Spraying Awl Grip using Preval Vfan sprayer

[Wainui]

I have some fairly small areas that need to be re coated with Awl Grip.
Has anybody used these Preval Vfan paint Sprayers with any success?
Regards

Preval vFan Spray SystemÂ*| Preval US

[ssanzone]

I have not but spray a lot of Awlgrip.

for $230 you can buy a gun and small compressor form homedepot (or rent the equipment).

I would worry about even coverage with that unit.

gl

-steve

[Jason Flare]

Sorry to drift this thread, but is it possible to spray a small section of a hull with Awlgrip and have the wet edge blend in?

I imagine it is since that seems to be what is going to happen here.

[MarkSF]

I hope you're familiar with the safety implications of spraying awl grip. They are considerable. You need a complete suit with air supply.

[roverhi]

AwlGrip is nearly impossible to do a patch job on. It doesn't feather in. That's the reason I didn't use it to paint my boat.

[Bohemian17]

It is not hard at all. The challenge is preparing a proper halo around the spray area . Then it can be wet sanded up to 1200 grit and buffed. Been doing it for years. Granted some colors are harder because of pigment separation from the clear base. I typically sand a halo of 220 grit around the repair and spray over it about an inch or so. Then wet sand the area starting with 400 then 600 then 1200. It is hard paint so it is imperative to use a block when sanding.

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[Bluemansailor]

I use the standard Preval sprayer to spray gelcoat on repairs and have great success with it. On a couple of awlgrip paint jobs, I agree with Bohemian and would like to add one more technique. Have an extra spray bottle with you filled with the thinner for the specific paint (different Awlgrip paints require different thinners) after spraying the paint- spray a fine mist on the edge of the fresh paint - helps with it blending in- then wet sand when dry.

[jackj17]

I have used PreVal kits to spray numerous repairs over the years in both marine and aviation applications and they are terrific, Expensive, yes but for small repair areas you can't beat them

[ytquest]

Bohemian17 and Bluemansailor are right on target. But if you wet sand past the repair area a couple of inches -( past the paint area.) You can burn in the paint with thinner (lightly) you will get a good repair. Always wet sand and buff the edges. However with Awlgrip in 6 mo's you will start to see a halo or cloudy ring.
To cure this we would recommend a top off with fire-fox clear coat to our customers that were getting new paint and had a habit of banging her up ... Makes the occasional scrape easy to repair and never be seen again. If you use a preval be sure to thin paint, it has a tendency to not give a good flow.
Been doing Awlgrip, Imron that way for 20+ years with happy customers. take your time and find something to test spray.
GOOD LUCK!

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by roverhi

AwlGrip is nearly impossible to do a patch job on. It doesn't feather in. That's the reason I didn't use it to paint my boat.

Peter, I am curious... what did you use that you are able to patch properly...

[ytquest]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Peter, I am curious... what did you use that you are able to patch properly...

Taking in the fade factor you need to match paint, that being said. We use a jam gun for small repairs ( Awlgrip needs higher air pressure to flow properly. after the repair, we would wet sand past the spray area two or three inches (1000-1500 grt. dose fine ). Spray repair empty cup and fill with reducer (don't rinse cup) turn fl. needle down and lightly fan edges with slightly pigmented reducer. BE SURE TO SPRAY THE PAINT OUT OF GUN TO GET TO THE THINNER BEFORE BURNING IN REPAIR !!! let dry and do a light wet sand and buff lightly.
We would use a 3M polishing compound and sometimes a nonabrasive SS polish to clean it up. It took me a few try's with the tutoring of a 30+ year painter when I first started. Anyway it can be done but as I said after about 6 mo's. you will start to see a hallo. A good wax and light buff will help the repair but not a cure.
Only having your boat clear coated on top of a paint job will let you do hidden patches as long as the paint color still matches. Then you do not get the hallo when cleared over the repair.
The only way to get good is to do it, and Awlgrip is a very tough paint.
I have 16 years on mine and it has faded a little, but still has a decent shine for the age. Hoping to heal up enough to shoot her this year. good luck on your project.

[David M]

Better ask the yard if they allow owners to spray...some don't.

[ytquest]

Originally Posted by David M

Better ask the yard if they allow owners to spray...some don't.

David , you are absolutely right most yard's are very weary of owners spraying. (OVER SPRAY on other boats.) Depending on what is around you and the type of spray job BIG or SMALL REPAIR!
Always ask the yard foreman.
Some will if the wind is not up and you can always build a tent to catch the over spray. Nobody wants over spray on there boat. The use of a accelerator can help but this can make the patch not flow as nice.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

Peter, I am curious... what did you use that you are able to patch properly...

Awlcraft 2000 is an acrylic and was designed to be a more repairable option. It is also easier to shoot than Awlgrip.

[roverhi]

My painter used LIC 40 Industrial Coating by Valspar. http://licindustrialfinishes.valspar.../pdf/LIC40.pdf
2 part polyurethane that he says is easily repaired, can be rubbed out for minor dings and has good longevity and can be applied with roller, brush or spray though spray is recommended. The finish is not as slick as AwlGrip but still plenty shiny. He does use AwlGrip High Build Epoxy Primer as a base for all paint jobs irregardless of the top coat. The paint comes in a base color that is tinted to your choice. There were a ton of colours that it could be tinted to.

The painter has been applying boat finishes for 40 plus years and has worked with practically every top coat finish that is out there, He will use AwlGrip only if an owner demands it because of it's repairability issues. Has nothing against the quality of the paint that he thinks is excellent.