Awlwood Application-Brush, Roller or?

[jpendoley]

I've been applying awlwood and wonder what others have used to apply the build and finish coat. Primer is on and sanded to at least 220 if not 320. This is for exterior work. So far I have used foam brushes and synthetic bristle brushes. Foam seems to give the most uniform coat, but its a little thin. The synthetic brushes seem to allow puddling. I've toyed with rolling and tipping. Short of spraying, what are the best applicators. Any particular brushes that give exceptional results?

[psk125]

We had good results with Awlgrip on our deck using short-nap felt rollers. They held up for an entire day- perhaps 6 or 8 batches - without disintegrating. Tipping after rolling with something like that might provide the finish you seek with Awlwood. What does the manufacturer suggest?

[GordMay]

According to the Alwood Product Data Sheet:

“Tipping with a brush gives best results if rolling, particularly if the previous coat is “green”.
If brushing, synthetic bristled brushes with tapered bristles without flagged or split ends are best, the latter tend to shed excessively.”

“Final Coat Application
The final coat should be applied in a single application after fine sanding.
Brushing or rolling, better flow levelling will be attained on a well cured substrate. For best results, the final coat should be applied in optimal conditions: out of direct sunlight and in minimal wind. Early in the day is best. Reduce the final coat of Awlwood 10% by volume. Apply the final coat removing any heavy sags or runs but do not overwork the product. Once a non-running film is achieved allow Awlwood to cure and flow on its own – DO NOT CONTINUE TO BRUSH to remove brush marks etc. Awlwood Clear Gloss is designed to flow and level without the need for over-working the product.”

Instructions ➥ https://specialtycoatings.brand.akzo...4_20191108.pdf

[jkleins]

We had good results with foam brushes. Since we put on 8 coats as recommended it didn't 't seem like the thickness of any one coat would make much difference. It has held up well for over 3 years (4 in some places).

[jpendoley]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. so far I have used a synthetic brush, foam brushes, and rolled and tipped with a foam brush. Multiple thin coats with foam seems to be giving the best results so far...Results have been inconsistent-thinning definitely improves flow on the final coat.
Jim

[Ethereal]

I’ve run out of brushing reducer
Is there an alternative thinner that I can use !

[nhschneider]

I have four full-sized gates going into my backyard (each gate is 3’ wide by 6’6’ high), all made of cedar. I sprayed Awlwood using an HVLP gun with a 2.5mm nozzle, reducing the Awlwood by 30% and applying 8 coats. The gates still look great even though they get a tremendous amount of direct sunlight four years later.

However, for the teak cap rail and hatch frames on my boat, I use Epifanes.

Fair winds and calm seas.

Sorry, apparently Cruiser’s Forum can only post photos in landscape orientation.

[bstreep]

I used foam brushes. I didn't sand between coats, only before the last coat. Seems to work fabulously. Our boathook has had Awlwood for over 5 years, and it's just starting to fail. And it rolls around on our deck, with a non-skid finish. Amazing product.

[badadim]

Utilizing disposable foam brushes was deemed more cost-effective for this specific application. The choice of method ultimately hinges on personal preference, experience, and the nuances of the task at hand, such as the size of the area to be varnished and the environmental conditions. Cost efficiency remains paramount: for smaller jobs, opting for disposable foam brushes is advisable, whereas for larger areas, employing techniques like spraying or using a roller and tip, coupled with brush may be more practical.