalone for lamination |
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| Reze-Meric-B-9864-14-42 | For use in nitrocellulose lamination or surface inks | N/A | 700-1,700 | 42 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | Hydroxy-functional for NC, standalone or 2K inks |
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| Reze-Meric 9865 | For use in nitrocellulose lamination or surface inks | N/A | 1,500-3,000 | 45 | n-Propyl Acetate • n-Propyl Alcohol | Hydroxy-functional for NC, standalone or 2K inks |
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Tin Containing Solvent-Based Aliphatic - Film Formers - NC Compatible
These are Polyurethane/Polyurea Resins, which are 100% aliphatic and prepared by the chain extension of a pre-polymer and a diamine. These resins have a tin catalyst, are nitrocellulose compatible and ethanol dilutable in all proportions.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Meric 3182 | For use in nitrocellulose lamination inks | N/A | 2,000-3,000 | 28 | Ethyl Acetate • Isopropanol (SDA) | Suggested for gravure lamination, slightly harder than Reze-Meric 3183 | |
| Reze-Meric 3183 | For use in nitrocellulose lamination ink | N/A | 1,800-2,800 | 28 | Ethyl Acetate • Ethanol • Isopropanol (SDA) | Suggested for gravure lamination, slightly softer than Reze-Meric 3182 |
Solvent - Aliphatic - Film Formers (Pure Polyurethane/Polyurea Inks)
Resins in this category contain varying degrees of free amine to promote adhesion to a variety of substrates. These resins are designed to be used as a standalone predominantly or, if need be, with PVB in some cases.
| Product | Use |
Viscosity (Gardner-Holdt) |
Viscosity (cPs) |
Solids (± 2%) | Solvent | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reze-Meric 9742 | Excellent universal resin for adhesive lamination | N/A | 700-1,500 | 35 | n-Butyl Acetate • n-Propyl Alcohol | Semi-aliphatic resin to be used as a standalone or with utility in PVB modified |
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| Reze-Meric-B-9402-18-35 | Pure aromatic natured resin for adhesive lamination | N/A | 800-1,300 | 35 | n-Propyl Alcohol • Ethyl Acetate • n-Butyl Acetate | To be used as a standalone resin predominantly or with utility in PVB modified |
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Custom Ink Resin Development
Need something specific? We collaborate with formulators to create custom resin blends tailored to printing speed, substrate type, environmental exposure or regulatory needs. Whether your team needs a new high-solids option or support adapting an existing formulation, we’re ready to assist.