Awlgrip Tips Please?

[markpj23]

OK so the sanding / feathering and masking is done. We're repainting the boot stripes with Awlgrip. I have the brushing activator, reducer and the paint. Foam 4" rollers and a couple of good brushes to do the "roll and tip" method I've read of on this forum.

Yard guy says to mix 1 part activator to 2 parts paint. Then add about 10% reducer to get thin coverage. Also says I should go for about 3 coats.

Is this correct? And how long should this paint "keep" during use? I've quite a few linear feet to cover.. 48 x 4...

Do I sand with 220 between coats? And how long does it need to cure between coats?

Any pointers will be appreciated.

[AnchorageGuy]

Awlgrip puts out a chart to mix all of their products and can be found on their web site. Suggest you download it if you plan to do any painting. The mix for top coat is 2 parts base, 1 part converter, 3/4 reducer for brushing. You wil have plenty of time to get the paint on but once mixed you need to let it set for about 15 minutes then stir and use. 220 is OK to sand with and I prefer it to the recommended 320. Put the next coat on in 24 hours and DON'T let it get wet or get dew on it.

[irwinsailor]

I used Awlgrip last spring.
You are on the right path. The paint will last about a hour without getting tacky. As for sanding between coats you will only need a scotch brite pad to give the next coat some tooth.

[markpj23]

Thanks guys! Hope my "after" pictures look better than the 'before' ones...

[Alan Wheeler]

Actually, providing you recoat within the specified time, you do not need to sand or even scotchbrite between coats, unless you are removing blemishes or dust or that odd small insect that seems to get instantly attracted to freshly laid down paint.
Keeping the mixed paint cool is helpful at reducing the time that it goes off in the can. I have even put mixed two pots in the freezer over night after having run out of paintable day time and painted quite happily the next day with it. Although paint companies would cringe at the idea.

[GordMay]

AWLGRIP Application Guide - General Info:
awlgrip.com - the professional topside paint system for yachts

[imagine2frolic]

I painted Imagine in this method. The secret is to apply as thin as possible, and do coats afterwards in 24 hours spans. It will come out looking like glass, and especially all flaws will be hidden if it is white.....Mine is VIVID RED

Here is the cockpit in white, and once you made a pass do not go back over the paint with the brush it will leave strokes.

[imagine2frolic]

and here's the red

[markpj23]

First coat is on and I can't believe how easy this was!! Tipping took a few strokes to get the hang of (lighter is better of course). I cannot believe how this stuff lays down after tipping!

A BIG downside to this paint, however, is that about 6 feet into the first stripe the Admiral decided we should paint the entire hull....

Um, yes dear... maybe next refit.....

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

I painted Imagine in this method. The secret is to apply as thin as possible, and do coats afterwards in 24 hours spans. It will come out looking like glass, and especially all flaws will be hidden if it is white.....Mine is VIVID RED

Nice looking boat! And makes me realize I should stop complaining about having too much hull surface to paint...

[imagine2frolic]

I have done about 3/4 of the boat now. I am getting ready to put in a new floor in the cockpit, and then I have to finish painting the actual deck. I have done the house, windows, cockpit, and topsides. It is surprising how far the paint will go.What color are you doing?

[Joli]

Wonderful stuff. We used Awlcraft, it is a bit softer then Awlgrip but it is more easily repaired, no shadow line when doing a touch up.

When you are ready, here is how the hull deck and spar will look in Matterhorn White. Ours was sprayed but I have seen some very good roll and tip jobs.

[DWT]

We are getting ready to Awlgrip our 30' Morgan. On the previous post no one mentioned useing Awlgrip primer. Although I am just getting into it, everyone tells me we must us the primer....... Can someone help me on this.

David
30' Morgan 69
CarolAnn

[AnchorageGuy]

david, Awlgrip is an integrated system so it is advisable to use their primer, the awlprep, etc. That way you can be pretty sure everything is compatible and each layer will adhere to the next.

[markpj23]

FWIW, I did not use the primer. I covered both previously-painted surfaces and bare gelcoat - did not have a problem.

Results were good - although for some reason I did lose some gloss between the 2nd and 3rd coats. Still looks OK just not quite as shiny after the 3rd coat went on.... weird. I think relative humidity did me in?