Some info on Awl-Grip

[Joseeli]

I use AWL- GRIP products on a regular basis, I personaly prefer AWL- Grip to gel coat. Gel coat fades faster than Awl- Grip but Awl- grip may scratch easyer. Gel coat if applied with a product called Duratec will shine but will peel or scuff easily and I feel is inferier. another plus for awlgrip is 5 or 6 years after painting you simply buff the paint and it looks like the day you painted it, bad side is awl-grip cost 10 times what gelcoat cost ckeck it out ! Just 2 cent's worth from a dummby who restores boats for a living, good luck on your venture.

[meads910]

well from what it sounds like I think awl-grip is the way to go.
Mark
yeah I think I will have to make a trip. Do you know how long ago he painted the boat?

[DonnieChesley]

I painted a 1972 sailboat, deck & hull, 2 yrs ago with Awl-Grip & am incredibly pleased with the result. Tough to do well but if you do a good job with the prep work, it'll be worth it. I had it sprayed by a pro in the local yard but did all the prep work with my brother & I think it turned out better than most other professional jobs in the yard that summer. Total to have the painter shoot the hull & deck was around $1500. Paint & associated products are expensive but I'm glad I spent a little extra to have someone to spray it on instead of me rolling it on. Painting the hull of a SeaCraft 20 for instance would be a lot cheaper than the area I covered for hull & deck. Hull prep was much much easier than deck (especially on a sailboat with all of the hardware to remove). Not sure if you're doing the prep yourself but if you are, I'd recommend buying a great random orbital sander. I've got a Porter Cable 7336 (6" soft pad), which is awesome & was key in our job. Best deal was about $100 at Lowes. Like all painting, its all prep but Awl-Grip takes that to an extreme.

Minimum maintenance. Gave the hull a bath & painted the bottom & it looks brand new still.

Good luck.

[meads910]

Donnie,
what grit sandpaper did you use? and any tips on preping?

[warthog5]

For DA sanding. No finer than 220gt.
Fot hand Block sanding. No finer than 320gt.
It needs some tooth to hang in there.