Everything you ever wanted to know about AWLGRIP

[hermco]

Equipment used for application: Harbor Freight Gravity Fed HVLP gun

I am no expert but I painted several boats in my old shop and after a lot of trial and error found that the key was a very high quality gun with pressure pot and the number of coats and how thick you apply them. My last one was a 19" SCFT and I used Awlcraft 2000, a Devilbiss gun setup ($600.00) with excellent results.

[mancinema]

Thanks Blue Heron, I have read all 38 pages of the Awlgrip Knowledge Challenge. It was actually what gave me the idea to start this thread. I know what you mean about all the noise. Not nearly as informative as some of the great classicseacraft threads over the years : )

Kneedeep, HOLY COW!!!! Discountmarinesupplies is going to save me a fortune!!! THANK YOU!!!

I live in South Florida & have been to Fiberglass Coatings, Crook & Crook, Merritt Marine, Gold Coast Paints & The Boat Owners Warehouse. Of all of them, Jamestown Distributors seemed to have the lowest prices : ( Then again, I never asked any of them for discounts by telling them I restore boats professionally…

I'm insanely happy with discountmarinesupply.com by comparison, but lets see if we can keep it going and find the absolute rock bottom price for Awlgrip. Where does everyone buy their paint & what price do you get it for?

Strick, I read in one of your older posts that you used Duratec primer on your 23’ and you thought it worked as well if not better than Awlgrip 545. Do you currently have a preference? Does the 545 primer have the self-leveling properties Awlgrip top coats have and if so, is there more sanding involved when you use Duratec?

Although I am going to trailer it, I am planning on using an ablative antifouling paint for the bottom. I was thinking of using Interlux’s Micron Extra.

Thanks for the advice about how much I should order. Looks like I was going to have enough leftover to paint my bike and car. Ha. I coulda been the neighborhood weirdo with all Sea Foam Green colored transportation.

HermCo, those are EXCELLENT results! Why do you recommend using a pressure pot? Do you remember how much paint + converter you use for that beautiful 19'? Also, what did your Devilbiss gun setup include and where did you buy it?

Lets talk about safety:
Awlgrip says that when spraying, you must use an air fed regulator such as this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Supplied-fresh-A...d=p3286.c0.m14

But their safety guideline brochure has at least 2 photos of people spraying with regular 3m cartridge respirators.
http://www.awlgrip.com/support/safet...inal%20Doc.pdf

What type of mask do you guys use?
Has anyone had any health problems they would attribute to boat restoration and suggestions on how to avoid them?

[nitz]

At work we use 3m full face respirator w/ cartridge filters and felt dust pads. I put a little wax (rainx works too) on the lense and the overspray comes right off. It works much better for me than the mask + goggles.

[mancinema]

Ah... Rain-x! These are the tips & tricks I'm looking for. Very clever. Where do you work nitz? Can you find out the model number of the facemask & cartridges for us?

[Spidercrab]

What type of mask do you guys use?
Has anyone had any health problems they would attribute to boat restoration and suggestions on how to avoid them?

when memaw blowes 1 we hav to mask up
u cant smell nutin wit theze bad boyz

sam

[strick]

You are a professional boat restorer...you just don't know it yet.

2 quarts primer plus converter
2 quarts paint plus converter for the inside (will have some left over)
1 quart paint plus converter for the hull sides

duratec is harder to spray then 545 therefore I would just get the 545 and paint over that. I just use the 3M respirator which may be the reason I cant remember much anymore. I usually have the windows and doors open in the shop with a large fan blowing at the same time.

Sam that's some cool stuff

strick

[Bushwacker]

Ever looked into using Signature Finish? Very tough stuff but easily REPAIRABLE, which is a big deal if you actually use the boat much! Also easily applied via roll & tip method, no fancy primer, sprayguns or air-supplied mask needed. Probably much cheaper in the long run. I used it for bootstripe with good results, but Capt. Chuck is resident wizard on this stuff. Did his whole boat with it years ago and it still looks great!

[DonV]

I'm more worried if Sam blows one versus memaw. Brings to mind "mustard gas", you know like people in mass graves, terrible thoughts......

[mancinema]

Signature Finish does look rather impressive. Has anyone worked with both Signature Finish and Awlgrip? If so, what is your preference? Give us the pros & cons of each. I’d be interested to see what Signature Finish looks like when sprayed on. Of the pictures I’ve seen, sprayed Awlgrip still looks a good bit glossier than rolled Signature Finish. Plus, I HATE sanding & buffing…

No offense, but since Awlgrip seems to be the gold standard for marine paint (maybe it’s all in the marketing) & is the focus of this thread, let’s try not to get too sidetracked with other brands. Keep the Awlgrip experiences coming. Thus far, discountmarinesupplies.com is the winning supplier on this thread for having the cheapest Awlgrip… has anyone found it cheaper?

Awlgrip products used & price paid:

Supplier:

Equipment used for application:

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Safety precautions used:

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Tips & advice:

Strick, what setup do you use for spraying? You shot your 20sf with a Harbor Freight gun right? What HP is your compressor?

[nitz]

Ah... Rain-x! These are the tips & tricks I'm looking for. Very clever. Where do you work nitz? Can you find out the model number of the facemask & cartridges for us?

I work for Continental Airlines. I don't know the exact part number of the respirator, but I'm sure if you check w/ your local auto body supply house they will have one. I think we buy all our stuff from Grainger Industrial Supply. I would also check your auto body supply place for awlgrip prices. You might be surprised at their prices, and you'd be supporting a local business which is important these days.