Tag Archives: awlgrip topcoat

Awlgrip Topside Application Guide

Application Process

When it comes to your boat’s topside finish, there’s no room for shortcuts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, this guide will walk you through the steps to applying Awlgrip’s industry-leading topside coatings.
From prepping the surface to laying down that final, glossy coat, we’ve got all the tips, tricks, and no-nonsense advice you need to make your boat look shipshape. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gear, and let’s get to work. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a job well done.

 

Surface Preparation:

    • Clean the surface thoroughly to remove all dirt, grease, and contaminants.
    • Sand the surface to create a smooth, even texture.
    • Apply a suitable primer if necessary to ensure proper adhesion.

Mixing:

    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing Awlgrip paint with the appropriate catalyst and reducer.
    • Mix thoroughly to ensure a consistent application.

Application:

    • Apply the paint using a brush, roller, or spray gun. Spraying usually provides the best finish.
    • Use multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to prevent runs and drips.
    • Allow each coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s guidelines before applying the next coat.

Coverage and Quantity

  • Coverage: Awlgrip typically covers about 360-400 square feet per gallon, depending on the application method and surface texture.
  • Quantity: Calculate the total surface area of your project to determine the amount of paint needed. It’s advisable to purchase a bit more than your estimate to account for any errors or additional coats.

Drying and Curing Time

  • Drying Time: Awlgrip usually dries to the touch within 2-4 hours. However, this can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
  • Curing Time: Full curing can take up to 7 days. During this period, avoid heavy usage or exposure to harsh conditions.

Durability and Longevity

  • Durability: Awlgrip is renowned for its exceptional durability. It withstands harsh marine environments, UV radiation, and chemical exposure.
  • Longevity: When properly applied and maintained, an Awlgrip finish can last for 5-10 years or more, depending on environmental exposure and usage.

Compatibility

  • Substrates: Awlgrip is compatible with a variety of substrates including fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and wood when appropriately primed.
  • Primers and Undercoats: Use Awlgrip primers and undercoats for best results. Ensure compatibility by checking the product datasheets.

 

Maintenance and Cleaning

  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the surface with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
  • Waxing: Avoid waxing Awlgrip finishes as it can lead to yellowing and reduce the lifespan of the coating.

Color Options

  • Availability: Awlgrip offers a wide range of colors and custom color matching. Consult the Awlgrip color chart for available options.
  • Fading: The high UV resistance of Awlgrip paints minimizes color fading over time.

Health and Safety

  • Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, masks, and goggles, when handling and applying Awlgrip products.
  • Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation during application to avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.

Repair and Touch-up

  • Minor Repairs: For small chips and scratches, lightly sand the area and apply a thin coat of Awlgrip paint.
  • Major Repairs: For larger areas, follow the full application process, including surface preparation and priming, to ensure a seamless repair.

Cost and Value

  • Cost: Awlgrip is a premium product, and its cost reflects its high quality. Prices can vary, so it’s best to consult a local distributor for current pricing.
  • Value: The initial investment in Awlgrip is justified by its long-lasting durability, superior finish, and reduced maintenance costs over time.

By following this guide, you can achieve a professional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing finish using Awlgrip Topside products. If you need any assistance selecting the right product for your needs feel free to contact the customer service team at Bottom Paint Store.  

The Many Uses of Polyurethane Paint and Coatings

Polyurethane paint, also referred to as PU paint or PU coating, is a durable, highly-resistant coating used in industrial and architectural coating systems. It is popular in the marine industry and is used for numerous applications including coatings, rigid and flexible foams, and varnishes. It is also used in steelwork, concrete, wood, and other substrates.

Polyurethane is a reaction polymer, a combination of a polyol resin and an isocyanate hardener or curing agent. Essentially, a polyurethane coating is a liquid plastic which dries to form a paint-like film on an underlying substance or layer. Polyurethane paint provides durability, resistance to chemicals, water, abrasion, and temperature, as well as an attractive glossy finish. The most common application of polyurethane is as a solid foam, accounting for approximately 60% of all polyurethane produced.

What is polyurethane used for?

Polyurethane is a versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is commonly used in the manufacture of plastics, insulation, and coatings. Polyurethane is also used in the production of adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. In addition, polyurethane is often used as a food additive and as a component in medical devices. Polyurethane is an ideal material for many applications due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion.

Marine Polyurethane Clear Coat

Polyurethane can be used to protect a boats paint and to keep the finish on wooden marine vessels visually appealing and more durable. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint if it is clean and prepared properly. Polyurethane coatings can be applied to exposed wooden surfaces to create a glossy finish that serves to repel water, resist corrosion, and protect from scratches, stains, and UV damage.

 

Blue Water Marine Mega Gloss Polyurethane

Mega Gloss by Blue Water Marine is a single component topside polyurethane enamel that can be used on fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel. It provides a hard protective coating for super high gloss, color retention, and long durability. Mega Gloss is fast drying which when brushed or rolled, it can also be sprayed, and offers a smooth finish, is resistant to tough chemicals, cleaning solutions and ultraviolet light.

Polyurethane Foam Uses

Sea Hawk Polyurethane Foam

Sea Hawk polyurethane foam is urethane foam that provides excellent flotation, soundproofing or insulation. Mixed 1:1 and easy to install in hard-to-reach places. Poly-U-Foam bonds to wood, metal, and fiberglass. It foams wherever it is poured and is impervious to solvents and gasoline. A 2-quart kit will yield 2.5 cubic feet of space. Available in 2lb density. It is advised not to use below 70°F.

Liquid Urethane Foam Kit

Liquid urethane foam is a closed cell foam that comes in varied sizes, most commonly 2LB, 4LB, 8LB and 16LB densities. This two-part liquid, expanding rigid urethane foam is a closed cell, pourable foam, which will resist the absorption of water. It is the ideal boat foam for structural applications as it is resistant to water penetration and can be used for flotation, insulation, casting, carving, sculpting, sign making and areas where an extremely durable (you can penetrate with a fingernail) while it cannot be dented by hand, making it ideal for support.

Pettit Easypoxy/ EZ-Poxy

Pettit EZ-Poxy is an advanced one-part polyurethane topside and deck enamel. It’s a high gloss finish flows well when applied with a brush. It is a modern one-part polyurethane topside and deck enamel. It It’s use of silicone provides a brilliant shine and easy brush-ability. Its advanced ultraviolet filters enhance the superior gloss retention and durability of polyurethane. The result is a topside finish that is exceptionally easy to apply, producing a lasting gelcoat-like brilliance with a minimum of effort. It is more economical, requires less effort, and is more forgiving than the competition.

Easypoxy’s innovative ultraviolet filters improve gloss retention and enhance the polyurethane’s durability. This results in an end product that is simple to apply and easily creates an enduring shine and superior gloss retention, similar to that of polished gelcoat. Pettit Easypoxy is available in numerous colors.

Interlux Spray Reducing Solvent

Interlux’s Reducing Solvent 2316N is for use in specific two-part polyurethane and epoxy products. It is an amazingly effective, fast evaporating solvent. Safe for aluminum outdrives. Refer to the specific product directions for the amount to be used.

Interlux Pre-Kote

Pre-Kote® is a unique V.O.C. compliant, single package, undercoater or primer for use with Brightside® Polyurethane, Yacht Enamels, or anyone-part topside finish. Microspheres give Pre-Kote® superior build and hide while improving flow and sandability. Use anywhere above the true waterline where a coating is needed to provide a smooth, fair surface for overcoating with a topside enamel.

Interlux Goldspar Satin Varnish

Designed for interior wood surfaces, Interlux Goldspar Satin Varnish is a modified polyurethane low luster varnish. It produces a rich satin sheen finish that resists scratches and stains and applies easily enough to yield truly professional results by either brush or spray. It’s low luster finish makes it ideal for cabin soles, cabinets, counters, tables, as well as home interior finishes.

Urethane Paint

Urethane paint was created in the mid-1960s, utilizing newly developed plastics technology, and designed to be superior to enamel paint in terms of durability by mixing pigment with polyurethanes, which act as the binder to hold the pigment molecules together. Semi-gloss urethane paints have been developed, but all urethane paint will have some degree of glossiness, because the same properties that make it resilient also make it reflect light. It has become a staple in the marine and automotive industry because of its durability.

AwlGrip Topcoat

AwlGrip Topcoat is a polyester based high gloss polyurethane topcoat giving long lasting gloss and color retention. It can only be applied above the waterline of your boat by either a brush, roller, or spray. You should apply Awlgrip Topcoat in two coats of 1.5 to 2.5 mils WFT each and allow 16 hours between each coat. Sanding between coats with 280 to 400 grit paper will provide a smoother finish.

Interlux Perfection Plus

Considered by many as the ultimate clear wood varnish, Interlux Perfection Plus is a high-performance clear polyurethane, offering multiple solutions from one product delivering the ultimate in clear wood coating performance. The chemical cure urethane formulation combines with a best-in-class UV and HALS package to offer outstanding chemical and abrasion resistance, and superb gloss and gloss retention. It typically lasts four times longer than conventional one-part varnishes and can is suitable for all woods, including teak.

Awlgrip Paint, the Best Topside Boat Paint

Awlgip Marine PaintsAwlgrip Topcoat, also referred to as awlgrip paint,  is a polyester based high gloss polyurethane topcoat giving long lasting gloss and color retention. It is considered the among the best Topside Paints in the marine industry. AwlGrip Topcoat  may be applied by brush/roller or spray. For application above the waterline only. See Awlgrip Application Guidelines

Awlcraft 2000 is an Awlgrip paint that is a 3 component, premium polyurethane finish that must be applied by spray only, and delivers a high gloss finish in a wide range of colors with enhanced color and gloss retention.  Awlcraft 2000 comes in a number of unique color options.  You will need to choose the appropriate Converter and a Reducer. 

awlgrip 545 primerThe most common practice for the do it yourselfer is priming the boat with Awlgrip 545 epoxy primer. This is a 2 part primer, so you will need the base (either white or grey) and the converter. Awlgrip also recommends a reducer. The links to the converter and reducer can be found on the base primer product page.

Mixing and Reduction:
This is a two part system. You must order the base primer in either gray or white along with the D3001 Converter in the appropriate size. The mix ratio is 1:1 so if you purchase 1 quart of primer you also need 1 quart of converter for a total of 2 quarts. Additionally you need to purchase the appropriate reducer (spray or brush) for spraying reduce up to 25% with T0006 and for brushing reduce up to 10% with T0031.

Theoretical Coverage: 497 Sq feet/gallon at one mil dry (25 microns) 165-248 Sq. Feet at recommended dry film thickness. Calculated based on a theoretical transfer efficiency of 100%.

Then you will choose your base color of Awlgrip Topside paint, the converter and reducer. The reducer and converter change depending if you are spraying or brush/rolling.

Mixing and Reduction

Spray: Mix by volume one part AWLGRIP Topcoat Base Component (Color) with one part AWL-CAT #2 G3010 spray converter to a a smooth homogenous mixture. Reduce up to 25% with the spray reducer(s) appropriate for conditions. Overall mixture is 1:1:1/2 volume. Example: 8oz Base, 8oz G3010, 4oz Reducer. 25% reduction is a standard mix. Clear coats. metallic colors, and painting in high temperature conditions may require additional reduction. 40% reduction is the maximum recommendation.

Brush/Roller: Mix by volume two parts AWLGRIP Topcoat Base Component with one part AWL-CAT #3/H3002 Brushing Converter until one smooth, homogenous mixture is obtained. Reduce 25% to 33% with T0031. Overall mix is 2:1:3/4-1 by volume. Example: 8 oz. color base component, 4 oz. H3002, 3-4 oz. T0031. 

Theoretical Coverage:
Brush/Roller Application: 700-725 Sq. Feet at 1 mil (25 Microns) dry: 285 Sq. Feet at recommended dry film thickness.
Recommended Wet Film Thickness: 4.5-6 mils (112.5-150 Microns), Total of 2 Coats.
Recommended Dry Film Thickness: 2-3 mils (50-75 Microns), Total of 2 Coats.

Spray Application: 530 Sq. Feet at 1 mil (25 microns) dry film thickness; 210 SQ. Feet at recommended dry film thickness.
Recommended Wet Film Thickness: 6-9 mils (150-225 Microns), Total of 2-3 Coats.
Recommended Dry Film Thickness: 2-3 mils (50-75 Microns), Total of 2-3 Coats.

You can view the links provided above to see more information about the products, mix ratios, surface prep and auxiliary products.

Awlgrip Color Chart