ABOVE THE WATERLINE
SURFACE PREPARATION & PRIMING
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES
There are many situations where repainting is needed but removing all the old paint is impractical. However, the cost of labor and materials for a sand and repaint is significant and there is no gain in painting over a system that is severely deteriorated or chemically incompatible with the Awlgrip Coatings Systems.
When considering such a project, carefully evaluate the surface and the condition of the current topcoat and the coatings under it all the way down to the substrate. Old paint that is peeling extensively, heavily chalked, blistered, or cracked should be completely removed.
Metal substrates should be thoroughly examined for corrosion. This includes obvious corrosion damage and slight blistering which may indicate corrosion just ready to break the surface. Large blisters or soft spots in the film may indicate old fairing work that is failing. On fiberglass substrates, these conditions may be indicative of voids in the glass system or osmotic blistering. These conditions must be repaired before applying new coatings.
After initial evaluation, perform the following three tests in the order listed, to determine the adhesion of the old system and its chemical compatibility with the Awlgrip Coating Systems.
Performing these tests on more than one area will add validity to the results. Make notes, collect chips, and take photos for the job file. If any of the following compatibility tests fail, the old coatings must be removed down to a sound coating layer or to the substrate.
Please take this testing seriously, as new epoxy-urethane systems have failed because of unstable underlying coatings and fillers. While the tests are not fool proof, if strictly followed they can be very accurate. Diligence in performing the tests can save hours of costly labor, down time, and wasted materials.
Assuming the existing paint system passes the adhesion and compatibility tests,
repainting would include the following:
Inspection of the surface.
Removal of coatings which fail the adhesion and compatibility tests.
Repair of defects.
Priming the entire surface.
Application of an AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat.
Conditions and remedies should be discussed with the owner, possibly using a
condition report or making notes in the painting contract. Areas that were not
repaired because of time or budget must be noted on the final invoice.
ABOVE THE WATERLINE
SURFACE PREPARATION & PRIMING
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES(Cont'd.)
COATINGS COMPATIBILITY & ADHESION TESTS
Test One: Cross Hatch Adhesion (See diagram above.)
1. Select a test area or areas on the surface to be painted. Thoroughly clean, de-wax, and degrease this area.
2. With a single-edge razor blade, scribe a 2” x 2” test area in a 1/4” checkerboard pattern. The cuts must be deep enough to reach the substrate. On a thick fairing system this test may have to be done to several different layers.
3. Apply 3M #610, #895 or #898 3M Scotch Brand Filament Tape (or similar type of packaging tape) over the scribed area, making certain that the tape is tightly adhered to the test surface. Do not use masking tape.
4. With an abrupt yank, pull the tape back parallel to the surface. To pull the tape straight up will give no test at all.
5. Examine the test surface. If any square of old coating in the scribed area is removed, the adhesion has failed. All the failed layers must be removed.
Test Two: Solvent Resistance
1. Saturate a cotton ball or small wad of cloth with one of the Awlgrip Topcoat or Primer Reducers. (T0006 or T0003).
2. Tape the reducer saturated ball to the scribed area surface for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the cotton ball. If the reducer has dissolved or severely softened the old coating, the coating is incompatible and must be removed. If the scribed area has remained intact, allow a 15 minute recovery period and repeat all steps in Test 1 again.
4. If any square areas are removed, all the failed layers must be removed.
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ABOVE THE WATERLINE
SURFACE PREPARATION & PRIMING
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES(Cont'd.)
COATINGS COMPATIBILITY & ADHESION TESTS (Cont'd.)
Test Three: Coating Compatibility
If the old coating is still intact after Tests 1 and 2, perform Test 3.
1. Lightly sand a small test area with 220 grit paper. Clean the sanded areas thoroughly with AWL-PREP¨ and clean cloths.
2. Paint a small patch of the surface with Awlgrip Topcoat. Do not use masking tape on the edges of the test application as the paint edges created by the tape will “print through” and be visible in the finish.
3. Allow the coated area to cure for 24 hours, at temperatures above 77¡F.
4. After the area has been allowed to cure, check for intercoat adhesion with Test 1 Cross Hatch Adhesion Test.
5. If there is no lifting, wrinkling, or loss of adhesion caused by this cross hatch test, the Awlgrip Coating Systems are compatible and surface preparation can begin.
If this test fails, all coatings must be removed down to a sound, well adhered, compatible coating or to the original substrate.
SURFACE PREPARATION & APPLICATION OF PRODUCTS
Surfaces that are sound and chemically compatible with Awlgrip Coating Systems and no heavy filling or fairing is required.
1. Thoroughly clean the surface, scrubbing with household cleanser. Wipe with AWL-PREP¨ or AWL-PREP¨ PLUS, using the Two Cloth Method. These procedures are outlined on page 2.
2. Inspect the surface for pinholes and small scratches . Mark the imperfections with a pencil. Do not use a felt tip marker or ink pen.
3. Scratch sand the imperfections with 80 grit paper creating both a feathered edge and a proper surface profile over which primers and fillers can be applied. Prime these areas with either 545 Epoxy Primer (Spray) or AWL-QUIK¨ Epoxy Primer (Brush & Roll). Allow to cure 12 hours or overnight.
If bare metal was exposed by the 80 grit sanding, prime the bare metal with the recommended Awlgrip anti-corrosive primer before applying other primers or fillers.
See aluminum, steel or blister repair sections for details on bare metal surface
preparation and priming.
ABOVE THE WATERLINE
SURFACE PREPARATION & APPLICATION OF PRODUCTS (Cont'd.)
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES(Cont'd.)
Caution: If polyester putties are used, they should be kept to an absolute minimum. Only use polyester putties for pinholes and very slight scratches or dings. Polyester putties shrink and distort rapidly. Epoxy fillers are much more stable products. Do not apply polyester putties over or under AWL-FAIR¨ L.W.
4. Block sand the filled areas leaving a smooth, level surface.
5. Smooth sand the entire surface with 100-180 grit to remove all gloss from the previous finish.
6. Blow off the surface with clean, dry compressed air while dry wiping with clean rags to remove sanding dust and residue.
Then wipe with AWL-PREP¨ T0008 using the Two Cloth Method.
7. Prime the entire surface with 545 Primer (Spray) or AWL-QUIK¨ Epoxy Primers (Brush & Roll). Two to three coats may be needed. Allow to dry 12+ hours.
Tip: Use care when applying this primer. If smoothly applied and all surfaces are adequately covered, it may be used as the final prime step.
Surface is ready for final prime and topcoat. See Page 33.
Notes:
ABOVE THE WATERLINE
FINAL PRIMING & TOPCOATING
The final primer and application of the topcoat completes the coating system.
Primers and Sealers:
The final primer supplies a hard, tight film on which to apply the topcoat,
sealing the more porous fairing or surfacing materials below it. This hard tight
film supports the AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat maximizing the
gloss and distinction of image (D.O.I.).
For spray applications, 545 Primer is the recommended product for final priming and sealing. AWL-QUIK¨ is acceptable for use in brush and roll applications.
When painting fiberglass/gelcoat, wood, and smooth surfaced aluminum (masts, spars, etc.), there are many projects where no fairing or surfacing materials are used. In these cases the initial priming of the surface and the final priming can all be part of the same process. The only real distinction is which coat of primer is being applied.
Topcoats:
The AWLGRIP¨ Premium Urethane Topcoat is a polyester based polyurethane
coating which can be applied by spray, brush, roller or the roller/brush combination.
Regardless of application method it provides the toughest finish available to the pleasure craft industry.
AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 is an acrylic based polyurethane coating designed only for spray application. It is designed for the yard, applicator, or owner who is willing to sacrifice a little durability to have a faster curing, more easily repaired finish.
A few points which apply to both the traditional AWLGRIP¨ finish and AWLCRAFT¨ 2000.
Both products provide a tough, chemical, and abrasion resistant coating which
has been proven to perform in the marine environment.
Both products require two coats minimum--regardless of application technique.
Some applicators prefer to use three coats, and three coats may be the easier
way to go with some colors, but two coats minimum are needed to obtain proper
performance.
Do not clear coat over whites or pastels with either system. Each system has
a clear available. For AWLGRIP¨ it is G3005 High Gloss Clear; for AWLCRAFT¨
2000 it is F3029. However, these products should only be used over dark colors.
Application of Final Primer
1. Sand the surface smooth with 120-220 grit paper. Grit choice will be determined by condition and make up of the surface.
2. Blow off the surface with clean, dry, compressed air while dry wiping with clean rags to remove sanding dust and residue.
Then wipe with AWL-PREP¨ T0008 using the Two Cloth Method.
3. Tack off the surface with AWLGRIP¨ Tack Rags #73009.
Spray Application
4. Apply two to three coats of 545 Primer. Allow at least one hour between
coats. Allow the surface to dry 12 to 24 hours.
ABOVE THE WATERLINE
FINAL PRIMING & TOPCOATING (Cont'd.)
Brush/Roll Application
Apply two coats of 545 Primer or two coats of AWL-QUIK¨ Sanding Surfacer. Allow 12 to 24 hours between coats. Sanding between coats with 220-280 grit paper will give a smoother finish.
Note: AWL-QUIK¨ is easier to apply by brush/roll than 545 Primer. However, 545 Primer will provide a more durable system.
5. Sand the entire primed surface with 220-400 grit paper to a smooth, flat finish. Blow off the surface with clean, dry, compressed air while dry wiping to remove sanding dust and residue.
6. Solvent wipe with AWL-PREP¨ using the Two Cloth Method. Repeat process as necessary until the surface is completely clean. Allow the surface to dry.
7. Tack off the surface with AWLGRIP¨ Tack Rags.
Finish Coat Application
Spray Application - AWLGRIP¨
Mix equal parts by volume AWLGRIP¨ Color Base and AWL-CAT¨ #2 Spray
Converter. Reduce 25% with the appropriate reducer for the application conditions.
Spray Application - AWLCRAFT¨ 2000
Mix two parts by volume AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Color Base with one part AWL-CAT¨
#2 Spray Converter. Reduce 25% with the appropriate reducer for the application
conditions.
Using recommended spray equipment, 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 coverage 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.
Topcoating cannot be done in one coat.
Brush/Roll
Mix AWLGRIP¨ Color Base with AWL-CAT¨ #3 Brushing Converter. Reduce
25% to 35% with Brushing Reducer.
Apply AWLGRIP¨ Topcoat in two coats* of 1.5 to 2.5 mils WFT each. Allow 12 to 14 hours between each coat.
*Depending on film thickness applied and color choice, one or possibly two additional coats may be needed.
Topcoating cannot be done in one coat.
Sanding between coats with 280-400 grit paper will provide a smoother finish.
After sanding, blow off sanding dust and residue while dry wiping. Solvent wipe with AWL-PREP¨ using the Two Cloth Method. Tack off the surface with AWLGRIP¨ Tack Rags.
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.
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GRIPTEX¨ NON-SKID PARTICLES: 73012 or 73013
Features & Uses
Gives AWLGRIP¨ and AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoats a non-skid texture for deck and step areas.
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Specification Data
Type: Polymer Bead
Color: Translucent
Packaging: 10 oz. by weight in a quart container
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Product Components, Reducers, Additives, and
Auxiliary Components
GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles - Fine 73012
GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles - Coarse 73013
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Surface Preparation
Application Equipment
Use air atomized spray equipment recommended for AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoats. Fluid tip must be at least .070”. Do not use airless or air assist airless spray equipment.
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Surface Preparation
This product is an additive component. See instructions for the primary product.
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Mixing & Reduction
For spray application, add 4 oz. (by weight) of GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles to each gallon of mixed color base and converter.
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Application Instructions
GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles may be added to mixed topcoats and applied by spray. The dry particles can be broadcast or sprinkled into a tacky paint film.
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.
Cautions:
1. Previously painted surfaces must be tested for compatibility before applying Awlgrip Products; See page 11.
2. Gelcoat non-skid areas need to be thoroughly cleaned and abraded. Use Scotchbrite¨, water, abrasive cleaners, and stiff brushes to ensure proper cleaning.
3. For final removal of abrasive residues and sanding dirt, wrap a stiff bristle brush in a clean cotton cloth. Scrub the sanded surface with the cloth wrapped brush. The bristles of the brush force the cloth into the grooves and valleys of the old non-skid, removing contaminants from the surface. Change the cloths frequently. Flush the surface with fresh water, allow to dry, then wipe with AWL-PREP¨ or AWL-PREP¨ PLUS.
Note: Even on small jobs, long-term performance is improved if surfaces are primed before an AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat is applied.
Application Instructions
of AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat
with GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles-Broadcast Method:
The easiest way for beginners to obtain a non-skid finish is to use the Broadcast-Shaker Method. GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid is added to a still tacky application of AWLGRIP¨/AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat.
1. Clean the primed and sanded surface with AWL-PREP¨ PLUS using the Two Cloth Method.
2. Mask the perimeter of the non-skid areas. 3M #218 Fine Line Tape can be used in all areas except those with tight curves. Use 3M #471 Blue Vinyl Plastic Tape for sections with tight curves.
3. Apply a light, smooth coat of AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat by spray, brush, or roller. Allow the topcoat to flash off 10 to 20 minutes until the surface is slightly dry but still sticky.
4. Using a flour sifter, powdered sugar shaker, or the punctured container itself, sprinkle the GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid into the paint film. To use the GRIPTEX¨ container, first punch holes in the lid with a nail or ice pick. Overlap the broadcasting stroke to provide a uniform pattern. Allow to dry 12 to 16 hours.
5. Vacuum or blow off loose, excess GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on any areas that need additional non-skid particles.
6. Apply 1 or 2 sealer coats of AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat over the entire non-skid surface. This coat encapsulates the GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles in the paint, maximizing durability.
Application Instructions
of AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨ 2000 Topcoat
with GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles - Spray Method
Use a siphon gun or a pressure pot with an agitator. A .070 fluid tip is required.
Surround non-skid areas with 36” of masking paper. Also, protect other
areas from overspray. Each spray pass must begin and end on the masking paper.
Warnings:
1. Do not stop spraying until you reach the masking paper on the opposite side. Each spray pass must begin and end on the masking paper. Large areas may require walking on the surface.
2. GRIPTEX¨ Particles can be trapped in the fluid tip when the gun is shut off, causing the gun to spit and drip. Keep a rag handy to wipe the gun tip after each pass.
3. Never use GRIPTEX¨ Particles in an airless spray gun or an air assist airless spray gun.
Mastering the spray application of non-skid finishes can be a very time consuming process. Applicators that do not apply non-skid materials on a regular basis will find the Broadcast Method much easier to master.
1. Clean the primed and sanded surface with AWL-PREP¨ PLUS using the Two Cloth Method.
2. Mask the perimeter of the non-skid areas. 3M #218 Fine Line Tape can be used in all areas except those with tight curves. Use 3M #417 Blue Vinyl Plastic Tape for those areas.
3. Surround all non-skid areas with 36” of masking paper.
4. Mix AWLGRIP¨ Color Base with AWL-CAT¨ #2 and the appropriate reducer.
Overall mix for this coat should be 1:1:1 by volume. Add 4 oz. by weight of
GRIPTEX¨ Non-Skid Particles for each mixed gallon of AWLGRIP¨ or AWLCRAFT¨
2000 Topcoat.