Awlgrip or Imron?

[Astronomertoo]

Hello all,
I would like to ask the knowledgeable do it your selfers here-- which one is better, and or easier for me to learn to apply?
I want to first spray paint my mast and boom as a learning effort , after stripping, sanding,prepping, and priming first, with either of the above paints. I have read some about both and will make the effort to do a very good job. I have done paint colors and know both are bad for your health, so will use the filters and take the appro precautions.
Afterwards, if I am feeling good about he task, I may also do the topsides and interior of my old CD 25.
Please advise
Bob C
Moonshine
1975 CD 25 #239

[mgphl52]

Bob,

You may want to check out Epifanes Monourethane also. It's available at Jamestown Distributors.

[Jeff and Sarah]

I can't help with the Awlgrip/Imron decision though I can offer one more option. I painted my mast with Interlux perfection. I rolled/rolled rather than the roll/tip method and it came out great. The trick is thin coats. The yard workers kept complimenting the final finish and they said everyone thought I had sprayed it. I painted it in 2012 and it is holding up very well. I still get asked if I have a new mast.

My thread discussing the topic is at the following link:
http://capedory.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=30117

[Frenchy]

I second Jeff and Sarah- I painted two masts & booms with Interlux Perfection (also adding a flattening agent) and they too
came out looking very close to a spray job. The trick is to mix in the thinner so that the paint flows well but not so thin that it
starts to flow downward in sheets. I used foam brushes that were discarded as soon as they got floppy. The spraying of awlgrip
is best left to professionals, I think.

[Ron M.]

In my experience Awlgrip is best left to professionals,its very persnickety to work with. All types of variables affect the outcome.
Perfection is a good product, as are some of the 2 part acrylic poly's. They are much more user friendly and easier to repair and touch up.
Awlgrip is probably superior in surface hardness, it is tough. Fantastic results can be achieved with these alternative systems.

[Astronomertoo]

Hello all,
I would like to ask the knowledgeable do it your selfers here-- which one is better, and or easier for me to learn to apply?
I want to first spray paint my mast and boom as a learning effort , after stripping, sanding,prepping, and priming first, with either of the above paints. I have read some about both and will make the effort to do a very good job. I have done paint colors and know both are bad for your health, so will use the filters and take the appro precautions.
Afterwards, if I am feeling good about he task, I may also do the topsides and interior of my old CD 25.
Please advise
Bob C
Moonshine
1975 CD 25 #239

---------
Thanks to all of you who responded, and made me more aware of the capabilities of Interlux Perfection, which I was unfamiliar with. But then I had not applied a finish paint on my own hull or topsides since my Kittywake 23 in 1979. I have been around others spraying the modern 2 part super paints, and figured I would try it for my self. However, knowing the finicky nature and health aspects of the modern, best 2 part paints, I am going to take the advice to apply the Interlux Perfection, first on the mast and boom, then interior and exterior of my CD25. All of these jobs take a lot of prep, and this boat needs lots of it, so it will be a while.
Thanks again, and my best wishes to you all.
Bob C
Moonshine
1975 CD 25 #239

[Jeff and Sarah]

I think you'll be happy with Interlux Perfection. The trick is meticulous surface preparation. That can be tricky for aluminum, but it is possible with the right process. Zinc Chromate is NOT good for your health so use breathing protection! Also, be very careful of the rags you use wiping down the aluminum. Leaving any kind of lint behind can eventually wick and trap moisture leading to corrosion. I used an air compressor to blow the mast off anytime a rag touched it. You can use Aircraft Aluminum Paint Stripper and a wire brush to strip the old paint easily. You can find the aircraft paint stripper at nearly any auto parts store.

I was religous about humidity/temperature curves and painting at just the right time. I think it made a difference, but I've also applied Perfection in relatively lousy conditions and gotten nice results. After much experimentation, I've found the high density foam rollers (4 or 6") available at Home Depot to be the best for this paint. The ones at Lowes are not bad but not as good either. I wish I could remember the brand name- I'll have to look to see if I still have the package. Two tricks I offer: 1) Have 2 brands of rollers on hand *just in case one doesn't react well with epoxy paint. 2) Put 3 or 4 latex or similar gloves on each hand. You want to keep moving with this paint so stopping to change gloves slows your rhytm. It is better to just strip off a messy glove exposing the clean one beneath.

Good luck! It is a rewarding project.