{"id":729,"date":"2014-01-07T15:00:47","date_gmt":"2014-01-07T20:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/?p=729"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:36:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T16:36:49","slug":"restoring-awlgrip-awlcraft-2000-paint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/topside-paint-how-to\/restoring-awlgrip-awlcraft-2000-paint\/","title":{"rendered":"Restoring and Maintaining Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000 Paint"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"post-updated\"><strong>Last Updated: February 10, 2026<\/strong><!--?php echo get_the_modified_date('F j, Y'); ?--><\/p>\n<p><!-- Quick Recommendation Box: Restoring & Maintaining Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"bps-quick-reco\" style=\"border: 1px solid #e5e5e5; border-left: 6px solid #0a6fb5; background: #f8fbff; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 14px 0 22px; border-radius: 8px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #0a6fb5; font-weight: bold;\">Quick Recommendation<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.25;\">Restoring &amp; Maintaining Awlgrip vs Awlcraft 2000<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<li><strong>Awlgrip:<\/strong> Best for <strong>maximum durability<\/strong> and long-term gloss\u2014clean gently and <strong>do not compound aggressively<\/strong>; restore shine with approved cleaners and sealants.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Awlcraft 2000:<\/strong> Easier to <strong>polish and repair<\/strong>; light compounding and polishing can restore gloss when oxidation appears.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Routine care:<\/strong> Wash with mild soap, avoid abrasives, and protect with a <strong>paint-safe sealant<\/strong> to slow UV damage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> Choose maintenance methods based on the coating\u2014<strong>Awlgrip favors gentle care<\/strong>, while <strong>Awlcraft 2000 allows corrective polishing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 12px 0 0; color: #555; line-height: 1.5;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Always confirm the coating type before polishing\u2014using compound on Awlgrip can permanently dull the finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\">Over time contaminants can build up and cause the finish of your<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong> <a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlgrip-topside-c-13630_13683_13640_13644.html\">Awlgrip<\/a>\/<a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlcraft-2000-c-13630_13683_13640_13643.html\">Awlcraft 2000<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>paint to appear dull. \u00a0You can restore the gloss of a freshly painted boat and prevent the premature aging caused by contaminates by following these steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wash your <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlgrip-topside-c-13630_13683_13640_13644.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlgrip<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong> or <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlcraft-2000-c-13630_13683_13640_13643.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlcraft<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/strong>surface with <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlwash-wash-down-concentrate-73234-p-9661.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlwash<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong> mixed with water (1-2 capfuls in a bucket of water for washing) using soft, non-abrasive cloths and rinse well. Doing so on a regular basis (once per month) will help control dulling buildup.<\/li>\n<li>Solvent cleaning of <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlgrip-topside-c-13630_13683_13640_13644.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlgrip<\/span><\/a> <\/span>only: <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlprep-surface-cleaner-t0008-gl-p-9927.html\">Awlprep<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlprep-plus-surface-cleaner-t0115-gl-p-9928.html\">Awlprep Plus<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>can be used to aid in removal of stains or markers and to soften or remove heavy build ups of grease and grime, or spray paint on the topcoat and toluene, lacquer thinner, M.E.K., acetone can be used as well.<\/li>\n<li>Solvent cleaning of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlcraft-2000-c-13630_13683_13640_13643.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlcraft 2000<\/span><\/a> and Awlgrip HDT only: <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlprep-surface-cleaner-t0008-gl-p-9927.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlprep<\/span><\/a><\/span> or mild solvents (mineral spirits, xylene, kerosene and diesel fuel) should be used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlwash-wash-down-concentrate-73234-p-9661.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1012 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/732341-e1423837190164.jpg\" alt=\"Awlgrip AWLwash\" width=\"75\" height=\"137\" \/><\/a>In both cases apply solvents with soft cloths and do not allow the chemicals to dry on surface, puddle or soak. Wash with <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlwash-wash-down-concentrate-73234-p-9661.html\">Awlwash<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>to prevent remaining solvent to attack paint. As always when working with solvents, test in an inconspicuous area first.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u00a0Distilled white vinegar and hot water will aid in removing salt stains, always follow with<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlwash-wash-down-concentrate-73234-p-9661.html\"> Awlwash<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><b>Protecting the Surface <\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlcare-protective-polymer-sealer-73240-p-9662.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1013\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/732401-e1423836989899.jpg\" alt=\"awlgrip awlcare\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" \/>Awlcare<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>can be applied to the surface like a wax to remove pollutants (such as diesel soot), protects the finish and leaves a glossy shine. <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlcare-protective-polymer-sealer-73240-p-9662.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlcare<\/span><\/a><\/span> should be applied regularly to protect against pollutants. It can be removed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlprep-plus-surface-cleaner-t0115-gl-p-9928.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awl-Prep Plus<\/span><\/a> (Awlgrip only) when it\u2019s time to repaint. <b>What to avoid with<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlgrip-topside-c-13630_13683_13640_13644.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"> Awlgrip<\/span><\/a><\/span> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlcraft-2000-c-13630_13683_13640_13643.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlcraft 2000<\/span><\/a>:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Abrasives<\/li>\n<li>Polishing compounds<\/li>\n<li>Traditional waxes as they tend to break down rapidly, yellow and attract dirt<\/li>\n<li>Acid based products such as teak or metal cleaners and strong solvents on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/awlgrip-topcoat-and-awlcraft-2000-awlcraft-2000-c-13630_13683_13640_13643.html\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlcraft 2000<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/advanced_search_result.html?y=0&amp;x=0&amp;keyword=awlbrite&amp;search_in_description=1\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlbrite Clear<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/advanced_search_result.html?y=0&amp;x=0&amp;keyword=awlbrite&amp;search_in_description=1\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Awlspar Varnish<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Trapped moisture from supplies as paint can blister or delaminate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>AVOID:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid Traditional Waxes<\/li>\n<li>Awlgrip topcoat only: Regular applications of Awlcare will help temporarily seal and restore shine to painted surfaces that have become porous due to age or mistreatment, helping to maintain a satisfactory appearance until there is time to repaint.<\/li>\n<li>Awlcraft 2000 and Awlgrip HDT: Awlcare Protective Polymer Sealer will help maintain the gloss on these finishes with regular applications, especially those which have been buffed or polished. Remember, Awlcare is only applied and buffed by hand. Never apply or buff Awlcare with a machine.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid abrasive and polishing compounds<\/li>\n<li>Avoid strong solvents (eg. lacquer thinner, M.E.K., acetone) to clean Awlcraft 2000, Awlgrip HDT, Awlbrite Clear or Awlspar varnish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"http:\/\/w.sharethis.com\/widget\/?wp=6.9.7\"><\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Quick Recommendation Restoring &amp; Maintaining Awlgrip vs Awlcraft 2000 Awlgrip: Best for maximum durability and long-term gloss\u2014clean gently and do not compound aggressively; restore shine with approved cleaners and sealants. Awlcraft 2000: Easier to polish and repair; light compounding and polishing can restore gloss when oxidation appears. Routine care: Wash [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[266,152,118],"tags":[162,158,159,157,267,160,161,163,164,156],"class_list":["post-729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-awlgrip","category-boat-maintenance","category-topside-paint-how-to","tag-awlbrite","tag-awlcraft","tag-awlcraft-2000","tag-awlgrip","tag-awlgtip","tag-awlprep","tag-awlprep-plus","tag-awlspar","tag-awlspar-varnish","tag-awlwash"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=729"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4168,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729\/revisions\/4168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bottompaintstore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}