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AWL Grip...Fiberglass hull finish?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by golden_fox, Mar 3, 2008.

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  1. golden_fox, Mar 3, 2008
    #1
    golden_fox

    golden_fox New Member

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    Has anyone used the original Awl Grip on the exterior of a fiberglass hall? And how did it go? How was the quality of the actual finish (the brightness and the shine) and how long did it last? Was it very high maintenance?

    Any input on Awl Grip would be much appreciated. Or if anyone has used another product to get the super shine, 'mirror-like-finish', on fiberglass hulls please let me know.

    thanks a lot!
  2. m2m, Mar 3, 2008
    #2
    m2m

    m2m Senior Member

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    Awlgrip

    I have an extensive background using Awlgrip paints on bare fiberglass, aluminum wood etc. If applied properly on bare fiberglass you should get a finish that will last you 8-12 years if cared for properly. A lot of the builders are using Awlgrip as opposed to gelcoat as the finish lasts longer and is easier to repair.
  3. Pascal, Mar 3, 2008
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Hatteras has always painted its boats, either awlgrip or imron. The finish lasts a very long time, as long if not longer than gel coat. As usual, it depends on maintenance, I've seen 20 or 30 year old hatts with shiny paint and 10 year old boats with chalky gelcoat.

    much lower maintenance actually since you dont' have to wax it as much...
  4. golden_fox, Mar 3, 2008
    #4
    golden_fox

    golden_fox New Member

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    Can you apply awlgrip on top the gel coat? If so, is there any special surface preparation?
  5. m2m, Mar 3, 2008
    #5
    m2m

    m2m Senior Member

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    Awlgrip

    You can apply Awlgrip on top of gelcoat but you have to prime it with Awlgrip 545 primer. The only drawback is that you may get pin holes in the primer due to porosity in the gelcoat, if this happens it will require a second coat of primer prior to applying the Awlgrip top coat.
  6. Pascal, Mar 3, 2008
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    yes you can, normal prep.. no wax or residue, smooth surface, etc... follow the instructions on the paint.

    sometimes, especially on an older boat restoration, a good painter can roll and tip the paint with near spray result, saving a lot of money of haul out, masking, etc...

    check their website, lots of info there, starting with
    http://www.awlgrip.com/awlgrip_pages/application_guide_info.htm#18
  7. Cthulhu, Jan 26, 2009
    #7
    Cthulhu

    Cthulhu New Member

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    Awlgrip is some of the most expensive paint you can buy, and it is worth it.

    A skilled painter can roll and tip to amazing effect; the main advantage of spray is the high number of many smooth, light coats that can be applied.

    I have been switching out Awlgrip for every painted surface on the boat I maintain. Absolutely wonderful stuff, once you pass the learning curve.

    The tech support staff is knowledgeable and personable--have gotten to first name basis with one of them in Waukegan, IL.

    The main issue that I find, and others can too, is the toxicity of the product. If you plan to invest in Awlgrip, invest in some quality respirators and other safety gear.

    The ability to apply two coats in a matter of days (or shorter if you cheat with accelerants and reducers) as well as the extreme durability of the product outweigh most of its initial costs.

    Good luck!
  8. Capt J, Jan 26, 2009
    #8
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Hatteras actually gelcoats their boats in the mold, their molds have so many imperfections that they actually have to sand and paint them and use Awlgrip.

    Awlgrip states explicitly not to ever wax it. If you use the Awlgrip soap exclusively on it, it will stay shiny for 10-12 years. I haven't seen an Awlgrip paint job that has lasted longer then that in south Florida, however it may last 20 or 30 years if kept in a covered boat house or something.

    If Awlgrip is spray or even rolled and tipped it is extremely shiny and lasts a long time on a fiberglass hull.