AWLGRIP® TOPCOATS

Features & Uses

A two component, polyester based, light-fast, linear aliphatic polyurethane coating with long lasting gloss and color retention, and outstanding chemical resistance. Do not use below the waterline. A low maintenance coating. Do not wax, buff, compound, or polish.

Specification Data

Type: Two Component Linear Aliphatic Polyester Polyurethane
Color: See Color Card
Packaging: Available in 1 gallon and 1 quart containers.
Theoretical Coverage - Sq. Feet/Gallon
Spray Application: 530 Sq. Feet at 1 mil dry film thickness.
210 Sq. Feet at recommended dry film thickness.
Recommended Wet Film Thickness: 6-9 mils (150-225 microns), total of 2-3 coats.
Recommended Dry Film Thickness: 2-3 mils (50-75 microns), total of 2-3 coats.
Coverage calculations are calculated for mixed base and converter, reduced 25% and are based on a theoretical transfer efficiency of 100%. Actual coverage rate obtained will vary according to equipment choice, application techniques, part size, and application environment.
Anticipated Cure Time at 77°F/50% R.H: 24 hours to tape free;
3 days to light service; 14 days for full cure.
Brush/Roller Application: 700-725 Sq. Feet at 1 mil dry
285 Sq. Feet at recommended dry film thickness.
Recommended Wet Film Thickness: 4.5-6 mils (112.5-150 microns), total of 2 coats.
Recommended Dry Film Thickness: 2-3 mils (50-75 microns), total of 2 coats.
Recoatability: Spray applications consist of two to three coats applied over 1-4 hours. Exact time will vary with temperature, project size, and film thickness applied. Brush/Roller applications require at least 2 coats applied a minimum of 16 hours apart. AWLGRIP® topcoats which have been allowed to cure more than 24 hours must be sanded before recoating.

Product Components, Reducers, Additives, and
Auxiliary Components

Application Equipment

Conventional air atomized spray, HVLP spray, brush or roller. See page 7.

Surface Preparation

AWLGRIP® colors should be applied over properly prepared 545 Primer or in brush/roller applications AWL-QUIK® Primer.

AWLGRIP® High Gloss Clear G3005 can be applied over dark AWLGRIP® colors which have been sanded with 320-400 grit paper. Do not apply G3005 over white or pastel colors. Do not apply G3005 directly to bare wood.

Mixing & Reduction

Spray: Mix by volume one part AWLGRIP® Topcoat Base Component with one part AWL-CAT® #2/G3010 Spray Converter to a smooth, homogenous mixture. Reduce up to 25% with the spray reducer(s) appropriate for conditions. Overall mix is 1:1:1/2 by volume. Example: 8 oz. Base, 8 oz. G3010, 4 oz. Reducer. 25% reduction is a standard mix. Clear coats, metallic colors, and painting in high temperature conditions may require additional reduction. 40% reduction is the maximum recommendation.

Brush/Roller: Mix by volume two parts AWLGRIP® Topcoat Base Component with one part AWL-CAT® #3/H3002 Brushing Converter until one smooth, homogenous mixture is obtained. Reduce 25% to 33% with T0031. Overall mix is 2:1:3/4-1 by volume.
Example: 8 oz. Base, 4 oz. H3002, 3-4 oz. T0031.

Application Instructions

General: The primed surface must be clean and dry. Achieving maximum gloss and distinction of image requires the primer be smooth sanded with 220-320 grit paper before topcoat application. Using a contrasting mist coat of lacquer primer as a "guide coat" is recommended. Smooth sanding until all the "guide coat" is removed indicates a texture free surface.

Two to three coats are recommended for spray applications. Brush/Roller applications require two coats. Regardless of application method two coats is the minimum! Topcoating cannot be done in one coat!

Spray application: Apply a light, smooth, slightly wet tack coat to the surface. Allow tack coat to "flash off" 30 to 45 minutes. Then apply a full, wet coat to achieve color coverage (i.e., hide) and film thickness requirements. If preferred, three coats may be used. Allow the second coat to "flash off" 30 to 45 minutes until only slightly tacky before applying third coat. In three coat applications, coats two and three are not "full, wet" coats. The second coat is a slightly heavy tack coat with the third coat just wet enough to obtain full hide (opacity) or color coverage.

Brush/Roller application: Apply AWLGRIP® Topcoat in two coats of 1.5 to 2.5 mils WFT each. Allow 16 hours between each coat. Sanding between coats with 280 to 400 grit paper will provide a smoother finish.

On large surfaces such as hull sides, transoms, and house sides, first roll the AWLGRIP® Topcoat and then smooth the roller stipple by lightly tipping the surface with a brush. This can be done with 2 painters working side by side (i.e., 1 rolling and 1 tipping), or with 1 painter rolling approximately 6 square feet and then tipping that area before rolling any further.

Do not apply paint materials to surfaces warmer than 105°F or colder than 55°F. Do not attempt to cure products at temperatures below 55°F.