Using Awlgrip

I have patched a number of drill holes and spider cracks on my 20 SF. It was completely painted with Awlgrip in about 2004.

After reading lots of posts and comments on CSC, I am now a bit fearful of using it even for some touch up work. I planned to mix a small amount at a time and brush it on over the filled and sanded patchwork.

Is it really that dangerous and hard to use? Is there another product that might be easier to use - not quite so deadly and can be used over the Awlgrip without any issues?

I have oyster white gelcoat that I used to spray some patch work on my previous boat. But I was spraying gelcoat on gelcoat, using those little self contained bottles with aerosol spray cans. Worked just fine for the patching purposes. Could I use a similar arrangement for the Awlgrip =- assuming I really do need to stick with the Awlgrip?

Any help would be appreciated. Right now I am fishing in a patchwork boat!!

[Caymanboy]

Awlgrip is not that hard to work with,if you know how.
Don't alternate between gel coat and Awlgrip, once a boat has Awlgrip on it, stay with it.
Don't brush the primer or the finish coat, you can do that on larger areas, if you do it on smaller areas it is hard to get the brush strokes out and you end up sanding all the primer away. Use the 545 primer, use your PreVals or another small sprayer.
Spray the spots with primer, it is better to go with 3 or 4 lighter coats, than 2 heavy coats. Don't tape off and leave a line, free hand spray and feather out.
Sand the primer and do the same with the finsih coats, working your way out with each coat, then wet sand the feathered edges and buff.
Good luck.
Obviously if you have a large area, you will want to mask off the surrounds equipment.

[billythekid]

gelcoat will have a hardtime sticking to awlgrip unless sanded very rough. dont be scared of awlgrip. its no harder to use than car paint. one thing I learned is patience is key and prep is 90% of the job. after mixing the paint for the sprayer make sure to let it sit for about 10 minutes to mix together. do a practice run on something else and get a feel for it.

If you are paint over the same color with the same paint you just need to sand it to 320 and you are done. any repairs will require a little 545 to seal it up and give the paint some bonding surface

first coat very light this is the coat thats going to stick to the primer, once it tacks up real good then the second coat a little thicker than the first and the third coat depending on the temp and humidity 30 to 60 minutes after.
remember awlgrip loves humidity thats why it works so well in florida!
long smooth fluid strokes, make sure you spray past what ever you are spraying then come back you dont get build up at the end of the strokes(just like you do with spray paint)

A good mask is essential.

pratice makes perfect! whats the worst thing that happens is it runs a little and you have to sand it and spray again!

I was scared of the paint at first too. I have more trouble with clear coat for car parts than awlgrip.

[WillyC]

Billy,
Can you describe the technique used to paint large surfaces like the hull sides. How do you prevent paint build up at the end/beginning of strokes. About how wide of an area do you paint at one time. Thanks