Awlgrip Alternatives

[Rich and Linda Gendreau]

We are considering refinishing the topside of our Cape Dory. Has anyone had experience with epoxy paints other than Awlgrip?

Any recommendations of a boat yard in the Bay Area that would do a quality job?



homes@richandlinda.com

[John R.]

We are considering refinishing the topside of our Cape Dory. Has anyone had experience with epoxy paints other than Awlgrip?

Any recommendations of a boat yard in the Bay Area that would do a quality job?

Awlgrip is not an epoxy paint. Awlgrip (US Paint) is a "linear polyurethane" finish. Some other brands are Imron (DuPont), Sterling, Porter, Sikkens, and several others. each finish has it's own characteristics and each has it's advocates. Awlgrip and Imron are the most popular and that is probably more a result of marketing rather than product differences. Awlgrip can be difficult to touch up if it is damaged. Imron is easier. Imron performs very well like Awlgrip. There are slight differences in all of these polyurethane multi-stage paints and for specifics you should consult with the supplier of each to determine the exact performance differences. Then you can determine which is best for your needs.

[Fred]

What John said is accurate. Awl-Grip is harder to repair, it is repairable though. It would will cost more to repair, as it takes more time.

Imron is much easier to apply, it only requires two coats to cover, Awl-Grip generally requires 3,sometimes more. This assumes you will spray the boat. Btw Imron cannot be brushed, it must be sprayed.

Awl-Grip is much more resistant to damage. I wouldn't consider any other paints for a hull.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.



fred@hotheet.com

[B. Gilmore]

We are considering refinishing the topside of our Cape Dory. Has anyone had experience with epoxy paints other than Awlgrip?

Any recommendations of a boat yard in the Bay Area that would do a quality job?

KKMI in Richmond has an excellent reputation, as does Svendson's in Alameda. We are considering pulling the sticks on our ketch and having them sanded/painted [Awlgrip or ???] and will use one of these yards.



bgilmore@ci.santa-rosa.ca.us

[Joe]

What John said is accurate. Awl-Grip is harder to repair, it is repairable though. It would will cost more to repair, as it takes more time.

Imron is much easier to apply, it only requires two coats to cover, Awl-Grip generally requires 3,sometimes more. This assumes you will spray the boat. Btw Imron cannot be brushed, it must be sprayed.

Awl-Grip is much more resistant to damage. I wouldn't consider any other paints for a hull.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Imron used to be easier to repair than Awl-Grip, but if you use a good yard, this is no longer true. The formula for Awl-Grip hasn't changed, but there are now industrial abrasives that make it as easy to grind down as Imron. Imron is softer than Awl-Grip and, until the new abrasives were developed, easier to grind down. Awl-Grip is much harder than Imron and is thus the clear choice now that is can be "fixed" with the same effort as Awl-Grip.

I speak from experience. We first painted our Cape Dory 330 with Imron in 1993 and repainted it in 1998 with Awl-Grip. The latter was a winner hands down.

To me, it doesn't matter if you can brush it on or spray it on, this is not a do-it-yourself project and requires a top-notch yard to do the job.

Joe



tgjournal@gestalt.org