Need help with awl grip

[Pbguy420]

Hey guys I've got a Seapro that has found its way into quite a few oyster bars in its day.... I've fixed the deep gouges with evercoat gelpaste but like everyone says color match isn't great.. In doing a lot of the repairs I've got a few points of exposed fiberglass. I had so many scratches that in sanding them down and gelcoat pasting I went a bit overboard by accident trying to go back to a smooth hull..
I know that if you just spray gel over existing gel it is likely to be a pain with the problems it will cause...

In talking with folks and searching lots of people reccomend awl grip.... I would love to just do the whole hull in awl grip to minimize future maintenance and make my whole repair project look better....

I need a link to a full writeup on how to use awl grip, exactly what I need for below surface areas, etc....

I can't put the boat in the water until I get my exposed fiberglass covered and I hate doing a half assed job, might as well Awlgrip it now, I deploy again in 3 months and don't have the cash to pay a pro and need to get back on the water...

I did search but couldn't find a full write up and I want to do this now in the next two weeks I have off work and my brothers to help....

Currently my hull is scratch free, with gouges filled, and ready for the Awlgrip, just need to know what to buy and where.... I'd feel more comfortable to roll/tip but have a 60 gal compressor and a cheap harbor freight paint gun if I have to spray

Please help ASAP

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need help with awl grip

This should be of interest...
http://www.awlgrip.com/support-and-advice/documents/applicationguider.pdf

You might send a PM to Yacht Dr. He has a LOT of experience with AwlGrip and can give you ALL the advice you'll need for application.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need help with awl grip

Hello Pbguy420 and welcome to Iboats.. lets gets started..

Hey guys I've got a Seapro that has found its way into quite a few oyster bars in its day.... I've fixed the deep gouges with evercoat gelpaste but like everyone says color match isn't great.. In doing a lot of the repairs I've got a few points of exposed fiberglass. I had so many scratches that in sanding them down and gelcoat pasting I went a bit overboard by accident trying to go back to a smooth hull..
I know that if you just spray gel over existing gel it is likely to be a pain with the problems it will cause...

I dont know of many problems gelling over gel other then lots of sanding and buffing .

In talking with folks and searching lots of people reccomend awl grip.... I would love to just do the whole hull in awl grip to minimize future maintenance and make my whole repair project look better....

Thats because gellin is a lost art .. nobody wants to do it.
As far as 'maintenance' .. wait till you get a scratch or a ding. Repair cost will Double or more. If its not Awlcraft 2000 ( spray only appication ) then its AwlGrip ( basically non repairable without a blushing notice unless done by extreme pros over 2 years of clearing/sanding and buffing ). Very hard and very few left of us that know how to blend AwlGrip Linear Poly.

I need a link to a full writeup on how to use awl grip, exactly what I need for below surface areas, etc....

Your first link is the one supplied by Woody. Contact them First. Give them application and what your trying to do. They are actually very helpful with support on every aspect of the products they sell.

I can't put the boat in the water until I get my exposed fiberglass covered and I hate doing a half assed job, might as well Awlgrip it now, I deploy again in 3 months and don't have the cash to pay a pro and need to get back on the water...

Why cant you put the boat in the water ? Exposed fiberglass really wont make much of a difference in your repairs from now to next season end. Its not going to fall apart or anything. Brush some gel on the patch if it makes you feel better.

Non of us wants to do a half *** job and most of us cant afford a $95/hour Pro do to it either. But your talking Pro products with Pro advice.

I did search but couldn't find a full write up and I want to do this now in the next two weeks I have off work and my brothers to help....

I was asked to do a full write up from a very respected mod here. I just dont think I can do it. Its not that I cant do a step by step .. its that the hazards involved warrant me to decline that offer. Its Very toxic and dangerous materials your dealing with. I dont want to willy nilly a full blown how to guide for this stuff. I can tell you what you need just as much as the data sheet for Awlgrip says on its own website .. nothing more.

Currently my hull is scratch free, with gouges filled, and ready for the Awlgrip, just need to know what to buy and where.... I'd feel more comfortable to roll/tip but have a 60 gal compressor and a cheap harbor freight paint gun if I have to spray

545 primer from US paints is the primer you want to use for both roll and tip and/or spray.

AwlGrip LP is Brush/roll/tip or spray .. But its NOT Very well at repairability ( get a scratch/damage and your kinda boned with the blend ).

Awl Craft 2000 is SPRAY only .. However the Repairability is almost perfect in your spray edges ( you can make the blend almost impossible to see )

Using these product(s) is extensive. You would have to prep/sand your gelcoat to 120 grit. Mask and tape yadda yadda.. Wipe/prep for primer. .. Spray primer ( 545 ). Then block sand primer to 320-400 grit ( or if your good you can use a DA sander for most of it ). After the sanding you have to remove your masking and remask ( if your going to continue the spraying for topcoat) . Then spray your topcoat. You might have to wet sand and buff ( remember .. cant really sand and buff that AGLP ) some imperfections out.

If you plan on spraying any of this stuff.. you better get a full blown safety gear setup not just for yourself but your brothers. .. Full face respos .. replacement filters.. on and on..

Now if you want to roll and tip .. sorry cant contribute.

I will tell you that AwlGrip or 2000 will Cost you a little bit more $ then most paints. Good stuff yes.

Hope this helps some.

YD.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Need help with awl grip

Now that you have heard from one of the best Awl Grip Pros here on the forum...IF, BIG IF, you want a Cheaper alternative that yields a fairly durable finish for a LOT less money, Check this link out...
"Paint Your Boat for Under $100 Bucks".

It is NOT nearly as durable as AwlGrip but for a Trailered boat it does a good job. I painted my boat hull with it and a lot of other members have too, with excellent results.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Need help with awl grip

Now that you have heard from one of the best Awl Grip Pros here on the forum...IF, BIG IF, you want a Cheaper alternative that yields a fairly durable finish for a LOT less money, Check this link out...
"Paint Your Boat for Under $100 Bucks".

Unless your a real Hard Core painter .. I would reconsider the AG and look into what Woody is suggesting.

AG is Best of the best yes with Caviats .. and AC2000 is comparable to Imron .

The Paint system that Woody is suggesting might be more in your catalog .. sorta speak.

I suggest only the Best of the best. Its Very hard to apply if your not used to it. Expensive and time consuming to say the least. Great results if you KNOW how to apply and prep.

Its a different world out here in the Pro paint systems ..

Sometimes you can get your results that you want with minimal expense and labor.

I will tell you that AGLP IS Extensive and Expensive.. If you dont know how to apply it right then dont bother buying the product.

Follow Woods advice .. IMHO .. Dont do AGLP or 2000.

He PMs very well

YD.