Awl Grip

[peter ortisi]

A few posts back someone was wondering about painting or
re-gelcoating. I have some related questions. I have heard
that AWL GRIP gives a superior finish, but I have also heard that
it is highly caustic and those who apply all but have wear space
suits. Is this true? In reguards to both gel coat and awl grip,
do they have to be sprayed? Could an amatuer with a little
practice do a passible job? I have used regular marine paint
on a small boat whose gel coat was beyond repair. It looks
fine, but I do have to give it a quick sanding and another
coat every year. I may be taking on a bigger project this
fall and I would like to find a better solution than generic
marine paint.
Thanks

[Corpus Skipper]

it is highly caustic and those who apply all but have wear space

Any urethane paint is unhealthy when subjected to prolonged exposure. Usually I use a Tyvek suit and a respirator when painting anything more than a touch up or spot repair.

In reguards to both gel coat and awl grip,

No they don't have to be sprayed. Most paints have brushing reducers, and can be "rolled and tipped" on, with results as nice as a spray job, without the overspray and waste. It does take a little practice to get it down, and requires two people usually, one to roll, the other to follow and tip off the pattern left by the roller. It can be done by one, in small sections. Adjust your reducer to maintain a "wet edge" or the overlap will show through.

[JPAYNE]

Hint Use Awl Craft 2000
It Is Awlgrip But Much Easyer To Deal With

[steveo]

i have used awl grip and it is not that hard to work u just have to keep on it. it is nasty stuff to breath u must wear a respirator

[DGreenwood]

It sounds as if you intend to apply this Awlgrip over the existing (I assume) enamel paint. Best to remove it all if you can...some times reacts and ruins your work.
Study and follow the applicaton instructions, prep well, and wear the proper organic vapors resperator (which is technically still not enough protection but will suffice for your short exposure). Then practice on a small area...a hatch or something...try to work in the same conditions you will be working in to paint hull ( again I assume). i. e. temperature , humidity, sunlight, vertical or horizontal surface, same brush same lighting and dust conditions. Practice and you will discover it is really easy to get spectacular results once you understand a few of the quirks and handling characteristics.

Good Luck